The MedTech Startup Podcast

In this in-depth interview with Kelly Prchal, the founder and managing director of Engage Venture Partners, we discuss her unique investment approach in the MedTech industry. Prchal shares details about Engage's Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) based model, where they invest in individual companies and rounds by assessing opportunities through their collective expertise and extensive diligence process. She speaks highly of the Twin Cities' rich culture of angel investing and its strong medical technology ecosystem. Prchal also highlights Engage's interest in finding innovative companies that are solving real-world problems to enhance healthcare. The conversation also covers various aspects like the importance of a strong team in startups, the due diligence process, and the benefits of investing in healthcare technologies.

In this interview, Tushar Sharma, CEO of Vivifi Medical, talks about the groundwork of Vivify Medical, the hurdles faced, and the role of mentorship and networking in business development. He sheds light on his transition from being an engineer to a company founder, including the importance of having a physician in your team, funding challenges, and approach to woo investors. He shares his valuable insights on the medtech landscape in Texas and gives a glimpse of the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey. Watch this space for more stories of innovation and determination in the MedTech field.

In this episode of the MedTech Startup Podcast, we have an in-depth conversation with Albert Yuan, founder and CEO of Conkay Medical Systems. Albert shares his journey from working in major corporations and small startups to launching his own company in the challenging field of transcatheter heart valve design. He discusses the driving forces behind his entrepreneurial spirit, the significant lifestyle changes he's made, and the importance of resilience and self-belief. Albert also provides valuable insights on navigating the world of fundraisers and accelerators, dealing with rejection, and the value of a supportive network.

Join us for an intimate conversation with Ken Nelson, a passionate MedTech entrepreneur, serial board member, and venture capitalist. In this episode, Ken shares his journey from his humble beginnings in New Jersey to becoming a vital influencer in the MedTech space. Ken's unique insight into the shifting dynamics of the healthcare field, his passion for innovation, his belief in the importance of a digital shift in the healthcare device industry, and the impact of personal experiences on his career form the crux of this enlightening conversation. Listen as he delves into the importance of continuous learning, building a solid team, culture, and mindset in a company's success. Don't miss out on his exciting journey of becoming a serial board member and his experiences with MedTech Innovator and the MedTech Advantage Fund.

This episode of the MedTech Startup Podcast features an engrossing conversation with Alex Forshey, a partner at Revival Healthcare Capital. Alex shares insightful information about various investment platforms, specifically the 'Build to Buy' concept in MedTech. He also offers a unique window into the workings of family offices and their importance in the investment ecosystem. Alex provides valuable advice for MedTech entrepreneurs, highlighting the need for diversity, active engagement and mindful listening in the boardroom. He shares his personal journey from investment banking to healthcare VC, stressing the contribution of his mentors and his drive to make a meaningful impact in healthcare. The conversation wraps up with a discussion on Houston’s growing potential as a MedTech hub. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the financial dynamics and challenges of the MedTech industry.

In this episode, Caitlin shares with Giovanni Lauricella her inspiring story of resilience and innovation. From bootstrapping her consultancy to navigating the complexities of med tech entrepreneurship, Caitlin opens up about the challenges and triumphs of building a company that aims to revolutionize neurocritical care.🎙️ Highlights from the Episode:Overcoming the hurdles of early-stage fundraising and finding the right investors.The importance of not rushing into ideas and ensuring they are worth the leap.Caitlin's vision for transforming the way we approach neurological health and critical care.

Tune in as Giovanni Lauricella, managing partner at Lifeblood, interviews Anita Watkins, managing director of Rex Health Ventures. They delve into the strategic and financial aspects of MedTech investing.Anita shares Rex Health Ventures' journey from an innovation initiative to a major player in global MedTech investments. Discover how they assess companies, aiming for a 3-5x return in 3-5 years while aligning with their healthcare system. They also discuss the importance of early clinician involvement and the unique advantages hospital venture arms offer to MedTech startups.Get practical advice on navigating the investment landscape, the importance of clinical data, and the benefits of having a hospital venture arm on your cap table.

Endiatx's Journey: From Idea to Revolutionary MedTech with Torrey Smith and Chris GreenIn this episode of the Med Tech Startup Podcast, we dive deep into the journey of Endiatx, a groundbreaking medical device startup focused on developing swallowable robotic pills for diagnostics and treatment. Co-founder and CEO Torrey Smith and Chief Business Officer Chris Green share their personal and professional backgrounds, detailing the evolution of Endiatx from a mere idea sketched in notebooks to a company with a vision to transform endoscopy and diagnostics. Despite facing challenges such as skepticism, technical hurdles, and funding obstacles, Endiatx's commitment to their dream has begun to pay off with successful demonstrations, strategic partnerships, and substantial funding rounds. From Burning Man to MedTech Malta and beyond, their story encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their audacious goals, emphasizing the importance of team building, perseverance, and swinging for the fences.00:00 The Journey from Solo Sketching to Team Triumph01:02 Diving into the MedTech Startup Podcast01:59 The Significance of MedTech Malta for Endiatx03:50 Facing Challenges and Embracing Failures on Stage08:43 The Founders' Personal Journeys and the American Dream12:58 The Vision and Mission of Endiatx22:46 The Power of Entrepreneurship and Team Building33:41 The Intense Passion Driving Endiatx35:42 Navigating the Complexities of Fundraising in Silicon Valley36:27 The Highs and Lows of MedTech Malta: A Fundraising Adventure39:07 From Burning Man to Silicon Valley: The Unconventional Journey of Endiatx43:40 The Evolution of a Startup: Learning, Growing, and Embracing Change44:45 Memorable Moments and the Power of the First Check59:01 The Future of Fundraising and the Vision for Endiatx01:03:07 A Call to Action for Aspiring Entrepreneurs01:08:17 Wrapping Up: The Endiatx Story and Its Impact

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Navigating Legal Challenges in MedTech Startups with Marty GomezIn this episode of the MedTech Startup podcast, Giovanni hosts Marty Gomez from Goodwin's Technology and Life Sciences group, recorded against the picturesque backdrop of the Bay Area with Alcatraz visible in the background. The discussion delves into the crucial role of legal counsel in the success of MedTech companies, underscoring the importance of intellectual property (IP) strategy, FDA regulatory guidance, and cap table management from the very early stages. Marty shares insights from his journey, from aspiring lawyer to becoming Goodwin's youngest partner, emphasizing the significance of industry-focused legal support and the necessity of avoiding common IP pitfalls that can derail acquisition deals or investment opportunities. The conversation also touches on strategic international IP filings, dealing with large companies' legal challenges, and the importance of building a supportive legal and advisory team for navigating the complexities of growing a successful MedTech venture.00:00 Introduction: The Role of Lawyers in Investment00:24 Setting the Scene: MedTech Startup Podcast01:34 The Importance of Legal Counsel in MedTech Startups02:33 Meet Marty Gomez: A Journey into MedTech Law08:30 Understanding Goodwin: A Full Spectrum Law Firm12:37 The Value of Engaging Early with a Law Firm19:23 The Challenges of Patenting in MedTech32:50 Understanding IP Protection Strategies34:07 The Importance of Thoughtful IP Strategy34:25 The Territorial Nature of Patents35:02 The Role of IP in MedTech37:10 The IP Landscape in China39:08 The Power Dynamics in IP Lawsuits40:20 The Reality of IP Protection42:29 The Importance of IP in Acquisitions43:26 The Role of Lawyers in Startups51:27 Common IP Mistakes in Startups58:43 The Value of Legal Advice Beyond the Basics

Venture Capital Insights: From Startup Founder to VC | Justin OlshavskyIn this engaging interview, Justin Olshavsky, General Partner at Pioneer Bio and Health Fund, shares valuable insights from his unique journey of transitioning from being a young MedTech entrepreneur to an influential venture capitalist. He sheds light on the pros and cons of exits, what it took to raise capital for his own startup Voyage, and the importance of having a deep bench of experience in your team as a VC. As a Y Combinator alum, he's excited about scaling impact and supporting ambitious early-stage companies. In addition, Olshavsky touches on the pros and cons of becoming a VC and the mechanics of setting up a fund. This episode provides an inspiring perspective and essential knowledge for aspiring entrepreneurs and future VCs alike.00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage00:00 Getting to Know Justin Olshalvsky00:05 The Bay Area and Its Influence01:05 Welcome to the MedTech Startup Podcast01:37 Justin's Journey from Engineer to Venture Capitalist04:57 The Birth and Growth of Pioneer Bio and Health Fund13:09 The Role of Luck and Effort in Entrepreneurship and Investment15:58 The Voyage Story: From Academia to Entrepreneurship17:03 The Journey to External Funding17:20 Learning the Basics of Fundraising17:35 The Initial Steps of Voyage18:12 The Importance of a Strong Team and Mentors18:55 The Art of Pitching to Investors19:23 The Voyage Funding Journey20:27 The Reality of Company Exits22:55 The Transition from Entrepreneur to VC24:22 The Challenges and Rewards of Being a VC29:15 The Mechanics of Setting Up a Fund32:03 The Differences Between Raising Funds as an Entrepreneur and a VC33:55 The Pros and Cons of Becoming a VC36:10 Closing Thoughts

In this episode of the MedTech Startup Podcast, Stephen Levy from Unorthodox Ventures talks about the evolution of the company from inception to current operations. Through his journey from Brooklyn to Wall Street to venture capitalism, Stephen shares about the value of team dynamics, timing, and luck in successful startup investments. He delves into the importance of mentorship and building networks in the entrepreneurial journey. Unorthodox Ventures, while operating as a family office, focuses on extending tactical, operational support to their portfolio companies. The podcast touches on various aspects like post-first-in-human trial investments, check sizes, and how startups can reach out to Unorthodox Ventures.00:05 The Origin Story of Big Ass Fans00:29 Introduction to the MedTech Startup Podcast00:46 Demystifying Family Offices00:57 The Personal Journey of the Interviewee02:17 The Birth of Unorthodox Ventures02:27 The Unorthodox Ventures Team and Culture02:58 The Evolution and Global Reach of Unorthodox Ventures03:03 The Story Behind the Name 'Unorthodox Ventures'04:48 The Story of Big Ass Fans and its Founder, Carey Smith04:53 The Role of Unorthodox Ventures in the Venture Capital World06:43 The Unique Approach of Unorthodox Ventures to Investing11:36 The Impact of Unorthodox Ventures in MedTech13:27 The Importance of Building Great Businesses17:15 The Role of Family Offices in Investing26:04 The Importance of Team in Startup Success35:03 The Role of Luck in Investing37:59 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Insightful Interview with Dr. Neil Parikh, VC at Health Quest CapitalIn this episode of Medtech Startup Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Neil Parikh, Vice President at Health Quest Capital, for an in-depth conversation about his career journey and thoughts on the medtech industry. Neil shares his unique perspective from his experience in medical school, business school, clinical practice, and now as a venture capitalist. He reflects on his first year in venture capital, the constant learning curve, and the importance of a solid team in a startup venture. He provides a potent blend of advice for both aspiring VCs and medtech entrepreneurs, and candidly shared his optimism for the future of Texas' healthcare ecosystem.00:05 Introduction00:05 The Importance of Team in Business01:04 Introduction to HealthQuest Capital02:17 Understanding Early Stage vs Late Stage Investing04:31 The Role of Team in Investment Decisions07:05 Reflections on the Current Investment Climate10:36 The Future of Texas in Biomedical Innovation15:40 Neil Parikh's Journey to Venture Capital26:00 The Role of Luck in Investing29:43 Advice for Aspiring Venture Capitalists30:44 Conclusion and Contact Information