Building a medical technology company takes more than a promising idea. It requires the right funding, strong industry relationships, careful planning, and a clear understanding of the market. For private MedTech companies, these factors can make a significant difference in how they develop their technologies, bring products to market, and plan for long-term growth.
Financing and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) were among the important business topics explored at the 2026 Musculoskeletal New Ventures Conference (MNVC), held October 27–28 at the FedEx Institute of Technology in Memphis, Tennessee.
The conference brought together medical technology entrepreneurs, investors, surgeons, and industry executives to discuss developments across the musculoskeletal sector. One of the featured sessions, “Financing and M&A Environment for Private Companies,” focused on the financial and strategic decisions that shape private businesses. Charles Hamilton, Managing Director and Senior Partner at Piper Sandler, led the discussion.
The program also featured an investor roundtable with executives from HealthpointCapital, CONMED, Medtronic, and Stryker, bringing different industry perspectives into the conversation.
Understanding the Financing and M&A Landscape for Private MedTech Companies
For a private medical technology company, securing funding is rarely a one-time decision. Financial needs change as a business moves from developing an initial concept to testing its technology, meeting regulatory requirements, and preparing for commercialization.
An early-stage company, for example, may need funding to develop a prototype, conduct research, or establish the clinical evidence needed to support its product. Later, its priorities may shift toward manufacturing, regulatory approvals, market access, and building a commercial team.
Each stage comes with different financial demands. Founders must consider how much capital they need, what milestones the funding will help achieve, and how different financing arrangements could affect ownership and future business decisions.
Mergers and acquisitions offer another possible route for growth. A larger medical technology company may acquire a smaller business to gain access to new technology, intellectual property, specialized expertise, or an established position in a particular market. For a private company, an acquisition can provide an opportunity to take its technology further through the resources and distribution capabilities of an established organization.
These decisions require careful evaluation. The value of a business is not determined by its technology alone. Market demand, clinical relevance, regulatory progress, leadership, and commercial potential can all influence how investors and potential buyers assess an opportunity.
These were the broader business considerations addressed in Charles Hamilton’s session, which explored the financing and M&A environment facing private companies.
Investor Roundtable: Bringing Industry Perspectives Together
Another important part of the program was the investor roundtable, moderated by Gary Stevenson, Managing Director at HealthpointCapital.
The discussion included:
- Pete Shagory, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Corporate Development at CONMED.
- Kip Roberts, Vice President of Business Development and Strategy at Medtronic.
- Aaron Johnson, Senior Director of Business Development at Stryker.
Bringing together professionals from investment and corporate development provided an opportunity to examine the medical technology business environment from different organizational perspectives.
For emerging companies, understanding what established industry players look for can be just as important as developing a strong product. Investors and potential strategic partners typically consider several factors before moving forward with an opportunity. These may include the technology’s clinical value, intellectual property, competitive position, regulatory pathway, market potential, and the company’s ability to execute its plans.
Strategic alignment also matters. A technology may address a gap in an existing product portfolio, complement a company’s current capabilities, or create an opportunity to enter a new market. Understanding where a business fits within the wider industry can help founders communicate its value more clearly.
The roundtable brought these considerations into the MNVC program, connecting the experiences of established industry organizations with the challenges faced by growing medical technology businesses.
What Private MedTech Companies Should Consider Before Seeking Investment or an Acquisition
Raising capital or exploring an acquisition requires more than presenting an innovative product. Companies need to demonstrate that they understand their market, have a realistic growth strategy, and can explain how their technology addresses a genuine healthcare need.
A few areas deserve particular attention.
A clear development roadmap: Investors want to understand where a company stands and what it plans to accomplish next. Defining product milestones, clinical objectives, and regulatory priorities helps establish a clearer picture of future requirements.
Strong clinical and commercial evidence: A promising technology needs supporting evidence. Companies should be prepared to explain its intended applications, clinical relevance, potential users, and the market problem it addresses.
Financial preparation: Understanding operating costs, funding requirements, revenue assumptions, and future capital needs helps founders approach investment discussions with greater clarity.
A realistic growth strategy: Whether a company plans to grow independently, establish strategic partnerships, or consider an acquisition, its decisions should support its long-term objectives.
Preparation in these areas can make discussions with investors and potential partners more productive. It also helps leadership teams evaluate opportunities based on their business goals rather than focusing only on immediate funding or transaction possibilities.
Continuing the Conversation at MNVC 2026
Financing and M&A are important parts of the broader conversation around medical technology innovation. Developing a new solution is only one step. Building a sustainable business around that technology requires investment, industry knowledge, strategic relationships, and a clear path toward market adoption.
Through Charles Hamilton’s session and the investor roundtable moderated by Gary Stevenson, MNVC brought together perspectives from Piper Sandler, HealthpointCapital, CONMED, Medtronic, and Stryker. These discussions highlighted the importance of understanding both the financial environment and the strategic considerations that influence private medical technology companies.
To learn more about the conference, visit the official MNVC website. Explore the 2026 conference agenda for session details and program information, and visit the 2026 presenters and speakers page to learn more about the industry leaders participating in the conference.
By bringing entrepreneurs, investors, and established medical technology leaders into the same conversation, the Musculoskeletal New Ventures Conference continues to create opportunities for meaningful industry connections and discussions about the future of musculoskeletal healthcare.