MedTech Innovator
2024 MedTech Innovator Showcase
Meet the Top 65 Startups in the 2024 MedTech Innovator Showcase
Wilson Sonsini’s 31st Annual Medical Device & Digital Health Conference will once again partner with Medtech Innovator, the largest medical device accelerator in the world, to highlight this year’s top 65 early and mid-stage start-ups.
These companies will present in the MedTech Innovator Showcase which includes a two-minute pitch by each company. Start-ups are selected from a pool of over 1,800 applications through a rigorous selection process that weighs input from investors, SMEs, and representatives from leading manufacturers like Asahi Intecc, BD, B. Braun, Dexcom, Edwards Lifesciences, Johnson & Johnson, Nipro Corporation, Olympus, W. L. Gore, Siemens Healthineers, Teleflex, Zimmer Biomet and many more. Over $1,000,000 in cash prizes plus many in-kind prizes will be awarded to this year’s cohorts, and they will join the ranks of 612 alumni who have gone on to bring 308 products to market, raise over $7.8B in follow-on funding, and achieve 45 exits. As attendees, you will have the opportunity to meet in our partnering sessions with these exciting companies.
For any questions about MedTech Innovator, please contact Kathryn Zavala: kathryn@medtechinnovator.org
2024 Agenda Temp
Thursday, June 13, 2024
Palace Hotel
San Francisco, CA
1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Partnering Hall
Connect with innovative Medtech and digital health start-ups from around the globe through the Partnering Hall, which provides personalized opportunities for investors and large Medtech companies to meet with start-ups that are searching for and pursuing potential investment, partnering, and acquisition opportunities.
1:30 – 5:30 p.m. Thursday Sessions
Sessions TBA
5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Opening Reception sponsored by Citizens Private Bank
The opening reception will provide a valuable opportunity for attendees to network and build connections with both investors and companies in the digital health and medical device industry.
Friday, June 14, 2024
Palace Hotel
San Francisco, CA
7:30 – 8:00 a.m. Conference Registration and Continental Breakfast
7:30 – 8:30 a.m. Women’s Networking Breakfast & Program
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Partnering Hall
8:30 – 8:45 a.m. Welcome Remarks
8:45 – 11:30 a.m. Sessions and MTI Showcase
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Keynote Interview with Steve Oesterle, Baxter International Inc. and moderated by David Cassak, MedTech Strategist
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Networking Lunch
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Sessions and MTI Showcase
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. MedTech Innovator Vision Award Competition
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.
MDC HOME 2024
MDC 2024Thursday, June 13 & Friday, June 14
Palace Hotel
San Francisco, CA
Wilson Sonsini’s 31st Annual Medical Device & Digital Health Conference will address topics of critical importance to medical device and digital health companies, including early and late-stage venture financing, partnering strategies for AI and digital health, current and future AI trends in healthcare, and developments in M&A.
Thursday, June 13
1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Partnering Hall
1:30 – 5:30 p.m. Thursday Sessions
5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Opening Reception sponsored by Citizens Private Bank
New for MDC 2024: Thursday Digital Health Sessions and Additional Partnering Hall Time Slots
This year, Wilson Sonsini is pleased to announce that Thursday, June 13 will feature a half-day of programming and additional time for our successful Partnering Hall, followed by an opening reception, all of which will be held at the Palace Hotel. We hope you will join us!
Friday, June 14
7:30 – 8:30 a.m. Women’s Networking Breakfast & Program
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Partnering Hall
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Friday Sessions and MTI Showcase
5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Venture Capital Uncorked: Wine Tasting
Palace Hotel
2 New Montgomery St
San Francisco, CA
Registration is now closed online. It will be available on-site.
Conference Fee: $1,200
2024 Agenda Topics Include:
- AI and digital health partnering strategies
- Early and late-stage venture financing
- Nurturing innovation
- Compensation considerations in a volatile market
- Medical Robotics
- Ophthalmology
- Current and future AI trends in healthcare
- Merger & acquisitions updates
- Regulatory, FDA and privacy updates
- Digital health for women
- Neurostim
- Strategic perspectives
Partnering Hall
Connect with innovative Medtech and digital health start-ups from around the globe through the Partnering Hall, which provides personalized opportunities for investors and large Medtech companies to meet with start-ups that are searching for and pursuing potential investment, partnering, and acquisition opportunities.
Medtech Innovator
Wilson Sonsini’s 31st Annual Medical Device & Digital Health Conference will once again partner with Medtech Innovator, the largest medical device accelerator in the world, to highlight this year’s top 65 early and mid-stage start-ups.
These companies will present in the MedTech Innovator Showcase which includes a two-minute pitch by each company.
2023 MedTech Innovator
Join the 2023 MedTech Innovator Startup Showcase
Wilson Sonsini’s 30th Annual Medical Device Conference will once again partner with MedTech Innovator, the largest medical device accelerator in the world, to highlight this year’s top 75 early and mid-stage start-ups. These companies will present in the MedTech Innovator Showcase which includes a three-minute pitch by each company. Start-ups for the US program are selected from a pool of over 1,100 applications through a rigorous selection process that weighs input from investors, subject matter experts, and representatives from leading manufacturers like Asahi Intecc, BD, Dexcom, Edwards Lifesciences, Fujikura, Jabil Healthcare, Johnson & Johnson, Nipro Corporation, Olympus, W. L. Gore, Zimmer Biomet and many more. Over $800,000 in cash prizes plus many in-kind prizes will be awarded to this year’s cohort, and they will join the ranks of 500 alumni who have gone on to bring more than 200 products to market, raise over $6.7B in follow-on funding, and 36 acquisitions. As attendees, you will have the opportunity to meet in our partnering sessions with these exciting companies.
270Surgical
Revolutionizing Minimally Invasive Surgery with the world's first FDA Cleared Surround View laparoscope visualization system. Dramatically expanding the field-of-view for SAFER, FASTER, and EASIER surgery.
3EO Health
Molecular POCT system for clinic, community, and home costing 70% less than prevailing technologies.
4th Dimension EMR
Medical office practice management / EMR software built by a plastic surgeon for ease of use by patients, staff and doctors.
Adcura
The only FDA cleared adjustable expandable spinal implant with independent adjustment of both height and angle for a patient specific fit.
Alyve Medical
Deploying innovative sensor-based tools and patented algorithms, Alyve Medical has two revolutionary technologies changing the delivery of musculoskeletal care.
AMI
Evaluate cardiovascular diseases by analyzing your heart sounds, including infrasounds, non-invasively.
Ankr Health
Fastest growing, all-in-one side effect management platform purpose built for cancer & surgery clinics.
CardieX
Improve maternal health outcome by making digital vascular biomarkers accessible in standard of care.
Cellulora
Injectable, plant-based implants for soft tissue restoration that are non-degradable yet reversible.
Cerebra AI
Enhancing CT machine efficiency with AI-driven algorithms, maximizing outcomes for neuroradiology and stroke patients.
Covellus
Next generation intravascular lithotripsy to address the challenges of vascular calcium, and modular balloon catheter solutions tailored for outpatient endovascular environments, like OBLs and ASCs.
DASI Simulations
Utilizing Artificial Intelligence and computational predictive modeling we improve patient outcomes for patients with structural heart disease.
Endocision
Novel detachable endoscopic cryobiopsy system enabling safer, quicker, easier and less invasive diagnosis of lung pathologies.
Fingy 3D
A custom-on-demand, finger prosthetic ordered from a smartphone picture and delivered to your home for under $300.
Flow Neuroscience
Flow’s clinically-validated brain stimulation headset + therapy app delivers drug-free depression treatment at home with better results than drugs and none of the side effects.
GenLight MedTech Co
Epilcure is a closed loop neurostimulation system full cranial implantable, designed for drug-resistant epilepsy treatment.
Happitech
Happitech uses only a smartphone to screen high-risk Atrial Fibrillation patients in 90 seconds.
Healium Medical
Therapeutic ultrasound platform + integrated imaging for effective AF ablation procedures.
Hertility Health
Reproductive healthcare from menstruation to menopause with at-home testing, telemedicine & treatment.
Hypervision Surgical
Hyperspectral Intelligence: Objective tissue characterisation for surgical imaging.
IFPx
Subcutaneously implantable multiparameter heart failure sensor with interstitial fluid pressure measurement.
ImmersiveTouch
Connecting Imaging with Real-Time Surgery. The Next-Gen Image-Guided Surgery Platform.
INBRAIN Neuroelectronics
Graphene-based high density & resolution neurotech platform, enabling Intelligent & personalized neuroelectronic therapies at scale.
InterShunt Technologies
We create a small pressure relief valve in the interatrial septum of heart failure patients so that they can breathe easy.
Invenio Imaging
The NIO uses laser imaging and artificial intelligence to instantly detect cancer in tissue biopsies in the OR.
Jdot Changzhou Medical Technology Co
Personalized total knee replacement surgery with single-use custom instruments and micro roboticsgle-use personized surgical system combining PSI and micro-robotics for joint procedures.
JuneBrain
JuneBrain is revolutionizing retinal imaging by offering an accessible, AI-driven solution to improve brain and eye health.
Kinexcs Private Limited
AI-enabled wearable & digital platform empowering joint replacement post-op recovery with home-based digital therapy and lower risk of complications.
Knowtex
Knowtex empowers clinicians with voice AI automated note-taking and coding from natural conversation to combat burnout and capture revenue leakage
MACH32
IMSAFE is an "EpiPen for Trauma"; stop patients from bleeding to death BEFORE they reach the hospital.
Medical Devices Corner
A robot that provides remote access inside MRI and CT scanners and improves biopsies and ablations.
MicroTransponder
MicroTransponder®, Inc. is a privately held medical device company committed to developing neurorestorative solutions for ischemic stroke survivors with chronic upper limb impairments.
Module Innovations
Ultra rapid detection of antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial infections in hours and not days.
NeuraStasis
Non-invasive proprietary neurostimulation to improve access to care and outcomes after stroke.
Neurava
Wearables to monitor for seizures and SUDEP (sudden, unexpected death) risk in epilepsy patients
Newrotex
Silk conduit with luminal fibres - the first off-the-shelf device to effectively treat nerve injury
Nininger Medical
1.6M urgently needed tricuspid replacements will be enabled by Nininger Medical’s thin film valve.
NXgenPort
NXgenPort remotely manages cancer patients with a SaMD and a Smart Port with intravascular sensors.
Opticyte
The Cell O2 Monitor measures oxygenation within cells, allowing immediate recognition of shock and titration of therapy to avoid organ failure. Cell O2 is poised to become a new vital sign.
PanTher Therapeutics
Clinical stage oncology company leveraging minimally invasive procedure to provide localized, sustained, clinically validated, treatment directly at tumor site.
Perceptive Medical
The BaroHawk System is a critical care device for elimination of preventable hypotension.
Plio Surgical
Plio is a minimally invasive implant designed to make gastrointestinal surgery safer and easier.
Prana Thoracic
Surgical oncology device for the detection and intervention of early-stage lung cancer.
ProtonIntel
Proton Intelligence is transforming hyperkalemia management in CKD & heart failure with continuous potassium monitoring
Pumpinheart
The Preduction Device is a transcatheter delivered diastolic heart pump to treat Heart Failure with preserved Ejection Fraction
Purgo Scientific
To fight biofilm infection, the Purgo Pouch delivers the right drug, to the right place, for the right amount of time.
Renovos Biologics
Injectable carrier providing unprecedented retention of biologics for tissue regeneration.
SafeGuard Surgical
LeakGuard is a biodegradable stent that protects patients from the devastating effects of surgical leaks after colorectal surgery and avoids the need for a colostomy bag, thus eliminating operative and hospitalization costs for reversal and improving the quality of life of cancer patients.
Savage Medical
Savage Medical is developing a diverting sleeve anchored in the colon after surgery, eliminating the need for temporary ostomies and their associated costs, complications and quality of life impacts.
Senseye
Senseye is the first Standalone Diagnostic Device for Mental Health, starting with PTSD, MDD and GAD.
Sonavi Labs
Feelix is a platform designed for remote disease management using AI and high-fidelity acoustics.
SONIRE Therapeutics Inc.
HIFU therapy system ablates cancer from outside of body targeting pancreatic cancer as the first indication.
Sparta Biomedical
A revolutionary cartilage repair device that immediately restores mobility, while reducing pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Thermidas
Thermal imaging diagnostic tools for early diagnosis of underlying pathology leading to Diabetic foot ulcers.
Total Flow Medical
A heart-lung bypass femoral arterial cannula which saves patients limbs by providing dedicated blood flow to the leg.
Travera
Travera's Rapid Therapy Guidance test identifies personalized cancer therapies effective for each patient's unique cancer in two days.
Universal Brain
Universal Brain is working on cutting-edge neurofeedback systems with AI-powered brain scanners for the treatment of depression, which enables us to prescribe personalized, at-home, and non-invasive therapy.
VeinWay
Venous Recanalization. Controlled. The first dedicated device for consistent, safe, and fast venous recanalization.
Vesica Corporation
Cystoscopy diagnostic support system using AI technology to improve treatment outcomes for bladder cancer patients.
Vitestro
Autonomous venipuncture device to fully automate the manual blood drawing procedure in hospitals and laboratories.
Xcision Medical Systems
A radiotherapy device optimized for treating breast cancer by replacing 15-33 treatments with one treatment with lower toxicities.
XTremedy Medical
Surgical tool utilising Pulsed Field Ablation to treat chronic infections, in particular diabetic foot.
Medical Device Digital Health Conference - For Review
MDC 2023 Reception & Dinner and
Medical Device Digital Health ConferenceThursday, June 15 & Friday, June 16
Wilson Sonsini’s 30th Annual Medical Device Digital Health Conference will address topics of critical importance to medical device and digital health companies today, including key healthcare regulatory considerations, the relationship between intellectual property and valuation, a look back at 2022’s fundraising and deals, and how 2023 is shaping up along with partnering strategies in the current market.
Join medical device and digital health entrepreneurs, CEOs of venture-backed companies, and business development executives from large Medtech companies, as well as angels, venture capitalists, and corporate investors, for a dynamic day of networking and presentations that can help you craft a winning strategy.
MDC 2023 Reception & Dinner
Women’s Networking Event & Program
Thursday, June 15, 2023
Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club
Menlo Park, CA
Registration Fee = $300
2023 Medical Device Digital
Health Conference
Friday, June 16, 2023
Palace Hotel
San Francisco, CA
Registration Fee = $550
Hotel Accommodations
Preferred room rate of $415 until May 24, 2023.
Palace Hotel
1-888-627-7196
Reference “Wilson Sonsini MDC 2023”
https://book.passkey.com/e/50544867
Cancellations:
Cancellations can be processed online using your confirmation number before Friday, June 2. After this point, refund requests must be made via email.
We cannot guarantee that a refund will be issued after the cancellation deadline.
2023 Agenda Topics Include:
- Medtech by the Numbers
- Early Investing
- University Licensing
- Medtech Venture Capital
- Digital Health Venture Capital
- Partnering Strategies in the 2023 Market
- AI Influence on Healthcare
- Privacy and Key Healthcare Regulatory Considerations
- Product Endorsements by Doctors, Influencers, and Celebrities
- How IP Affects Valuation
- Where will Medtech go?
- Digital Health – Next Frontier
- Celebrating JJDC 50th anniversary
- Celebrating The Foundry 25th anniversary
- Women’s Networking Event & Interview at the Thursday Reception & Dinner
- MedTech Innovator Pitch Competition
Partnering Hall
Connect with innovative medtech and healthtech start-ups from around the globe through the Partnering Hall, which provides personalized opportunities for investors and large medtech companies to meet with start-ups that are searching for and pursuing potential investment, partnering, and acquisition opportunities.
Medtech Innovator
Wilson Sonsini’s 30th Annual Medical Device Conference will once again partner with MedTech Innovator, the largest medical device accelerator in the world, to highlight this year’s top 50 early and mid-stage start-ups. These companies will present in the MedTech Innovator Showcase which includes a five-minute pitch by each company.
Speakers-2023
Suraj Mudichintala
Senior Associate
Action Potential Venture Capital
Michael Beebe
Partner
ADVI Reimbursement and Health Policy Advisory Services
Lisa Suennen
Managing Partner
AHA Ventures
David Kuraguntla
Founder & CEO
Alio
David Knopping
Founder & Managing Director
Alpine Rewards
Kapil Sharma
Program Manager
Altitude Lab
Anthony Natale
Partner
Amzak Health
Shyam Natarajan
Co-Founder & CEO
Avenda Health
Kristen Valdes
Founder & CEO
b.well Connected Health
Yaron Hadad
Co-Founder & Chief Scientist
Beehive Software
Michelle Nemits
Executive Director
Biocom California
Eileen Tanghal
Founder & General Partner
Black Opal Ventures
Rakesh Mehta
Partner
Centerview Partners
Jessica Karr
Founder & Managing Director
Coyote Ventures
Suchira Sharma
Vice President
Elevage Medical Technologies
Daniel van den Bergh
Senior Investment Director
Endeavour Vision
Jenny Barba
Founder & Managing Partner
Features Capital
Rita Scroggin
Founder
FirstBoard.io
Andrew Cleeland
CEO
Fogarty Innovation
Lu Zhang
Founder & Managing Partner
Fusion Fund
Claire Tomkins
CEO
Future Family
Bill Hyun
Venture Partner
Genoa Ventures
Mika Nishimura
Operational Partner
Glide Healthcare
Jennie Xue
Senior Managing Director
Guggenheim Partners
Steve Yaskin
CEO
Health Gorilla
Sean Mehra
Founder & CEO
HealthTap
Julie Castro Abrams
CEO & Chair
How Women Lead
Jonathan Norris
Managing Director
HSBC Innovation
Andrew Farquharson
Managing Director
InCube Ventures
Abhinav Shashank
Co-Founder & CEO
Innovaccer
Jody Thelander
Founder & CEO
J.Thelander Consulting
Morgan Thelander
COO
J.Thelander Consulting
Tamir Meiri
Director of Venture Investments
Johnson & Johnson Innovation
Uri Greenwald
Operating Partner
Khosla Ventures
Navdeep Tangri
Co-Founder & CEO
Klinrisk
Margaret Melville
Founder & CEO
Lasa Health
Sabeen Shaikh
Partner
LifeSciences Consultants
Mike Carusi
General Partner & Team Leader
Lightstone Ventures
Anarghya Vardhana
Partner
Maveron
Paul Grand
CEO
MedTech Innovator
David Cassak
Co-Editor-in-Chief & Managing Partner
MedTech Strategist
Nada Hanafi
Founder & Manager
MedTech Strategy Advisors, LLC
Cortez McBerry
Partner
NDA Partners
Shri Raghunathan
President & CEO
Noctrix Health
Bill Carpou
CEO
Octane
Evan Caplan
Principal
OrbiMed
Michael Onuscheck
Chairman & CEO
Presidio Medical
Armen Vidian
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
Recode Ventures
Alice Zheng
Principal
RH Capital
Kelly Cheng
U.S. Digital Health Strategy
Samsung
William Dai
Founding & Managing Partner
ShangBay Capital
Ken Mariash
CEO
Sinaptica Therapeutics
Andrew Weiss
Medical Innovation CEO & Board Member
Sofinnova Partners
Kate Garrett
Managing Partner
Sonder Capital
Allie Knauer
Head of Business Development
SparkMed
Josh Makower
Co-Founder & Director
Stanford Byers Center for Biodesign
Georgia Cavanaugh
Principal
SteelSky Ventures
Babak Nemati
President & CEO
Strategic Intelligence, Inc.
Elizabeth Gasser
EVP & Chief Strategy Officer
Tandem Diabetes Care
Shubra Jain
Head of Healthcare Investments
Tarsadia Investments
Amit Garg
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
Tau Ventures
Daniel Burnett
Founder & CEO
Theranova
Michael McConnell
Chief Health Officer
Toku Inc.
Estelle Giraud
Co-Founder & CEO
Trellis Health
Cynthia Yee
Partner
Vensana Capital
Jessica Richter
EVP
Veranex
Arna Ionescu Stoll
CEO
Wavely Diagnostics
Leah Sparks
Founder & CEO
Wildflower Health
Brian Appel
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Hin Au
Associate
Wilson Sonsini
Christine Au-Yeung
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Megan Baier
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Haley Bavasi
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Jason Breen
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Matt Bresnahan
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Farah Gerdes
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Eric Hsu
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
James Huie
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Alex Key
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Michael Klippert
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Andrea Linna
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Hale Melnick
Associate
Wilson Sonsini
Maneesha Mithal
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Philip Oettinger
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Elton Satusky
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Tracy Shapiro
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Maya Skubatch
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Martin Waters
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Eva Yin
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
2023 Agenda
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.
Speakers-2024
Keynote Speakers
Rear Admiral Susan Blumenthal, MD (ret.)
Rear Admiral Susan Blumenthal, MD, MPA (ret.) is a Visiting Professor at the MIT Media Lab working to establish a new field of public health technology, a senior fellow in health policy at New America, and a clinical professor at Tufts and Georgetown University Schools of Medicine. She provided distinguished service for two decades as a leading federal government medical and women’s health expert, as an officer in the U.S. Public Health Service, and as a spokesperson in four U.S. presidential administrations. Dr. Blumenthal served as Assistant Surgeon General of the United States, the first-ever Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women’s Health, and senior global and e-health advisor at HHS. She was also a White House health advisor; the medical advisor to the Secretary, USDA; chief of the National Institute of Mental Health’s Behavioral Medicine and Basic Prevention Research Branch; and chair of the NIH’s Health and Behavior Coordinating Committee. She has received numerous awards and medals including honorary doctorates for her significant contributions to improving health.
Dr. Stephen Oesterle
Dr. Oesterle served on the faculties of Stanford and Harvard Medical schools where he oversaw interventional cardiology programs at Stanford and the Massachusetts General Hospital for two decades. He subsequently was on the executive committee at Medtronic for 15 years as SVP of Medicine and Technology. Dr. Oesterle is presently a senior advisor to several private equity firms including Temasek, Patient Square Capital, Novo Holdings and EQT while sitting on the public boards of Baxter, Paragon 28, and Peijia Medical. He is also an independent director for private equity backed SHL Medical (Switzerland and Taiwan) and CeramTec (Germany).
Amr Salahieh
Amr is a seasoned medical device entrepreneur with over 30 years of healthcare experience and six company acquisitions since 2001. He is the founder and CEO of Shifamed LLC, a successful and well-established medical innovation hub headquartered in the heart of Silicon Valley. Shifamed, along with its dedicated management team, has raised over $400 million to date across its current portfolio companies that include five focused in cardiovascular, two in the ophthalmology space, and one SaaS company. All portfolio companies are initiated, funded, and operated by Shifamed, with Amr serving as the Chairman of the Board.
Tammy Sun
Tammy Sun is the Founder and CEO of Carrot Fertility, the leading global fertility and family-building platform providing care for everyone, everywhere. More than a thousand of the world’s top multinational companies, health plans, and health systems trust Carrot to deliver exceptional experiences and superior clinical outcomes to millions of members around the world. Prior to Carrot, Tammy was a presidential appointee in President Obama’s administration at the Federal Communications Commission and held various roles at The White House, national and local campaigns, as well as forward-thinking public policy think tanks. Tammy also managed growth partnerships at Evernote.
Suraj Mudichintala
Senior Associate
Action Potential Venture Capital
Michael Beebe
Partner
ADVI Reimbursement and Health Policy Advisory Services
Lisa Suennen
Managing Partner
AHA Ventures
David Kuraguntla
Founder & CEO
Alio
David Knopping
Founder & Managing Director
Alpine Rewards
Kapil Sharma
Program Manager
Altitude Lab
Anthony Natale
Partner
Amzak Health
Shyam Natarajan
Co-Founder & CEO
Avenda Health
Kristen Valdes
Founder & CEO
b.well Connected Health
Yaron Hadad
Co-Founder & Chief Scientist
Beehive Software
Michelle Nemits
Executive Director
Biocom California
Eileen Tanghal
Founder & General Partner
Black Opal Ventures
Rakesh Mehta
Partner
Centerview Partners
Jessica Karr
Founder & Managing Director
Coyote Ventures
Suchira Sharma
Vice President
Elevage Medical Technologies
Daniel van den Bergh
Senior Investment Director
Endeavour Vision
Jenny Barba
Founder & Managing Partner
Features Capital
Rita Scroggin
Founder
FirstBoard.io
Andrew Cleeland
CEO
Fogarty Innovation
Lu Zhang
Founder & Managing Partner
Fusion Fund
Claire Tomkins
CEO
Future Family
Bill Hyun
Venture Partner
Genoa Ventures
Mika Nishimura
Operational Partner
Glide Healthcare
Jennie Xue
Senior Managing Director
Guggenheim Partners
Steve Yaskin
CEO
Health Gorilla
Sean Mehra
Founder & CEO
HealthTap
Julie Castro Abrams
CEO & Chair
How Women Lead
Jonathan Norris
Managing Director
HSBC Innovation
Andrew Farquharson
Managing Director
InCube Ventures
Abhinav Shashank
Co-Founder & CEO
Innovaccer
Jody Thelander
Founder & CEO
J.Thelander Consulting
Morgan Thelander
COO
J.Thelander Consulting
Tamir Meiri
Director of Venture Investments
Johnson & Johnson Innovation
Uri Greenwald
Operating Partner
Khosla Ventures
Navdeep Tangri
Co-Founder & CEO
Klinrisk
Margaret Melville
Founder & CEO
Lasa Health
Sabeen Shaikh
Partner
LifeSciences Consultants
Mike Carusi
General Partner & Team Leader
Lightstone Ventures
Anarghya Vardhana
Partner
Maveron
Paul Grand
CEO
MedTech Innovator
David Cassak
Co-Editor-in-Chief & Managing Partner
MedTech Strategist
Nada Hanafi
Founder & Manager
MedTech Strategy Advisors, LLC
Cortez McBerry
Partner
NDA Partners
Shri Raghunathan
President & CEO
Noctrix Health
Bill Carpou
CEO
Octane
Evan Caplan
Principal
OrbiMed
Michael Onuscheck
Chairman & CEO
Presidio Medical
Armen Vidian
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
Recode Ventures
Alice Zheng
Principal
RH Capital
Kelly Cheng
U.S. Digital Health Strategy
Samsung
William Dai
Founding & Managing Partner
ShangBay Capital
Ken Mariash
CEO
Sinaptica Therapeutics
Andrew Weiss
Medical Innovation CEO & Board Member
Sofinnova Partners
Kate Garrett
Managing Partner
Sonder Capital
Allie Knauer
Head of Business Development
SparkMed
Josh Makower
Co-Founder & Director
Stanford Byers Center for Biodesign
Georgia Cavanaugh
Principal
SteelSky Ventures
Babak Nemati
President & CEO
Strategic Intelligence, Inc.
Elizabeth Gasser
EVP & Chief Strategy Officer
Tandem Diabetes Care
Shubra Jain
Head of Healthcare Investments
Tarsadia Investments
Amit Garg
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
Tau Ventures
Daniel Burnett
Founder & CEO
Theranova
Michael McConnell
Chief Health Officer
Toku Inc.
Estelle Giraud
Co-Founder & CEO
Trellis Health
Cynthia Yee
Partner
Vensana Capital
Jessica Richter
EVP
Veranex
Arna Ionescu Stoll
CEO
Wavely Diagnostics
Leah Sparks
Founder & CEO
Wildflower Health
Brian Appel
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Hin Au
Associate
Wilson Sonsini
Christine Au-Yeung
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Megan Baier
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Haley Bavasi
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Jason Breen
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Matt Bresnahan
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Farah Gerdes
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Eric Hsu
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
James Huie
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Alex Key
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Michael Klippert
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Andrea Linna
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Hale Melnick
Associate
Wilson Sonsini
Maneesha Mithal
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Philip Oettinger
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Elton Satusky
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Tracy Shapiro
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Maya Skubatch
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Martin Waters
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
Eva Yin
Partner
Wilson Sonsini
MDC HOME
MDC 2024
Thursday, June 13 & Friday, June 14
Palace Hotel
San Francisco, CA
Wilson Sonsini’s 31st Annual Medical Device Digital Health Conference will address topics of critical importance to medical device and digital health companies today, including key healthcare regulatory considerations, the relationship between intellectual property and valuation, a look back at 2023’s fundraising and deals, and how 2023 is shaping up, as well as partnering strategies in the current market. Join medical device and digital health entrepreneurs, CEOs of venture-backed companies, and business development executives from large Medtech companies, as well as angels, venture capitalists, and corporate investors, for two days of networking and programming that can help you craft a winning strategy.
Please check back soon for conference updates and registration details.
Partnering Hall
Connect with innovative medtech and healthtech start-ups from around the globe through the Partnering Hall, which provides personalized opportunities for investors and large medtech companies to meet with start-ups that are searching for and pursuing potential investment, partnering, and acquisition opportunities.
Medtech Innovator
Wilson Sonsini’s 31st Annual Medical Device Conference will once again partner with MedTech Innovator, the largest medical device accelerator in the world, to highlight 2024’s top 50 early and mid-stage start-ups. These companies will present in the MedTech Innovator Showcase which includes a five-minute pitch by each company.
Agenda 2022
View Print Agenda (last updated 6/17/22)
Medical Device Dinner and Interview
Thursday, June 16, 2022
Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club
4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Women’s Networking Event & Interview
Join K. Angela Macfarlane as she interviews Ridhi Tariyal, CEO of NextGen Jane (www.nextgenjane.com), about her mission to transform women’s health through interrogating the “menstrualome”—using genomics to guide therapies for endometriosis and also allow less invasive pre-natal testing—and her career path and the role that mentorship has played in her journey. Among other topics like fundraising and patient engagement, they will discuss the Ferolyn Fellowship and how it supports rising medtech leaders with a strong passion and aptitude to transform healthcare.
Welcome Remarks:
Vera Elson, Wilson Sonsini
Haley Bavasi, Wilson Sonsini
Moderator:
K. Angela Macfarlane, Perceive Biotherapeutics
Speaker:
Ridhi Tariyal, NextGen Jane
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Reception and Dinner Interview with Lisa Earnhardt
Following a distinguished career at prominent medtech companies like Guidant and Intersect ENT, Lisa Earnhardt is now Executive Vice President of Abbott’s medical device business, one of the industry leaders in areas such as cardiovascular devices and diagnostics. In this interview, Lisa will share insights gained during her years as a medtech entrepreneur and industry leader, talk about running a major medtech franchise during a global health crisis, and offer her thoughts on where Abbott and the industry are going as we slowly emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Welcome Remarks:
Casey, McGlynn, Wilson Sonsini
Moderator:
David Cassak, MedTech Strategist
Speaker:
Lisa Earnhardt, Abbott
Medical Device Dinner and Interview
Friday, June 17, 2022
Palace Hotel
San Francisco, CA
7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
Conference Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Partnering Hall
8:30 – 8:45 a.m.
Welcome — James Huie, Wilson Sonsini
8:45 – 9:30 a.m.
Panel Session 1
SVB—Medtech by the Numbers
Join Jonathan Norris from Silicon Valley Bank and Jed Cohen from SVB Securities as they look back at 2021’s medtech fundraising and deal successes. In addition, learn how 2022 is shaping up for medtech companies looking to access venture capital, corporate partners, and the public market.
Speakers:
Jed Cohen, SVB Securities
Jonathan Norris, SVB
MedTech Innovator Company Showcase I: Cardiac & Vascular Surgery
9:30 – 9:45 a.m.
BREAK
9:45 – 10:30 a.m.
Panel Session 2
Venture Capital Panel
Last year was a great year for medtech companies to raise capital—but it seems like the investment market may be cooling. Hear from a group of active medtech investors as they talk about their recent investments and how they look at the opportunities in today’s market. Are investors pulling back? Is new investment activity slowing down? Learn how some investors are adapting their financing strategies and business models to accommodate the changing realities and positioning themselves for long-term success.
Moderator:
Jesse Schumaker, Wilson Sonsini
Speakers:
Maxwell Bikoff, Longitude Capital
Peter Bisgaard, Pivotal Life Sciences
Evan Caplan, Orbimed
Karen Long, KCK
Medical Robotics
Medical robotics is an emerging field in medtech and healthtech with the markets for surgical robots, exoskeletons and hospital robots. While major manufacturers are increasing their research and development efforts within robotic surgical systems, many are aiming to acquire startup companies externally. We will explore this exciting and emerging trend in the market.
Moderator:
David Cassak, MedTech Strategist
Speakers:
Andrew Chung, 1955 Capital
Bruce Lichorowic, Galen Robotics
Julian Nikolchev, Intuitive Ventures
AI in Healthcare (Part 1): Identifying Disease Earlier Than Ever
From artificial intelligence (AI) platforms having machine learning (ML) trained for the early detection of cancer to ML trained to process medical images to identify disease, AI platforms are being used increasingly in the medtech space for various actionable uses to improve patient outcome. AI-powered platforms have been increasingly adopted by healthcare professionals to diagnose and monitor complex physiological conditions, such as breast cancer, a broad spectrum of skin conditions and acute kidney injury. Join a panel of founders / executives in a discussion of how they are harnessing AI.
Moderator:
Ali Alemozafar, Wilson Sonsini
Speaker:
Gabriel Sanchez, Enspectra Health
Jason Su, Whiterabbit.ai
Joe Urban, Potrero Medical
MedTech Innovator Company Showcase II: GI/Urology/Neurology
10:30 – 10:45 a.m.
BREAK
10:45 – 11:30 a.m.
Panel Session 3
Early Investing
Join a group of angel organizations as they discuss the inner workings of the angel world. Find out about areas of interest in Medtech typical deal terms as well as the process and timing involved in closing an angel round.
Moderator:
Eric Hsu, Wilson Sonsini
Speakers:
William Dai, ShangBay Capital
Sammy Datwani, Life Science Angels
Gary Gershony, BayMed Venture Partners
Tracy Pappas, Treo Ventures
Medtech Branding and Advertising
The medical device marketplace is increasingly competitive, making it challenging to promote new products in ways that are distinctive and that don’t run afoul of legal restrictions. How can companies best name and promote their products to communicate innovations, differentiate themselves competitively, and clear legal hurdles in the U.S. and abroad?
Moderator:
John Slafsky, Wilson Sonsini
Speakers:
Aaron Hendelman, Wilson Sonsini
Joe Urban, Potrero Medical
Dean Zikria, Intiuty Medical
University Licensing and Clinical Resources
This session will feature a discussion among university leaders from UC Irvine, UCLA, and Wilson Sonsini’s Katharine Ku, who formerly led Stanford’s office of technology licensing. Come learn about the resources and innovation that these world-class universities have to offer the medical device industry. Also learn about key provisions of university licenses and the varying levels of importance to each party.
Moderator:
Matthew Bresnahan, Wilson Sonsini
Speakers:
Errol Arkilic, UC Irvine
Kathy Ku, Wilson Sonsini
Jennifer McCaney, UCLA Biodesign
AI in Healthcare (Part 2): Revolutionizing Patient Care
AI is revolutionizing patient care. Advances in AI have led many to anticipate that AI will play a dominant (if not unilateral) role in the future of patient care, such as radiology and surgery. The power of AI for the accurate processing and classification of data is being harnessed in various applications surrounding patient care. This panel of founders / executives will discuss how these and other innovations are overcoming technological and adoption barriers to usher in a new era of AI-powered care.
Moderator:
Siddarth Satish, Stryker
Speakers:
John Axerio-Cilies, Arterys
David Noonan, Moon Surgical
Venk Varadan, Nanowear
Kavi Vyas, Theator
MedTech Innovator Company Showcase III: General Surgery/Critical Care
11:30 – 12:45 p.m.
Lunch and Interview – Fixing Reimbursement and Other Policy Issues
Join David Cassak from the MedTech Strategist and Josh Makower from Stanford Biodesign for a discussion on medtech reimbursement and related policy issues focused on improving patient access to important new technologies that can save lives.
Moderator:
David Cassak, MedTech Strategist
Speaker:
Josh Makower, Stanford Biodesign
12:45 – 1:00 p.m.
BREAK
1:00 – 1:45 p.m.
Panel Session 4
Hiring and Compensating the CEO
Join a group of compensation experts as they look at recent trends and emerging best practices in medtech executive compensation. Participate in a discussion around current salary, as well as stock and bonus structures for management. Learn about the structure and pitfalls associated with carve-out plans and innovative ways to provide management teams with compensation for successful exits. Finally, learn what executive recruiters are looking for in a resume and how networking skills can help you land your next great job.
Moderator:
Scott McCall, Wilson Sonsini
Speakers:
Miguel Chavez, Morgan Stanley
Mike Esser, Pearl Meyer
Joshua Steinfeld, Carta
Medtech Company Creation: Fogarty Innovation, The Foundry, and Shifamed
Join representatives from Fogarty Innovation, The Foundry, and Shifamed as they discuss the process they go through to Identify, start, fund and develop a new medical device project. Learn about some of their past successes, things that worked, and things that didn’t.
Moderator:
James Huie, Wilson Sonsini
Speakers:
Andrew Cleeland, Fogarty Innovation
Karun Naga, The Foundry
Amr Salahieh, Shifamed
Patient Access Restrictions to Medical Device Innovation
Patient access to medical device innovations is directly tied to approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and adequate insurance coverage by commercial and government payors, such as Medicare/Medicaid. Reimbursement by third-party insurers and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is a crucial component for patient access, as providers are reluctant to use treatments that are not covered by insurance or CMS. However, FDA approval of breakthrough devices is often not supported by long-term safety, efficacy, or patient outcome data, which are critical in establishing the “medically reasonable and necessary” standard to which payors are bound in order to cover a treatment. In turn, a lack of adequate coverage can significantly impact a physician’s decision to use the device and provide a patient access to a breakthrough treatment. Recent policy and legislative proposals have highlighted the need for more timely CMS coverage for devices approved through the FDA’s breakthrough program.
This panel will discuss the FDA’s successful device breakthrough program and the recent policy/legislative proposals for CMS to provide more timely coverage decisions for devices that have obtained breakthrough status.
Moderator:
Eva Yin, Wilson Sonsini
Speakers:
Kern Bhugra, Neurolutions
Damon Cox, GenoSan
Kwame Ulmer, Wavemaker Three-Sixty Health
MedTech Innovator Company Showcase IV: Connected Care/Early Detection & Diagnosis
1:45 – 2:00 p.m.
BREAK
2:00 – 2:45 p.m.
Panel Session 5
Medtech IPOs and Cross-Over Funding
Join a panel of experts as they look back at 2021 in terms of public capital markets for medtech companies. The group will explore how the Class of 2021 has fared in the public market and what the market for late-stage and public funding will look like in 2022 and beyond.
Moderator:
Philip Oettinger, Wilson Sonsini
Speakers:
Rob Faulkner, Redmile Group
Joel Jung, Minerva Surgical
Matthew Strom, Morgan Stanley
Strategic Use of Patents as a Sword or a Shield
The panel will address questions often asked by early-to-mid stage C-Suite executives about how to use the Company’s patents to most effectively: (1) stake out and defend the Company’s novel technology; and (2) avoid costly missteps and put the Company in the best position to defend against future accusations of infringement.
Speakers:
Matt Argenti, Wilson Sonsini
Darby Chan, Wilson Sonsini
Vera Elson, Wilson Sonsini
Medtech Collaborations
This panel will explore the world of medtech strategic collaborations. Learn about the process from first meeting to signed contract, and hear about the various structures these transactions can take. Understand what brings each party to the bargaining table and what each party hopes to gain. Hear about the key bargaining issues and how differences are narrowed to allow the transaction to proceed and eventually close.
Moderator:
Alex Key, Wilson Sonsini
Speakers:
Matthew Huddleston, Enable Injections
Tamir Meiri, JJDC
Matthew Meyer, Wilson Sonsini
MedTech Innovator Company Showcase V: Hospital at Home/Digital Therapeutics
3:45 – 4:00 p.m.
BREAK
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
MedTech Innovator Pitch Competition – Celebrating 10 years and over 100 products on the market!
Join us in celebrating the 10th year of MedTech Innovator at Wilson Sonsini’s Annual Conference. Now the largest accelerator of medical technology in the world, MedTech Innovator has produced 420 alumni who have raised over $4 billion in follow-on funding and brought more than 100 products to market. You will get the chance to choose a winner from four of the most exciting companies in the 2022 cohort, selected from over 1,000 applicants. Each company will present their pitches to a panel of industry judges. The judges will evaluate the presentations and provide feedback to each company. Ultimately, the audience will vote for the winner who will receive a cash prize and be profiled in an upcoming issue of MedTech Strategist.
Finalists:
Bright Uro – Derek Herrera
EvoEndo – Heather Underwood
Liquet Medical – John Schindler
Phiex Technologies – CL Tian
Tympanogen – Elaine Horn-Ranney
Moderator:
Paul Grand, MedTech Innovator
Judges:
Joshua Magnuson, Fujikura
Virginia Giddings, Edwards Lifesciences
Tamir Meiri, Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JJDC
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Venture Capital Uncorked: Wine Tasting
Join Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati 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.