Interviews

At Enspectra Health, Gabriel Sanchez is on the cusp of commercializing the VIO platform, which recently received breakthrough device designation from FDA. VIO enables high-resolution, non-invasive imaging of the skin at a cellular level, providing real-time insights without cutting or scarring. By combining advanced imaging with AI, VIO streamlines diagnosis and helps clinicians detect skin cancers. In this interview, Gabriel talks about his transition from academia to startups, how he narrowed down his idea to meet a pressing need in healthcare, the importance of speaking FDA’s language—or finding someone who does—and how he balances dilutive and non-dilutive funding.

Cary Vance has been the Chairman, President, and CEO of PhotoniCare since May 2023. At PhotoniCare, his team developed the OtoSight Middle Ear Scope, a handheld device that enables healthcare providers to see through the eardrum to detect and assess middle-ear infections more accurately. In this interview, Cary shares why clinical evidence, workflow efficiency, and financial viability are the three pillars of medtech success and how he prepares for launches and M&As from day one.

Juan C. Jimenez is the co-founder and CEO of AccurKardia, a startup developing software that uses ECG data to help doctors detect heart conditions more accurately and efficiently with AI. In this interview, Juan talks about how to scale sustainably with optimal dilution, giving your team space to establish a solid product, forging authentic relationships with potential customers, and leveraging your credibility to move your business forward.

Dhruv Agrawal is the CEO of Aether Biomedical, a startup developing advanced prosthetic solutions to improve accessibility and functionality for amputees. Their ZEUS bionic hand is a highly durable, multi-articulating prosthetic designed to handle everyday tasks with improved grip strength and resilience. Paired with a digital therapy platform, ZEUS enables end-to-end patient monitoring and support. In this interview, Dhruv discusses the importance of defining a clear problem statement, his approach to using grants to supplement VC funding, and the lessons he’s learned about evaluating market opportunities while operating globally.

Steffen Hovard, CEO of Neuspera, has spent over 30 years in the medical device industry. At Neuspera, his team is developing a novel, less invasive device that uses neuromodulation to treat conditions like overactive bladder. In this interview, Steffen talks about confirming market fit before investing, building an early network for key hires and investors, aligning development speed with each phase, engaging with regulators early, and taking a steady, relationship-driven approach to fundraising.

Don Crawford is back on Medsider. After he led Sapheon to a $238 million exit, Don joined another startup: CorVista Health. CorVista is developing a non-invasive medical device that uses advanced machine-learned algorithms to detect heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease and pulmonary hypertension, right in a doctor’s office. In this interview, Don talks about the need for focus in startups, the importance of precise data collection, and the value of transparency and respect within teams. He also shares his approach to hiring and building a top-notch group of people.