Medtech Talk

Serial entrepreneur Mike Berman shares how he’s seen the Medtech innovation sector evolve over the years. Times are tougher, but Berman sees reason for hope as well as concern.

This week, New Enterprise Associates – known to its friends as NEA – announced closing on a $3.3 billion venture capital fund, with roughly 10% of that total going to Medtech companies. We asked partner Justin Klein, MD, how might the $300 million or so invest in Medtech companies be deployed differently than in the prior fund.

Andrew Weiss, president & CEO of ReCor Medical, says Medtech is alive and kicking. This is an exceedingly positive statement from the CEO of a renal denervation company, an area that has been particularly hit hard. Hear his take on Medtech’s future and how Recor is making it work.

Duke Rohlen, CEO and director of Ajax Health, co-founder and CEO of Spirox Inc., explains how he’s combining his expertise, connections, and experience exiting Medtech companies with KKR’s capital to devise a new way to run start-ups.

Joe Almeida, CEO, President, and Chairman of Baxter International, Inc. joined Baxter at the beginning of 2016. He knew immediately the company needed an infusion of innovative spirit to begin to move forward.

Medtech Conference Co-Chair Kevin Hykes, who is finishing up his two-year tour of duty as a conference co-commander, reviews the agenda for next week’s Conference.

Outset CEO Leslie Trigg updates Medtech Talk listeners on her company’s bid to bring disruption to dialysis. She also shares some sage advice about what matters most in a career.

Todd Butka, the CEO and founder of Murj, personifies the much ballyhooed crossover between Medtech and Tech. The start-up is developing a software application that enables providers to efficiently manage data from implantable cardiac devices.

Paul Yock, MD, started Stanford’s Byers Center for Biodesign to help teach innovation. While the idea didn’t excite everyone, the center has emerged as the hub of entrepreneurial excellence. Dr. Yock speaks to the role of innovation and how it impacts Medtech.

Rick Randall’s initial foray into leading a Medtech company represented a bit of a fairy tale. But his next chapter – starting and leading spine company Trans1 – serves as a bit of a Medtech nightmare.