Latest news with #medtech
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Rise in VC activity tees up ‘strong year' for medtech funding: PitchBook
This story was originally published on MedTech Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily MedTech Dive newsletter. Increases in venture capital investments have positioned 2025 to be a 'strong year for global medtech funding,' according to a report from market data research firm PitchBook. First quarter VC funding totaled $4.1 billion, the highest it has been since 2022. The number of confirmed transactions hit 216, reversing a four-quarter decline. However, the uptick in medtech mergers and acquisitions that PitchBook predicted under the second Trump administration has yet to emerge, and antitrust regulators are still challenging deals. Medtech VC activity fell in both 2022 and 2023, according to PitchBook. Last year brought signs that the market might be bottoming. The number of VC investments fell for the third year in a row, but the amount of funding was higher than in 2023. Signs of a VC recovery continued into the first quarter of 2025, when the $260 million investment in whole-body-imaging startup Neko Health was the largest of 11 rounds worth $100 million or more. With Elon Musk's brain implant startup Neuralink raising $650 million this month, PitchBook said preliminary data for the second quarter shows more than $3 billion of medtech VC funding so far. VC exits are rare, though. PitchBook said there were no significant medtech VC exits in the first quarter, and the total exit value remained roughly in line with the previous two quarters. Total exit value in recent years has been driven by rare big deals, such as Tempus AI's initial public offering in 2024 and the $6 billion acquisition of Athelas in 2023. PitchBook highlighted three notable exits that closed in the first quarter: Beta Bionics' IPO, Hologics' $350 million takeover of Gynesonics and Boston Scientific's $540 million acquisition of SoniVie. The level of activity has fallen short of PitchBook's expectations. 'Our earlier thesis that the new U.S. presidential administration's more lenient regulatory stance would catalyze M&A activity has yet to play out, as broader market turbulence in early 2025 has complicated dealmaking conditions across sectors,' PitchBook said. 'Additionally, regulatory resistance remains a headwind.' PitchBook cited the Federal Trade Commission's legal challenge to the $627 million private equity buyout of Surmodics as evidence of ongoing regulatory resistance. The FTC challenged the deal on the grounds it 'would lead to a highly concentrated market for outsourced hydrophilic coatings and eliminate significant head-to-head competition.' Recommended Reading Medtech venture investment recovery continues, but startup M&A remains limited: Pitchbook Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
3 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
Clarity, Not Volume, Drives Trust In Pain Management Messaging
Christy Saia-Owenby is the Founder & CEO of MOXY Company, focused on strategic growth for medtech, healthcare brands and physician leaders. getty In today's spine and pain management landscape, the only thing more overwhelming than the condition itself is the sheer volume of competing messages claiming to provide relief. For potential patients, this information overload—and the social baggage that comes with it—often creates more confusion than clarity. But it's not just patients who are caught in the noise. For healthcare organizations, medical technology companies and physicians, the spine and pain space presents one of the most complex communication challenges in medicine today. Having worked extensively in this space, I have seen firsthand how complexity is often underestimated. When agencies or partners claim they can effectively market pain products, procedures or providers without a true understanding of the clinical, emotional and social dimensions of pain, it raises a necessary question: Are they advancing care, or simply chasing attention? Pain is deeply personal, often invisible and difficult to define. So is the messaging around it. Crafting communication that is clear, credible and collaborative requires more than marketing tactics—or inflated vanity metrics designed to make generic messaging appear effective. It demands empathy, precision and a deep understanding of both the science and the stigma surrounding pain. In a market saturated with bold promises and competing voices, the question for healthcare communicators becomes urgent: How do we break through the noise—without adding to it—and build trust in a space where trust is often the first casualty? One of the most common mistakes in spine and pain communication is casting too wide a net with a generic message in an attempt to capture the attention of the millions of people living with pain. While the potential audience is expansive—with nearly 21% of U.S. adults living with chronic pain—seeking mass appeal should never come at the expense of relevance. In an effort to seem inclusive, many medtech brand strategies end up overly generalized, lacking the nuance needed to truly connect. Ironically, this often alienates the very patients they hope to engage and help. This challenge is amplified by the realities of information overload. Studies show that an excess of digital content can significantly impair decision making, productivity and well-being, illustrating why focused positioning is critical for impact. The fundamental role of a healthcare brand strategist is not to promote everything to everyone; it is to deeply understand a specific pain point and deliver a clear, confident solution—your solution. In the spine and pain management space, a strong communication strategy isn't just good branding; it's a public service. Specificity is the antidote to overload. While pain may be physical, how individuals experience it and seek help is intrinsically emotional and cultural. When healthcare communicators neglect to acknowledge this critical facet of care, campaigns miss the opportunity to connect with patients on a core level. Research shows that shame can act as a silencer, with many reporting that feelings of embarrassment or unworthiness prevent them from seeking care or sharing their despair. This stigma is often exacerbated for those with chronic pain conditions where symptoms manifest in intimate or invisible ways. As a result, many patients internalize the belief that their suffering is exaggerated or illegitimate, creating uncertainty around when and how to chart a pain-free path forward. As communicators, we must understand the social context in which we operate. It's not enough to promote a product—we need to validate the pain journey. That means highlighting the full treatment trajectory—not just the treatment itself—and honoring the emotional realities that come with it. Compassionate and candid campaigns that emphasize empathy and care build trust. And trust is the bridge between despair and repair. In today's fractured care landscape and increasingly crowded digital space, patients aren't just searching for a service—they're seeking guidance. They need trusted sources to help them navigate information overload, form informed opinions and chart a clear path forward. That's where strategic healthcare communication becomes invaluable—not by saying the most or shouting the loudest, but by communicating with clarity, calm and purpose. The most impactful messaging positions itself thoughtfully within the care continuum, defining a clear niche while acknowledging the complexity of available treatment options. A strong brand strategy doesn't just promote—it provides context. It demonstrates an understanding of the social, emotional, physical and financial barriers patients face, while staying grounded in the specific solutions you offer. When healthcare communicators do this well—offering insight, not just persuasion—they are no longer seen as promoters. They become trusted guides. In a space as personal and high-stakes as pain care, that shift isn't just good strategy—it's a public service. Pain management requires collaboration, not competition. The future of healthcare communication lies in uniting disciplines, honoring lived experiences and crafting clear, evidence-based messaging that rises above the digital noise. When you move beyond simply promoting services or new medtech—and start genuinely connecting with people, their challenges, their passions and their goals—you stop being just another provider or product. You become part of their story. That's how brands, hospitals, surgeons and the entire healthcare industry can stand out—not by shouting louder, but by mattering more. As brand strategists and communicators, our role is not just to amplify, but to advocate. We must continually ask: How can our messaging make patients feel more seen? How can it reduce fear, silence shame and open the door to trust? When patients feel seen, they are not only more likely to seek care; they are also more likely to believe in the care they receive. At the end of the day, clarity isn't just a smart strategy. It's good medicine. Forbes Agency Council is an invitation-only community for executives in successful public relations, media strategy, creative and advertising agencies. Do I qualify?
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Virtual Incision Appoints Jim Alecxih as Chief Executive Officer
Seasoned medtech leader and former Intuitive Surgical executive to accelerate development and commercialization of the company's next-generation MIRA Surgical System platforms and technologies LINCOLN, Neb., June 18, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Virtual Incision Corporation, the developer of the MIRA Surgical System authorized by the FDA through the De Novo regulatory pathway, today announced the appointment of Jim Alecxih as chief executive officer. Alecxih, a recognized commercial leader in the medical device industry, brings more than 30 years of experience advancing transformative surgical technologies worldwide, including a distinguished tenure at Intuitive Surgical, where he played a pivotal role in the adoption and growth of the da Vinci Surgical System. Virtual Incision is now preparing for the accelerated development and commercialization of their next system, M2, with plans for a series of FDA submissions in various specialties. M2 is a miniaturized, single port surgical robotic system designed to be smart, simple and small, with the potential to minimize the cost and complexity of current mainframe cart-based surgical robotic systems. M2 will be optimized to bring robotic-assisted surgery to hospitals and surgical settings that lack access to surgical robotics technologies. Mr. Alecxih previously served as CEO of DH Medical, an AI software company, and has held executive leadership roles across multiple healthcare startups and growth-stage companies. At Intuitive Surgical, he led U.S. sales and was instrumental in driving adoption of robotic-assisted surgery among hospitals and health systems nationwide. "The opportunity to lead Virtual Incision at this pivotal time is an extraordinary honor," said Jim Alecxih, CEO of Virtual Incision. "I believe deeply in the benefits of robotic-assisted surgery to both patients, surgeons and hospitals. M2 has the potential to dramatically expand access to robotic-assisted surgery in rural hospitals, HOPD and ASC settings, and around the world. Virtual Incision's visionary approach is to ensure that robotic-assisted surgery is more accessible, flexible and scalable for a broader range of operating environments. I'm thrilled to join this talented team and help accelerate our impact on patients and providers." "We are delighted to welcome Mr. Alecxih to Virtual Incision at this significant stage in the company's growth," said Tyler Stowater, partner at Bluestem Capital and Virtual Incision board member. "Mr. Alecxih's exceptional leadership skills and deep industry knowledge make him the ideal person to lead us into our next phase of growth and innovation." Mr. Alecxih joins Virtual Incision at a time of significant momentum. In 2025, the company has been honored as a finalist or winner in three prestigious innovation awards: Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies SXSW Innovation Award Fierce MedTech's Fierce 15 Virtual Incision's MIRA Surgical System is designed to offer a portable, scalable solution for minimally invasive procedures with a small footprint and a simple setup. With M2, the company aims to expand clinical capabilities and will continue redefining the future of robotic-assisted surgery. About the MIRA Surgical System MIRA is the world's first miniaturized robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) system. Its small, sleek form factor is designed to offer the benefits of RAS during colectomy procedures without the logistical inefficiencies of traditional mainframe robotics. The easily accessible device weighs approximately two pounds (less than one kg) and offers internal triangulation with shoulders, arms, and infinite wrist roll inside of the body. It can be used in any operating room – a dedicated operating room is unnecessary. With its drape- and dock-free design and portability, MIRA is quick to set up, clean up, and move between cases. Its conveniently accessible design positions it to be used as a standalone system or a complementary tool for facilities that already own a legacy surgical robotic system. With MIRA, every operating room is RAS-ready. About Virtual Incision Virtual Incision is on a mission to simplify robotic-assisted surgery (RAS), so more patients and their surgeons can access its benefits every day. Headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska, and holding over two hundred patents and patent applications, the company developed MIRA, the first-of-its-kind miniature RAS system. Virtual Incision's goal is to make every operating room RAS-ready. For more information, visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn. Important Safety Information The MIRA Surgical System is intended for prescription use only. Patients should talk to their doctor to decide if surgery with a MIRA Surgical System is right for them. For important safety information, indications for use, risks, and warnings, please refer to Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This communication contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include but are not limited to, statements regarding our plans, beliefs, expectations, assumptions, and other statements that are not necessarily historical facts. You are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve risks and uncertainties. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements. This communication also contains market data related to our business and industry which includes projections that are based on several assumptions we believe are reasonable and most significant to the projections as of the date of this communication. If any of our assumptions prove to be incorrect, our actual results may significantly differ from our projections based on these assumptions. View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Ashlynn MeyerVirtual Sign in to access your portfolio
National Post
11-06-2025
- Business
- National Post
Genesys Capital is Closing its Largest Fund to Date – Genesys Ventures IV LP
Article content TORONTO & MONTREAL — Genesys Capital ('Genesys') is pleased to announce the upcoming closing of Genesys Ventures IV LP ('Fund IV' or the 'fund') to continue its successful track record of building Canadian life science companies in both the medtech and biotech sectors. Article content Genesys welcomes new Limited Partners into Fund IV and thanks returning LP's that engaged early, maintained unwavering support through the fundraising process, and provided catalytic commitments of scale to the fund, in the current context of an unprecedented, ever-changing macro environment. Fund IV institutional investors include: BDC Capital, Export Development Canada (EDC), Fonds de solidarité de la Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec (FTQ), HarbourVest, Royal Bank of Canada, Teralys Capital, Venture Ontario, and the Government of Canada's Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI), which is administered by BDC Capital under its Life Sciences Stream. Limited Partner commitment to the Genesys franchise and the Genesys investment thesis of co-creating and investing in disruptive Canadian life science opportunities has paid off as Genesys has delivered class leading performance and increasing DPI across its successive funds. Article content Genesys' value-added, partnership approach to working with scientific founders provides both capital and expertise to create companies that compete on a global scale. This has anchored Genesys as a local trusted source of deal flow for global syndicate partners and a first point of contact for repeat entrepreneurs. The team at Genesys has mastered its strategy that takes advantage of the opportunity that the innovation in Canada provides. Article content Genesys has a distinguished history of delivering upper quartile returns across its previous funds and has stepped up into upper decile in its third fund. Notable recent exits include Inversago Pharma, which was acquired by Novo Nordisk for $1.4 billion, and Fusion Pharmaceuticals, which exited to AstraZeneca for $3.3 billion. These successes highlight Genesys' ability to generate fund level returns driven by local Canadian innovation. Article content With this fund, Genesys Capital will continue to set the standard for life sciences venture capital in Canada, with a commitment to building world-class companies and delivering exceptional returns for its investors. Article content Quotes Article content 'EDC is proud to support Genesys Capital, an important funder of companies advancing life sciences in Canada. As healthcare continues its rapid global expansion, Canada stands out with its skilled talent base, early-stage research and development capacity, and strong presence in medtech and biotech. Genesys' approach of building anchor companies will foster enduring ecosystem clusters in Canada, help drive innovation and strengthen Canada's global competitiveness in this growing sector. We look forward to seeing the transformative impact of this fund.' Guillermo Freire, Senior Vice-President, Mid-Market Group, EDC. 'The Fonds de solidarité FTQ's reinvestment in Genesys Capital demonstrates our confidence in a strategic player in life sciences venture capital. With its in-depth knowledge of the Quebec ecosystem and its ongoing support for emerging local companies in biotechnology, Genesys actively contributes to the sector's competitiveness and innovation.' Maxime Pesant, Vice-President, Private Equity and Impact Investing – Life Sciences, at the Fonds de solidarité FTQ. 'Accessing Canadian life sciences investments through a long-term partner like Genesys supports innovation in the market. It is also a strategic move to diversify the Canadian economy and ensure global competitiveness in health and biotechnology, sectors that we believe have historically delivered competitive returns for our investors.' Senia Rapisarda, Managing Director, HarbourVest Partners. 'It is a great time to be investing out of a new fund, and we are looking forward to continuing to create best in class biopharmaceutical and medical technology companies that leverage local innovations.' Damian Lamb, Co-founder and Managing Director, Genesys Capital. 'We are pleased to recommit to the Genesys team and vision. Ontario is recognized as a leader in the life sciences sector and home to some of the sector's most innovative start-ups. The Genesys team, headquartered in Ontario, has a unique ability to identify high-potential companies and support them in becoming global leaders. We are excited about this continued partnership.' Steve Romanyshyn, President and Chief Executive Officer at Venture Ontario. 'Congratulations to the Genesys team. The government's approach of co-investing alongside private VC funds through the Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative is helping boost investment in emerging sectors. Today's announcement shows that Canadian life sciences innovation is going strong and getting the support it needs to compete.' The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. About Genesys Genesys Capital is a Venture Capital Fund based in Toronto, investing in early-stage life sciences opportunities in areas of unmet medical need. With over 25 years of investment experience adhering to a consistent company creation investment strategy, Genesys has become the most successful life sciences venture firm in Canada. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Why Intuitive Surgical Stock Plunged Today
Deutsche Bank downgraded Intuitive Surgical stock to sell this morning. The banker worries third-party remanufacturers will cut into Intuitive's surgical tools business. Deutsche's new price target sees 16% downside to the stock. 10 stocks we like better than Intuitive Surgical › Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG), the maker of surgical robots and tools for robotic surgery, is taking it on the chin in afternoon trading Monday. Through 2:22 p.m. ET, Intuitive stock has lost 5.5% of its value. You can blame Deutsche Bank for that. Deutsche Bank downgraded Intuitive Surgical stock to "sell" this morning, with a $440 price target implying more than 16% downside. "Intuitive's da Vinci platform has proven to be among the most disruptive technologies in medtech history," admits the banker, with more than 10,000 systems in service globally, performing more than 3 million robotic surgeries per year. Nevertheless, Deutsche sees risks in the company's business model, primarily to its "Instruments and Accessories" business, where third-party companies have begun "remanufacturing" old surgical instruments, once produced and sold by Intuitive but later worn out and removed from service. In theory, such instruments would be replaced by new equipment produced (and sold) by Intuitive to its customers. Repair and restored-to-service old instruments, however, could cut into that business, potentially reducing the company's U.S. I&A revenue by as much as 46%, warns Deutsche today in a note covered on The Fly. How worried should investors be about this? Pretty worried, I think. Consider that Intuitive Surgical stock sells for a sky-high 82 times trailing earnings at present, and requires a brisk growth rate to justify that valuation. Most analysts only expect the company to grow earnings 16% annually over the next five years, however, which isn't really that fast for a growth stock. And now Deutsche is saying even the "16%" could be at risk? Sounds like a good reason to sell Intuitive Surgical stock and take some profits, if you ask me. Before you buy stock in Intuitive Surgical, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Intuitive Surgical wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $669,517!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $868,615!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 792% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 173% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join . See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of June 9, 2025 Rich Smith has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Intuitive Surgical. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Why Intuitive Surgical Stock Plunged Today was originally published by The Motley Fool
