WSGR Med Device Conference

Interview with Larry Barr, Partner at Middle Branch Partners, while attending the WSGR Med Device Conference in San Francisco today.  Edited for clarity.

Middle Branch Partners:  So how is the Conference so far?

Larry Barr:  I’d say it is very well attended.  I am seeing many old friends and clients and getting to know new ones plus some of those in corporate management at larger firms we know but haven’t met all the executive team yet.

MBP:  These conferences can sometimes be a little bit slow, no?

LB:  Not at all!  I would say they the organizers at WSGR have done a great job in the selection of speakers and how they have put together the panels.  It is also interesting to note that they have gone to some pains to bring in some managers from larger companies.  These are the companies that are likely to be the exit opportunities for some of the start-ups and early stage companies that are here today.  You should always make friends early.

MBP:  Meaning…

LB:  These are the folks you need to know when it is exit time and having a longer term established relationship works wonders.

MBP:  So what are some of early stage companies and technologies that are represented at the conference?

LB:  The demand for higher tech devices and approaches is continuing and accelerating at a faster clip than ever.  The result of this is more complexity.  Companies need to master this with market knowledge, IP, a great team and competence in the basics of the technologies.  Also investors need to really be fast on their feet too with an understanding of these technologies while also understanding the opportunities the market place presents. 

MBP:  So the big question: what is the funding environment like today?

LB:  The simple and safe answer is: tough, but there are still many opportunities for funding.  As companies have had to deal with more technological complexity investors have become much more specialized to deal with this from their end.  So it is not unusual to see investors that have adapted by focusing on a specific set of processes or medical devices that they know and do not stray too far from.  This is where a firm like Middle Branch Partners can help, in identifying the set of investors for a specialized technology and concentrating resources on those.

MBP:  Thanks Larry, I’ll let you go.

LB:  Sure, it is lunch time out here and I want to have a nosh.