Your Network is Your Net Worth

Dave Rosa is working towards a world where brain surgeries are less invasive, more precise, and significantly safer through NeuroOne, where he’s the president and CEO. He is an industry veteran, brimming with invaluable insights and practical wisdom, thanks to his three-plus decades of experience ranging from sales in orthopedics to leadership roles in companies like C.R. Bard, Boston Scientific, and St. Jude Medical.

From reducing the invasiveness of brain surgeries to expanding the capabilities of the company’s technology from diagnostics to treatment, NeuroOne, under Dave's guidance, is paving the way for a future where neurological disorders are no longer life sentences but manageable conditions.

Born out of a partnership with the Mayo Clinic and the University of Wisconsin, NeuroOne was Dave's answer to a longstanding need for improvements in neurological procedures. Both of those organizations were working to develop thin film electrode technology, dating back to the 1950s, into something far more advanced: thinner and lighter electrodes with improved resolution.

Dave saw in NeuroOne not just a company but the start of a revolution. The technology promises a dramatic shift in how conditions like epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease would be treated. Traditionally, treatment required invasive surgeries where the practitioner needed to either remove the top part of the skull or drill holes into the brain. The end goal of NeuroOne and its two flagship products, Evo Cortical Electrode and the Evo sEEG Electrode, is to minimize the invasivity of these procedures through the thin and flexible nature of the devices. 

The platform could work for diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical functions. Moreover, NeuroOne strives to harness the potential of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) to significantly improve treatment. Dave says, “The fact that it had multiple capabilities really excited me and it was the primary reason why I joined the company."

With two product lines already commercialized under 510(k) clearances, NeuroOne is ready for more. The company's ongoing projects include a drug delivery system and a device for chronic pain management. These developments signify not just growth but a commitment to breaking the glass ceiling of medical technology.

Key Learnings From Dave’s Experience

• Securing initial capital requires more than just a great idea; you'll need to make tangible progress like prototype development and hitting pre-clinical milestones. You can leverage local organizations and social media to target potential investors like angels, large companies interested in emerging technologies, and investors who already have a foothold in your domain.

• Embrace open communication for various purposes, including investment, consultation, and support. Surround yourself with a supportive and experienced team, including board members.

• Opt for shorter regulatory paths like the 510(k) to swiftly navigate through approvals. Focus on technologies with clear predicates to avoid regulatory complexities. Plan your timelines realistically, anticipating possible delays and iterations along the way.