Scott Nelson Live

In this episode, we had a fascinating discussion with Daniel Powel, CEO of Spark Biomedical, the company behind Sparrow Ascent, a drug-free wearable device to combat opioid withdrawal symptoms. It is also advancing neurostimulation technology to address Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome. 

Daniel found his true passion in medical devices, specifically neurostimulation, in 2006 and has since launched multiple products in the space for companies like St. Jude Medical, LivaNova, and Getinge. He co-founded Spark Biomedical in 2018, which now has two FDA-cleared devices to treat opioid addiction.

In this interview, Daniel shares key insights from his journey: the importance of testing ideas and creating a MVP, diversifying funding sources, and how to make informed regulatory decisions.

In this episode, we had an enlightening conversation with Ken Mariash, a leading figure in the neuromodulation space and the CEO of Sinaptica Therapeutics, where his team is developing groundbreaking treatments for Alzheimer's disease. Their device delivers non-invasive neuromodulation therapy to key networks of the brain and has shown unprecedented improvement in treating this debilitating disease. 

Ken's two decades of experience leading sophisticated organizations has taken him from management consulting at Charles River Associates to significant roles at CSL, Baxter, and Boston Scientific. During his time at Boston, Ken was instrumental in commercialization and strategy development in the company’s $1B neuromodulation division. 

In this interview, Ken shares his time-tested wisdom, covering a range of topics from kick-starting a venture and how to approach M&A transactions, to mastering commercialization and best practices for engaging with investors.

In this episode, we had an insightful conversation with Dave Rosa, President and CEO of NeuroOne, a company developing high-definition, minimally invasive neurology devices utilizing unique thin-film electrode technology. 

Dave brings over three decades of experience in the medical device industry. His career spans several key roles at major firms like C.R. Bard, Boston Scientific, and St. Jude Medical, focusing on marketing, product development, strategy, and commercialization. Dave has several medical device patents to his name, has served on numerous corporate boards, and raised over $200 million in the capital markets. He holds an MBA from Duquesne University and a BS in Commerce and Engineering from Drexel University.

In this interview, Dave discusses critical strategies to secure initial capital even before early development and regulatory milestones are achieved, how to leverage networks to connect with potential investors; and the importance of assembling a supportive and experienced team, including board members.

In this episode, we sat down with John Bertrand, the CEO of Digital Diagnostics, a company that is pioneering AI healthcare systems. Its flagship product, LumineticsCore, is an algorithm that autonomously diagnoses patients with diabetic retinopathy. 

John's career started at Epic Systems, where he rapidly advanced through various roles, focusing on product and business development. His expertise in digital healthcare, honed at Epic, led to his role at 8VC, a Silicon Valley venture capital firm, where he concentrated on artificial intelligence in medical imaging. Eventually joining Digital Diagnostics as CEO, John combined his extensive industry experience with a passion for innovative healthcare technology solutions.

In this interview, John shares his insights on aligning products with real-world needs, the importance of stakeholder engagement for adoption and long-term success, and strategies for navigating the extended sales cycles in healthcare

In this episode, we had a fun discussion with Nick Delmonico, CEO of Strados Labs, the company developing a wearable stethoscope to remotely capture lung sounds.  

Nick boasts a dynamic background with an MBA from the Fox School of Business at Temple University and a Bachelor's in Accounting from the University of Delaware. His career includes roles at ECG Management Consultants, PwC, and J.P. Morgan, where he honed his skills in healthcare strategy, commercialization and operations, business planning, and project management.

In this interview, Nick talks about how Strados validated its technology through others' research and how starting with a clear understanding of the problem, rather than jumping straight to offering solutions, created significant opportunities for his company. He also emphasizes why interpersonal skills and active listening are crucial to success in medtech, and shares strategies for non-dilutive funding as a way to alleviate initial capital constraints while building credibility at the same time.

In this episode, we had a riveting conversation with Greg Bullington, co-founder and CEO of Magnolia Medical, who is leading a team in the development of Steripath, a revolutionary device that dramatically improves the accuracy of sepsis tests.

Greg’s previous expertise includes leadership positions across biotech, healthcare access, and enterprise software. Over the last decade, Greg has shaped every facet of Magnolia's success, from creating their own category and navigating the regulatory landscape with FDA to collaborating with the U.S. Senate for the widespread adoption of Steripath.

In this interview, Greg talks about the pivotal role of robust clinical data, why Magnolia is still running studies even after proving their device’s efficacy, and how to use the results to successfully convince different entities of its benefits, such as FDA and other government bodies in public health.

In this episode, we had a spirited conversation with Sahil Diwan, CEO of SafKan Health. Sahil's company is developing the OtoSet, the first automated and FDA-cleared ear-cleaning device. 

With a background in computer science from the University of Oregon, Sahil's entrepreneurial journey began early. He was already coding at the age of 16 and building startups during his college years. Sahil’s venture into medical technology was inspired by his brother Aadil's struggle with impacted earwax.

In this interview, we talk about consumer-driven medtech, the power of design, garnering experience from real-world data, focusing on building the business before fundraising, and how OtoSet went viral on social media.

In this episode, we had a riveting chat with David Hochman, founder and CEO of Orchestra BioMed, a company accelerating high-impact technologies through risk-reward-sharing partnerships with leading medical device companies.

David has over two decades of experience in healthcare entrepreneurship, venture capital, and investment banking. He has a history of leading successful medical startups, including Orchestra Medical Ventures and Accelerated Technologies. As Chairman of Motus GI and former board member of Corbus Pharmaceuticals and PROLOR Biotech, David has been instrumental in advancing medical technologies, contributing to significant mergers & acquisitions, and many fundraising successes.

In this interview he talks about driving successful partnerships, operational excellence in R&D, and the importance of a long-term strategy for sustainable industry innovation through aligned incentives.

In this episode, we sat down with Deanne McCarthy, founder and CEO of Swiftsure Innovations, a company developing a device capable of safely and effectively cleaning the oral cavity of patients on life support. 

Deanne was a critical care nurse before she decided to make the switch to medtech entrepreneur. With Deanne's commitment to empowering nurses and enhancing patient outcomes, Swiftsure has assembled an adept team and a robust group of advisors that has enabled the company to move incredibly quickly across key functions like product development, regulatory affairs, and commercialization. 

In this interview, we explore the invaluable role of mentors and connections in Deanne's journey, her insights on accelerator programs, and how her initial lack of startup experience gave her the tenacity to seek out and validate collaborative partners.

In this episode, we sat down with Cecile Brosset Dubois, CEO of Sonio, a company dedicated to revolutionizing obstetric ultrasound through AI technology. 

Cecile began her career in 2005 at Capgemini, later advancing to Bain & Company. Her strategic insights as Head of Strategy at FSI - Fonds Stratégique d'Investissement - and her pivotal roles at Bpifrance set the stage for Cecile's entrepreneurial journey. At Kamet Ventures, she fully embraced the startup world before eventually co-founding Sonio. 

In this interview, we touch on her strategic approach to product development, the importance of an in-house regulatory team, her drive for meaningful work, and effective tactics for fundraising.