Inc.’s eighth annual Female Founders list highlights the nation’s top business leaders who challenge the status quo to tackle some of the world’s biggest problems.
New York, NY, March 11, 2025 — Inc., the premier media brand for entrepreneurs and business leaders, has named Maeve T. Wang, Co-founder and CEO of IAMBIC, to its prestigious eighth annual Inc. Female Founders list. Recognized for her groundbreaking contributions to the $400B global footwear industry, Wang is pioneering a future where AI-driven, precision-fit footwear is accessible to all—eliminating an age-old problem affecting over 25% of the population.
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Inc. Female Founders 500
Wang joins an elite cohort of 500 trailblazing women whose companies collectively generated $9B in revenue and raised $10.6B in funding in 2024 while tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Selected through Inc.’s rigorous three-round evaluation process, honorees are chosen for their ability to drive economic impact, disrupt industries, and redefine leadership in business.
“I’ve spent my career at the intersection of retail and technology, watching people struggle with shoes that never quite fit right,” said Wang. “IAMBIC goes beyond being a better shoe—it’s about fundamentally changing how people experience shoes. Being recognized by Inc. validates our mission to make true personalized fit accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford $10,000 bespoke footwear. We’re creating the future of footwear where technology finally serves the human body, not the other way around.”
Each year, Inc. editors evaluate thousands of applicants across three rounds, assessing quantitative metrics—revenue growth, funding, and audience reach—and qualitative impact, including social influence and industry disruption. The program’s advisory board includes Cate Luzio (Luminary), Anu Duggal (Female Founders Fund), Katherine Power (Greycroft), Tiffany Dufu (Tory Burch Foundation; The Cru), and Kay Koplovitz (Springboard Enterprises; USA Network).
AI-powered innovation backed by science
IAMBIC’s patent-pending technology translates simple smartphone scans into AI-tailored, precision-fit footwear. Developed over five years of government-backed R&D and testing, IAMBIC’s proprietary AI is trained on extensive in-house data. The system analyzes 20+ measurements with accuracy comparable to NASA-grade scanning—delivering personalized fit traditionally reserved for $3,000–$10,000 bespoke footwear.
The company’s debut shoe sold out in two weeks, and its current model, the MODEL T, was named a TIME Best Invention. IAMBIC has been recognized by Techstars, the U.S. National Science Foundation, and the Harvard Innovation Labs.
Beyond product innovation, IAMBIC is scaling through strategic partnerships. The company was featured in Times Square via a partnership with Brex and holds 12 patent-pending inventions across AI-powered fit optimization, digital-to-physical customization, and next-generation manufacturing. Technology leadership is driven by Co-founder & CTO Dr. Raza Hassan and global footwear expert Dr. Hylton Menz.
“Female founders know what struggle is, but they’re also experts of improvisation, adaptability, and creativity… their unwavering dedication and steadfast leadership are not only inspiring but vital to driving progress.”
— Diana Ransom, Executive Editor, Inc.
See the full 2025 list
To view Inc.’s complete 2025 Female Founders list, visit inc.com/female-founders. For IAMBIC’s technology, visit Technology and learn How Custom-Fit Shoes Work.
Not ready to order? Use the Fit Guide Quiz for personalized fit guidance.
About Inc.
Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. informs, educates, and elevates the profile of the risk-takers and innovators creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, alongside Fast Company. Learn more at inc.com.
About IAMBIC
IAMBIC, named a TIME Best Invention, creates AI-tailored, custom-fit shoes that redefine modern luxury. Using a precise smartphone scan and proprietary AI, IAMBIC analyzes 20+ measurements to craft shoes uniquely tailored to each individual. Each pair is handmade in Portugal using full-grain leather. Explore the product in MODEL T and our Technology.
FAQs
Do I need to take the Fit Guide Quiz before ordering?
No. If you’re ready, go straight to MODEL T and place your order. Not ready to order? Take the Fit Guide Quiz for personalized fit guidance.
How long does delivery take?
Most orders ship in about 4–6 weeks after you upload your smartphone consultation. Learn the steps in How Custom-Fit Shoes Work.
What makes IAMBIC different from “wide” sizing?
“Wide” adds width but ignores shape and volume. IAMBIC builds a last from your 3-image scan and comfort context, then crafts your pair to that geometry. See IAMBIC 101.
Is my data secure?
Your scan and assessment are used to design your fit and support refits/future pairs. We store them securely and do not sell personal data. Read more on our Technology page.
Helpful links
- MODEL T
- Fit Guide Quiz (if you’re not ready to order)
- Technology
- IAMBIC 101
- Inc. Female Founders
The most interesting thing about them being crafted just for me is how well they fit. And I hadnever even noticed that my shoes didn't fit right. My other shoes don't hurt me - they just slosharound. With these, the heels actually stay on the whole time and it fits snugly yet stillcomfortably. And I'd never experienced that before. They just stay comfortable all day.
As a runner, as an athlete, just knowing that I'm doing a good service to my body is incredible.It’s the reason that I love my IAMBIC shoes. It's that precision that makes me feel safe to walkdown the street, get on the subway, do my commute, bring my kids to school, and not feelconcerned that I'm doing it in a shoe that doesn't fit right or that doesn't feel good.
The thing that I was surprised by the most with the precision fit is that any pressure points thatI had been feeling with the shoes that I previously came in wearing were completely gone. I waswearing a shoe that wasn't too tight. It wasn't too loose. The sole fit just right. Total comfort.That's the best way to put it.
So I suffer from chronic foot pain and I believe that a lot of that has to do with wearing shoesthat actually don't fit. Whenever I wear my IAMBICs, I've noticed that I have felt less pain,which is really incredible. And they're just so comfortable. I'm not worried about the back of my heel popping out or my ankles not having enough support. Also, they're just so stylish andevery timeI wear them out in the street, I always get compliments, which never happens to me.
A shoe that may feel comfortable for a half hour walk is not a shoe that always feels comfortablefor a three and a half hour walk. So what I like about IAMBIC is, even though the snug fit isthere and it feels comfortable, it also feels substantial enough that I can walk a lot withoutgetting any discomfort. That's just something that's especially important to me and I think theshoe has really delivered that.
The first moment that I tried on my IAMBIC shoes, I noticed a difference. I have small feet. So whenever I try on shoes, I usually expect them to not fit. If they do fit, there's usually some sort of discomfort, whether that's in the toe box or too much space or at the heel. So knowing that this shoe was tailored to my foot was really meaningful. It's rare that you find a shoe like IAMBIC that truly is comfortable, but also hits the markers of style versatility.
I think we're all placed on this earth as unique individuals. None of us are really off the rack in terms of sizing. So for me to have that experience of having something made specifically for me that fit perfectly was something that was a little bit mind blowing. And once I got the shoes, I tried them on, they looked great, they felt great. And honestly, they fit like a glove.