Q Founder Seminar: Building MedTech Companies with the Exit in Mind
Join Eric Heinz, KSM ’22 for a candid discussion on what it truly takes to build a successful MedTech company with long-term strategic value in mind. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience spanning MedTech product development engineering, product management, corporate development, and M&A leadership at companies including Smith+Nephew and Titan Medical, Eric will share practical insights into how founders can position their companies for sustainable growth and successful acquisition outcomes.
The seminar will explore what strategic acquirers actually value in early-stage medical technology companies, the common mistakes that unintentionally make startups harder to acquire, and how founders can build capital-efficient businesses from the beginning. Eric will also discuss when and how startups should engage with strategic partners, as well as what operator-led investors evaluate at the pre-seed and seed stages.
Designed for founders, operators, investors, and students interested in MedTech innovation and entrepreneurship, this session will combine practical frameworks with open discussion and audience Q&A.
Key Topics
How founders can build with the exit in mind
What strategic acquirers actually value
Common mistakes that make startups harder to acquire
Capital-efficient MedTech company building
When and how founders should engage with strategics
What operator-led investors look for at the pre-seed and seed stage
A networking reception with refreshments will immediately follow the seminar, providing attendees an opportunity to continue the conversation with Eric and connect with fellow founders, investors, and members of the MedTech community.
About the Speaker
Eric Heinz is the Founder and Managing Partner of Heinz Ventures with more than 25 years of leadership experience in the medical technology industry. His background spans engineering, product development, commercialization, and corporate development, including leadership roles at Medtronic, Smith+Nephew, and Titan Medical. Eric has worked on regulated medical products generating over $1 billion in annual revenue and has participated in more than $250 million in M&A transactions. He earned his Executive MBA from the Kellogg School of Management.
This is a closed in-person event, open to the Northwestern community (students, staff, faculty and affiliated startups). Please register using your university or startup email address.