What are the most common mistakes medtech startups make in cybersecurity, and how can founders avoid them?

In this episode, Christian Espinosa and Trevor Slattery dive into the challenges medtech startups face with their guest, Steve Bell, a 35-year veteran of the industry. They explore the critical importance of integrating cybersecurity from the start, managing regulatory hurdles, and focusing on commercialization to avoid the “dumb tax” (paying for costly mistakes).  

Key points: 

* The "dumb tax" too many startups pay for avoidable mistakes in planning and execution.

* Why medtech startups fail: lack of cybersecurity integration, poor communication, and insufficient preparation.

* The importance of understanding investor expectations. 

* How to raise money effectively and why it’s the CEO's most crucial role.

* Cybersecurity should be incorporated during the requirements phase, not as a last-minute fix.

* Why commercialization, not R&D, is the greatest challenge for medtech startups.

* How poor design decisions early on can derail regulatory approval timelines.

* Fractional cybersecurity and regulatory experts as valuable resources for startups.

Chapters: 

(02:30) Steve Bell: A MedTech Veteran’s Journey

(08:00) Lessons from MedTech Mistakes

(14:00) Cybersecurity in Startups: Why Early Integration Matters

(19:00) The Cost of Poor Communication and Delays

(24:00) Investor Expectations 

(28:00) Regulatory Hurdles

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

* Steve Bell’s website, How To StartUp in MedTech: https://www.howtostartupinmedtech.com/ 

This episode of The Med Device Cyber Podcast is brought to you by Blue Goat Cyber, cybersecurity professionals specializing in providing elite cyber solutions for medical devices. Learn more about securing your product and business from cyber-criminals by visiting https://bluegoatcyber.com 

If you’re interested in our services or partnering with us, schedule a Discovery Session: https://meetings.hubspot.com/blue-goat-cyber/discovery-session 

Thanks to Steve Bell for being on the show. Connect with Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevegbell/ 

Christian Espinosa is the CEO and founder of Blue Goat Cyber. Trevor Slattery is the Director of Medical Device Cybersecurity at Blue Goat Cyber. 

Christian Espinosa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianespinosa/ 

Blue Goat Cyber on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-goat-cyber/ 

Blue Goat Cyber on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluegoatcyber/ 

Blue Goat Cyber on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bluegoatcyber/ 

Blue Goat Cyber on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlueGoatCyber 

Trevor Slattery on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-slattery-34852b1a9 

Feedback? Questions? Contact: https://bluegoatcyber.com/contact/ 

Learn more about Christian Espinosa, buy his books, or invite him to speak on your stage: https://christianespinosa.com/ 

Christian Espinosa on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ChristianEspinosaOfficial 

The Med Device Cyber Podcast is your essential resource for medical device cybersecurity. Each episode we dive into the latest threats, solutions, and best practices to protect modern healthcare technology. Whether you're a provider, a manufacturer, or a cybersecurity professional, gain the knowledge to safeguard patient safety by subscribing to the Med Device Cyber Podcast. 

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