Women’s Networking Event & Program
MDC 2023 Reception & Dinner
Thursday, June 15, 2023
Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Women in Medtech & Digital Health: Facing Headwinds and Finding Tailwinds
Join us for an inspiring panel discussion that shines a spotlight on women’s experiences, challenges, and successes in the Medtech and digital health industries. This panel brings together accomplished women leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators who will share their insights, stories, and recent changes in the field. We will explore developments in DEI, management, technology, and regulation in Medtech and digital health.
Welcome Remarks:
Haley Bavasi, Wilson Sonsini
Moderator:
Farah Gerdes, Wilson Sonsini
Speakers:
Nada Hanafi, MedTech Color
Witney McKiernan, HealthQuest Capital
Jennifer Newberger, Cognito Therapeutics
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Reception and Dinner
The opening reception and dinner will provide a valuable opportunity for attendees to network and build connections with both investors and companies in the medical device and digital health industry.
2023 Medical Device Digital Health Conference
Friday, June 16, 2023
Palace Hotel
San Francisco, CA
7:30 – 8:00 a.m.
Conference Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Partnering Hall
8:00 – 8:15 a.m.
Welcome Remarks
8:15 – 9:00 a.m.
The Foundry- Still Hungry at 25
The Foundry is known for pioneering multiple landmark therapies over its 25-year history, including MitraClip and Intrepid for transcatheter mitral repair, renal denervation for hypertension, thrombectomy for ischemic stroke, and endobronchial valves for emphysema. What are the common threads to these successes and how does that inform The Foundry’s approach going forward? David Cassak will address these questions with the current Foundry leaders and examine what energizes them to keep innovating.
Moderator:
David Cassak, MedTech Strategist
Speakers:
Hanson Gifford, The Foundry
Matt McLean, Half Moon Medical
Karun Naga, The Foundry
9:00 – 9:45 a.m.
Medtech & Digital Health by the Numbers
Join Jonathan Norris from HSBC Innovation and Jennie Xue from Guggenheim Securities as they look back at 2022’s Medtech and digital health fundraising and M&A deals. In addition, learn how 2023 is shaping up for Medtech and digital health companies looking to access venture capital, corporate partners, and the public market.
Speakers:
Jonathan Norris, HSBC Innovation
Jennie Xue, Guggenheim Securities
9:45 – 10:00 a.m.
BREAK
10:00 – 10:45 a.m.
Compensation Considerations in a Down Market
This session will explore ways that medical technology and life sciences companies can attract, retain, and motivate key employees in a challenging financial environment. Among other topics, our panelists will discuss carveout plans and other retention bonus arrangements, option repricings and alternatives for dealing with underwater equity, refresh equity awards, and severance protection.
Moderator:
Michael Klippert, Wilson Sonsini
Speakers:
David Knopping, Alpine Rewards
Jennie Yip, Adjuvant Capital
Digital Health Venture Capital Panel
Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring leading venture capitalists and CEO’s who specialize in digital health investments. Explore the current investment environment, investment trends, and the transformative potential of technology in revolutionizing healthcare delivery. Our panelists will share their deep industry insights, experiences, and strategies for identifying and supporting promising digital health startups from both the investor and company perspectives.
Moderator:
Mark Baudler, Wilson Sonsini
Speakers:
Robert Garber, 7wireVentures
David Kim, DigiTx Partners
Michael Wert, Longitude Capital
University Licensing
In an effort to create a term sheet that investors and academic institutions can use to more quickly launch life science startups, representatives from several US university tech transfer offices, and venture capital and law firms worked together to create an approach. The goal was to significantly reduce the time spent negotiating deals to speed therapeutics, diagnostics, and medical devices to market, months or even years earlier, to benefit humankind. What evolved is a term sheet template, with full clauses, that can be downloaded and used freely by anyone. Panelists will describe the philosophical underpinnings of the template and the contents of the agreement.
Moderator:
Kathy Ku, Wilson Sonsini
Speakers:
Ashish Atreja, UC Davis Health
Farah Gerdes, Wilson Sonsini
Jon Soderstrom, Wilson Sonsini
Ken Wu, Presidio Medical
10:45 – 11:00 a.m.
BREAK
11:00 – 11:45 a.m.
Early Medtech Investing
Join a group of early-stage investors as they discuss the inner workings of early-stage investments. Find out about areas of interest in typical Medtech deals as well as the process and timing involved in closing an early-stage round. The investors will also discuss the current investment landscape in today’s economic environment.
Moderator:
Eric Hsu, Wilson Sonsini
Speakers:
William Dai, ShangBay Capital
Sammy Datwani, Life Science Angels – Board of Directors
Kate Garrett, Sonder Capital
Juan-Pablo Mas, Action Potential Venture Capital
Product Endorsements by Doctors, Influencers, and Celebrities
In today’s digital age, endorsements play a significant role in shaping consumer perceptions and purchase decisions. This panel brings together professionals with diverse perspectives to discuss the effectiveness, challenges, and ethical considerations associated with endorsements in the context of doctors, influencers, and celebrities. Whether you are a marketer, brand manager, healthcare professional, or industry enthusiast, this discussion will equip you with valuable insights and practical strategies to help navigate medical device and digital health marketing.
Moderator:
John Slafsky, Wilson Sonsini
Speakers:
Matt Burton, Modern Health
Aaron Hendelman, Wilson Sonsini
Gwen Watanabe, H.I.G Capital
How IP Affects Valuation
Join us for a captivating panel discussion on the crucial role of intellectual property (IP) in shaping the valuation of companies. Learn from industry experts as they explore the complex relationship between IP assets and company valuation, and gain valuable insights into strategies for leveraging IP to maximize value. Whether you are an entrepreneur, investor, IP professional, or simply interested in the intersection of IP and valuation, this panel provides a unique opportunity to learn about how investors evaluate the strength and potential of a company’s IP portfolio.
Moderator:
Maya Skubatch, Wilson Sonsini
Speakers:
Tom Calef, Activ Surgical
Darren Cooke, UC Berkeley Life Sciences Entrepreneurship Center
Eric Snyder, Novo Ventures
Regulation and Revolution: Trends in Digital Health
The COVID-19 pandemic thrust digital health into the spotlight. The massive investments made across multiple sectors of digital health technologies, especially at the beginning of the pandemic, forced investors and executives to navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment while serving providers, patients, and consumers of digital health technologies. Join our panelists as we focus on the new frontier of digital health regulation.
Moderator:
Andrea Linna, Wilson Sonsini
Speakers:
Ian Cook, HeartCloud
Marissa Moore, OMERS Ventures
Leah Sparks, Wildflower Health
Ridhi Tariyal, NextGen Jane
11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch and Interview – JJDC 50th Anniversary
Founded 50 years ago, Johnson & Johnson Development Corporation (JJDC) pioneered the notion of corporate venture capital funding for start-ups. For the past several decades, JJDC has played a critical role in the funding of private medical device and biotech companies and as an engine of innovation for Johnson & Johnson’s various businesses. In this session, former JJDC execs turned VC, CEOs, and JJDC portfolio companies will share their perspectives on how CVC investments can provide benefits to start-ups and the role such capital can play in a broader funding strategy.
Welcome:
Tamir Meiri, Johnson & Johnson
Moderator:
David Cassak, MedTech Strategist
Speakers:
Samuel Ethiopia, DocSpera
Biren Mehta, Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JJDC
Renee Ryan, Cala Health
Brad Vale, Treo Ventures
1:00 – 1:15 p.m.
BREAK
1:15 – 2:00 p.m.
Strategic Perspectives
M&A activity has consistently been a feature of the medical technology industry. This year, M&A continues to evolve in response to market and Wall Street needs. Medtech company mergers and acquisitions are having a major impact on health care delivery, as hospitals and payers look for more bundled, strategic, and integrated services. Join us for an insightful discussion about recent deals and the outlook for future trends and pressures featuring key players from both sides and a top facilitator.
Moderator:
Jason Skolnik, Wilson Sonsini
Speakers:
Jay Azevedo, Stryker
Oliver Keown, Intuitive Ventures
Babak Nemati, Strategic Intelligence
Digital Health – Next Frontier
Join us for an engaging discussion on the transformative power of digital health and its profound impact on the future of healthcare. As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, the integration of digital tools and solutions into healthcare systems is unlocking new possibilities, improving patient care, and revolutionizing the way we approach medical treatments.
Moderator:
Lang Liu, Wilson Sonsini
Speakers:
Karen Drexler, ResMed
Derick En’Wezoh, Susa Ventures
Dirk Soenksen, Ceresti Health
Partnering Strategies in the 2023 Market
The business landscape in 2023 is characterized by technological advancements, shifting consumer behaviors, and increasing market complexity. This panel discussion features industry experts and thought leaders who will share their insights and expertise on effective partnering strategies in the rapidly evolving 2023 market. Panelists will address the changing dynamics of partnerships and collaborations and how organizations can leverage strategic alliances to drive growth, innovation, and competitive advantage.
Moderator:
Alex Key, Wilson Sonsini
Speakers:
Ron Austin, Imperative Care
Brad Klos, E-merge Capital Partners
Denise Zarins, Fogarty Innovation
2:00 – 2:15 p.m.
BREAK
2:15 – 3:00 p.m.
Where Will Medtech Go?
Gain insightful knowledge about the future of medical technology by joining this discussion led by a panel of experts who will explore the latest trends and innovations in the industry, along with the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Moderator:
Philip Oettinger, Wilson Sonsini
Speakers:
Todd Brinton, Edwards Lifesciences
Greg Garfield, KCK Group
Fred Khosravi, Imperative Care
Brent Vaughan, Cognito Therapeutics
FDA Total Product Life Cycle Advisory Program & Regulatory Strategies for “Future-Proofing” Your Company
In today’s rapidly changing regulatory environment, it is essential for companies to adopt forward-thinking approaches that anticipate future challenges and the needs of diverse stakeholders, including patients, providers, and payers, early in device development. Using FDA’s Total Product Life Cycle Advisory Program (TAP) Pilot, recently launched by the Center for Devices and Radiological Health, as a springboard for discussion, this panel brings together diverse FDA leaders and industry experts to discuss the importance of taking a total product life cycle approach to product development and FDA regulatory strategy. The panelists will also address recent developments in digital health and AI/ML software applications, common start-up pitfalls, how the FDA can help start-ups engage with diverse stakeholders, and strategies for future-proofing innovative medical device and digital health companies to ensure a more successful commercial launch and patient access to innovative technologies.
Moderator:
Eva Yin, Wilson Sonsini
Speakers:
Nada Hanafi, MedTech Color
Ed Shenkan, Food and Drug Administration, CDRH
Kwame Ulmer, Wavemaker Three-Sixty Health
AI Influence on Healthcare
Artificial intelligence (AI), also known as machine learning (ML), has transformed healthcare. It enables disease prediction, personalized medicine, and accurate patient data analysis, and improves diagnosis accuracy, leading to better diagnostic outcomes. AI also supports drug discovery, clinical trials, and medical research, resulting in revolutionary breakthroughs and faster advancements. Join a panel of experts for a discussion on how AI/ML is being harnessed in healthcare.
Moderator:
Ali Alemozafar, Wilson Sonsini
Speakers:
Dan Burnett, Theranova
Amit Garg, Tau Ventures
Daniel Laser, Myka Labs
Ryan McGuinness, Triple Ring
3:00 – 3:15 p.m.
BREAK
3:15 – 4:00 p.m.
Late-Stage Medtech Venture Capital
Gain insights from a panel of prominent Medtech investors on the current investment landscape. Explore the recent investments made by these investors and their perspectives on the opportunities in today’s market. Discover whether there is a shift in investor behavior, with potential signs of reduced investment activity. Learn how these investors are adjusting their financing strategies and business models to navigate the changing market dynamics and position themselves for sustainable growth.
Moderator:
James Huie, Wilson Sonsini
Speakers:
Kelly Ashfield, Materna Health
Tak Cheung, NEA
Evan Norton, SPRIG Equity
Cynthia Yee, Vensana Capital
Models for Innovation
In this panel, we will discuss various Medtech models for innovation. We will delve into the latest trends and advancements in the field, as well as explore ways these models can be utilized to improve patient care and outcomes. Our esteemed panelists will share their insights and experiences, providing valuable information for those looking to stay at the forefront of Medtech innovation. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of Medtech and its potential to transform healthcare.
Moderator:
Matt Bresnahan, Wilson Sonsini
Speakers:
Uri Greenwald, Khosla Ventures
Tracy Pappas, Treo Ventures
Amr Salahieh, Shifamed
Christine Winoto, UCSF Rosenman Institute
Navigating the Waves: Preparing for a Sea Change in Health Privacy Regulation
In an era of rapidly evolving healthcare technologies and increasing concerns about data privacy, it is crucial for Medtech and digital health organizations and industry professionals to understand and adapt to the changing landscape of health privacy regulation. This panel discussion will provide valuable insights and practical guidance on navigating the upcoming sea change in health privacy regulations.
Moderator:
Haley Bavasi, Wilson Sonsini
Speakers:
Gina Nese, Align
Noel Pugh, e-Lōvu
Tracy Shapiro, Wilson Sonsini
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
MedTech Innovator Vision Award Competition
The Vision Award recognizes five visionaries within the 2023 cohort of MedTech Innovator (MTI). Now the largest accelerator of medical technology in the world, MTI has graduated 500 alumni who have raised over $6.7 billion in follow-on funding and brought more than 200 products to market. The finalists in this competition are chosen by the prior votes of 200+ MedTech Innovator peer CEOs and corporate partners based on this criteria: If you weren’t at your company, would you quit your job to work for this company or at least personally write them a check? Your votes will now determine how much funding each of these five visionaries receive from the $25,000 prize pool. First place will also be profiled in an issue of the MedTech Strategist. This is the first of five competitions in MedTech Innovator’s 2023 Accelerator program that will award over $800K in non-dilutive funding. Don’t miss this exciting session!
Moderator:
Paul Grand, MedTech Innovator
Judges:
Lynn Carney, Medmarc
Virginia Giddings, Edwards Lifesciences
Biren Mehta, Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JJDC
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Venture Capital Uncorked: Wine Tasting
Join Wilson Sonsini for wine tasting after the conference. We will be sampling wines from various wineries, with venture capitalists serving as your sommeliers for the event. This is your chance to try some great wine and learn a little bit more about what each of our local venture firms is looking for in its next deal. It’s a great pairing—wine with a venture capital twist.