Home -- About Us

The Utopia Group LLC
The Utopia Group LLC is a privately held company that was formed to acquire the exclusive license to produce and sell the Joey Clamp and Cutter from Maternus Medical Ltd. The U.S. based Utopia Group opportunistically advises on or acquires technologies it thinks have significant upside potential both economically and socially.

Why Joey?
Utopia first learned about the Joey while working on advisory engagements with Maternus Medical and Maternus' parent, Vital Needs International. Utopia saw the award winning Joey as both a great business opportunity and a great humanitarian aid.

Commercial - Over its years consulting with Maternus, Utopia had seen an incredible commercial interest in the Joey. This high interest covered the spectrum of those in the birthing process ranging from mothers and children to doctors and nurses. In fact, when presented at several tradeshows around the world, the Joey had more than 80% of the attendees request additional information. Clearly a great sales opportunity.

Humanitarian - In addition, Utopia’s team has historically dedicated time and effort to humanitarian efforts, most recently in South Africa. Experience showed that care givers in poorer countries were dying at rates as high as 33% per year due to blood born infections. Producing and supplying Joeys to high risk poorer countries would have a direct and immediate impact on saving care giver’s lives.

The Team Utopia has had extensive experience in emerging growth, manufacturing, and sales. Several of the members serve on multiple boards. Most importantly, the key members of the team have have known each other for over 30 years.

Karen Bode
Karen has a strong history of sales performance. Initially focused on the media and advertising segments of the market, Karen has won multiple sales awards, including one for being the top salesperson in New York City. In addition to her career success, Karen saw first hand the need for the Joey on a recent mission trip to South Africa.

Mark Bode
Mark has had twenty years operations and joint venture experience with growing innovative companies. Mark's strategic work in managing and advising the medical and technology markets has led to corporate valuations in excess of $3b. Operationally, Mark, as COO/CFO, has grown two companies from proof of concept stage to over $100M in valuation each.

Axel Zdarsky
Axel has over 20 years of operating and investment experience working with both closely held and public businesses. In particular, Axel brings medical manufacturing expertise which includes both blades and plastic molding. Along with Karen and Mark Bode, Axel owns a significant equity position in the Company. Axel is an Irish national living in the United States.

Other Team Members
Other Utopia team members have expertise in medical manufacturing, certification and multinational business.

Collectively, we bring an experience base and enthusiasm that reflects the elegant yet fun technology that is the Joey Clamp and Cutter System!