Middle Tech Spotlight Series: Eric Hauck

From fecal samples to full-stack diagnostics 💩

September 2nd, 2025

In the Spotlight: Eric Hauck

Morning, friends - Logan here. Hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend and got a little time to recharge. With summer officially winding down, we’re back with a conversation that hits at the intersection of deep tech, animal health, and Kentucky-grown innovation.

This week, I sat down with Eric Hauck, founder and CEO of Parasight Systems, a Lexington-based startup building biotech hardware that’s changing how veterinarians diagnose parasites in animals. That may sound niche, but the implications are huge - we’re talking about a $100B market where drug resistance is a growing issue, and overmedication is still the norm.

Eric’s company is tackling that head-on with AI-powered diagnostic machines that make testing fecal samples easier, faster, and far more accurate, helping vets treat only when needed and reducing the risk of superbugs. Parasight Systems got its start here in Kentucky, thanks in large part to SBIR matching grants and the state’s unique support for early-stage biotech.

And here’s a strong signal that they’re onto something: Sam Razor, a successful Lexington entrepreneur who previously exited a company in the veterinary space (Hippo Manager - from episode 302), has now joined the Parasight team.

What We Discussed:

How overmedication is creating drug-resistant parasites
Eric explains why parasite resistance is growing in both pasture animals and pets and why better diagnostics are key to reversing the trend.

What it takes to build biotech hardware from scratch
From 3D printing to AI training, Parasight’s approach to R&D shows how hardware startups can move fast with the right tools and team.

Why Lexington was the right place to build
SBIR matching grants brought Parasight to Kentucky and Eric breaks down how the state’s startup ecosystem helped them scale.

The future of diagnostics in animal health
With applications expanding from fecal testing to blood and urine, Parasight is poised to become a full-stack diagnostics company for the vet industry.

Lessons in smart scaling and capital strategy
Eric shares how he approached early fundraising, why timing and valuation matter, and what it means to raise money without giving up control too soon.

We hope you enjoy this episode! If you have any thoughts after listening, feel free to shoot me a message at [email protected]

Have a great week, friends!

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