Project Medtech

In this episode, Brent Lavin shares how two decades in product and portfolio management at GE Healthcare, C.R. Bard, and BD shaped his mission to help Series A and B medtech startups build commercial logic into every stage of innovation. Brent breaks down what surprised him most moving from strategics to early-stage teams and why large companies often operate like startups when resources must be earned through influence, not authority. The conversation dives into how his engineering training powers a structured, “marketing-as-a-science” approach to product management, the most-missed elements of customer discovery, and a concrete example of winning by simplifying a “Cadillac” product into a segmented solution. Brent also unpacks what strategics look for in acquisitions plus lessons from LSI, leadership, and the discipline of endurance running.

• Brent Lavin LinkedIn

• Ironwood Medtech Partners LinkedIn

• Duane Mancini LinkedIn

• Project Medtech Website

• Project Medtech LinkedIn

Thank you to our sponsors: Ward Law and JumpStart Inc.

In this episode, Duane Mancini speaks with vascular neurologist Anit Behera about what it takes to improve stroke care from the ER through long-term recovery. Anit shares his path through an MD-PhD in outcomes research, how consulting and clinical trials shaped his innovation mindset, and why stroke care advancement spans four phases: prevention, acute treatment, post-acute care, and rehabilitation. He explains where he sees major opportunity next, pointing to emerging devices and research in post-stroke rehab alongside stronger prevention strategies and better health literacy. The conversation also breaks down how clinicians evaluate new technologies, emphasizing rigorous data, patient safety, and real-world workflow fit, plus the role of key opinion leaders and conferences in driving adoption.

• Anit Behera LinkedIn

• Duane Mancini LinkedIn

• Project Medtech Website

• Project Medtech LinkedIn

Thank you to our sponsors: Ward Law and JumpStart Inc.

In this episode, Jake Ward joins Duane Mancini to break down how startups should think about intellectual property from day one and why smart IP decisions directly impact fundability. Jake shares how Ward Law grew from a three-person boutique to a 35-person, multi-state virtual firm, and why their Midwest roots help deliver high-quality IP services at accessible rates for entrepreneurs. The conversation dives into where to start with patents, then shifts to trademarks and brand strategy and why selecting the right mark early, staying consistent, and timing registration can prevent costly rebrands later. They also tackle AI in legal work, exploring confidentiality concerns, “don’t trust the robot” pitfalls, and how to use AI as a tool without letting it undermine strategy or enforceability.

• Jake Ward LinkedIn

• Ward Law Website 

• Duane Mancini LinkedIn

• Project Medtech Website

• Project Medtech LinkedIn

Thank you to our sponsors: Ward Law and JumpStart Inc.

In this episode, Jenny Lynn—founder of milkmade and a mom-turned-entrepreneur—shares how a frightening breastfeeding experience, including an undiagnosed tongue tie and the exhausting “weighted feed” routine, sparked the idea for a Smart Nipple Shield that can deliver continuous, actionable insight into infant milk intake. The conversation explores why breastfeeding—despite being the clinical “gold standard”—so often breaks down early, driven by perceived and actual low milk supply, fragmented care, and limited access to lactation support, especially in rural communities. Jenny Lynn also unpacks her path from marketing and health tech into regulated medtech, including patents, pursuing clinical validation, and navigating a Class II De Novo pathway with no predicate.

• Jenny Lynn Walding LinkedIn

• milkmade Website

• “Invisible Women” by Caroline Criado Perez

• “She Persisted” by Chelsea Clinton & Alexandra Boiger 

• Duane Mancini LinkedIn

• Project Medtech Website

• Project Medtech LinkedIn

Thank you to our sponsors: Ward Law and JumpStart Inc.

In this episode, Merom Klein—business psychologist, innovation leadership expert, and co-founder of Courage Growth Partners—joins Duane Mancini to unpack why courage is a decisive differentiator for medtech innovators trying to earn funding, win pilot customers, and drive adoption of a new standard of care. Merom shares how his entrepreneurial family background, early work in organizational psychology, and experience building startups shaped his focus on making courage contagious. The conversation reframes fear as inevitable—and even necessary—and explores how leaders can “flip the switch” in high-stakes moments to avoid risk-averse traps, respond productively when partners or teams fall short, and turn criticism into forward motion. They dive into resilience, the value of pressure as a privilege, and why your #1 job in tough rooms is changing the energy and aligning people to shared purpose.

• Merom Klein LinkedIn

• Courage Growth Partners Website

• “Courage to Champion” Book

• Duane Mancini LinkedIn

• Project Medtech Website

• Project Medtech LinkedIn

Thank you to our sponsors: Ward Law and JumpStart Inc.

In this episode, Duane Mancini sits down with Sarah to unpack her path from healthcare operator to investor and what founders should know when raising capital today. Sarah shares how her experience as the 10th employee at a digital health startup shaped her empathy for founders and the practical lens she brings to diligence, from ICP and pricing to building durable foundations early. The conversation pulls back the curtain on venture mechanics—how syndication and relationships really work, why fundraising is difficult when LPs demand DPI, and how fund structure, lifecycle, and co-investments can shape outcomes for startups. Sarah also explains Angelini Ventures’ global strategy and thesis-driven focus in areas like cardiology and neurology, and why “exitability” requires forward-looking insight into strategic buyers, technology shifts, and long-term fit.

• Sarah Fox LinkedIn

• Angelini Ventures Website

• Duane Mancini LinkedIn

• Project Medtech Website

• Project Medtech LinkedIn

Thank you to our sponsors: Ward Law and JumpStart Inc.

Join us for a special 250th episode of The Project Medtech Podcast as host Duane Mancini and Director of Marketing and Engagement, Lindsey Dinneen, flip the script. Duane shares the journey from the podcast's inception during the height of COVID-19 to becoming a consulting, networking, and education resource for medtech startups. They delve into the core philosophy of creating value, the realities of team-building, and the exhilarating moments of client success. This episode is a candid reflection on the impact of the Project Medtech mission, the importance of a value-driven approach, and exciting future prospects.

• Lindsey Dinneen LinkedIn

• Duane Mancini LinkedIn

• Project Medtech Website

• Project Medtech LinkedIn

Thank you to our sponsors: Ward Law and JumpStart Inc.

In this episode, Duane Mancini sits down with Louise Yochee Klein to explore the fundamentals of fostering courage and innovation in the MedTech industry. Louise shares her journey from Canada to Philly, co-founding Courage Growth Partners, and emphasizes the importance of understanding and overcoming fear in business. The conversation highlights the critical need for aligning team objectives, adhering to detailed plans, and maintaining positive energy for personal and business success.

• Louise Yochee Klein LinkedIn

• Courage Growth Partners Website

• “Courage to Champion” Book

• Duane Mancini LinkedIn

• Project Medtech Website

• Project Medtech LinkedIn

Thank you to our sponsors: Ward Law and JumpStart Inc.

In this episode, Duane Mancini welcomes Aileen Helsel, Director of Innovation at Carilion Clinic, to discuss the exciting advancements in healthcare innovation in Roanoke, Virginia. Aileen shares her journey from academia to technology transfer and ultimately to her current role, emphasizing the transition from research to real-world application. They explore Carilion Clinic's unique position serving a diverse population, including rural communities, and how this drives impactful healthcare solutions.

• Aileen Helsel LinkedIn

• Carilion Clinic Innovation

• Duane Mancini LinkedIn

• Project Medtech Website

• Project Medtech LinkedIn

Thank you to our sponsors: Ward Law and JumpStart Inc.

In this episode, Duane Mancini sits down with Stan Glezer, Managing Director at Outcome Capital, to dive deep into the roles of strategic advisory and investment banking in driving innovation within the life sciences sector. Stan elaborates on his multifaceted career, from his beginnings as a physician to leading roles in biopharma and MedTech companies. He discusses the importance of aligning a company's value proposition with market dynamics, the art and science behind M&A deals, and why realistic, transparent goals can unlock transactional success.

• Stan Glezer LinkedIn

• Outcome Capital Website

• Duane Mancini LinkedIn

• Project Medtech Website

• Project Medtech LinkedIn

Thank you to our sponsors: Ward Law and JumpStart Inc.