Wow – two big medical device exits were announced in the past week: Boston Scientific bought Sadra, and Medtronic bought Ardian.  Most successful medical device startups are ultimately acquired, enabling their investors to achieve a financial return and reputational enhancement. (With sufficient return and reputation, the investors will be able to raise another fund and keep their jobs.) Relatively few medical device startups remain standalone businesses, earning a return for their investors by going public or throwing off profits. Still, it’s usually better to build your company to be successful standalone, as it puts you in the best negotiating position vis-à-vis acquirers if and when they come.

There are likely to be four to six potential acquirers for your company, although there are occasionally less and sometimes a few more. Who are they?  Continue reading “Begin With The End In Mind” →