Securian Financial has awarded $10,000 to Telo, a Minneapolis-based startup, as the 2021 winner of a Securian Financial-sponsored award to innovators working to improve and enrich the lives of families and whose ideas make it easier to put family first. The award, launched in 2016, is part of MN Cup, an annual statewide startup competition.

Telo is developing the first significant innovation to the rollator walker in over 40 years. Despite being the most effective walking aid, rollators currently send more than 40,000 people to emergency rooms annually due to their ability to “run away” from users, often causing falls.

Telo’s patent pending rollator features a reverse frame that prevents it from rolling ahead. By putting the user at its center, the handles act like parallel bars, allowing users to take natural strides and maintain proper walking habits. With embedded technology and a mobile application, Telo’s device tracks speed, distance and weight reliance, allowing it to serve as an activity tracker for a population that cannot utilize traditional wrist wearables.

“The MN Cup is an amazing gift to our entire community, and Securian Financial is proud to help nurture and promote Minnesota as a thriving hub for innovation,” said Sid Gandhi, Securian Financial’s chief strategy and enterprise technology officer. “This year, we congratulate Telo on their innovative rollator that will improve mobility for many. We feel their product will enhance the overall health and well-being of individuals and families with mobility challenges.”

A diverse group of Securian Financial leaders representing multiple job functions within the company selected Telo as this year’s winner after watching presentations from Telo and the other finalists. All MN Cup winners were honored Monday, September 20, at a reception held at the University of Minnesota’s McNamara Alumni Center.

ABOUT SECURIAN FINANCIAL

At Securian Financial, we’re here for family. And we’re here because of it. We’re guided by our purpose: helping customers build secure tomorrows. Since 1880, we’ve been building a uniquely diversified company that has outlasted economic ups and downs while staying true to our customers. We’re committed to the markets we serve, providing insurance, investment and retirement solutions that give families the confidence to focus on what’s truly valuable: banking memories with those who matter most.

Securian Financial is the marketing name for Securian Financial Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Insurance products are issued by its subsidiary insurance companies, including Minnesota Life Insurance Company and Securian Life Insurance Company, a New York authorized insurer. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Securian Financial Services, Inc., registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC.

DOFU 10-2021

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