Built for Exit: What Drives MedTech Success
In this month’s MedTech Unscripted, Scott Phillips, CEO of StarFish Medical, sits down with Mickey Urdea, PhD, Founder and Partner at Halteres Associates, LLC, and former executive at Chiron and Bayer, to explore how companies can build with exit in min.
Drawing on his experience inside global leaders like Chiron and Bayer—alongside decades as a serial entrepreneur and diagnostics pioneer—Mickey will share candid insights on the decisions that shape long-term value. He will also unpack the critical inflection points, common missteps, and strategic trade-offs that ultimately determine commercial outcomes.
The session will also include a live audience Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to ask candid questions and gain practical insight into how to position their company for a successful exit.
Built for Exit: What Drives MedTech Success
A 1:1 with Mickey Urdea
Presenter Bios:
Peter van der Velden
Peter van der Velden is the Managing General Partner of Lumira Ventures, one of North America’s leading life sciences venture capital firms focused on identifying and building transformative biopharmaceutical, medtech, and digital health companies. He has more than 30 years of experience as an investor and operator, partnering with mission-driven entrepreneurs to grow innovative healthcare companies from early-stage through expansion and exit.
Under his leadership, Lumira has become one of the most active life sciences investors in Canada and across North America, raising significant capital and supporting numerous successful companies. Peter is widely recognized for his strategic vision, deep industry expertise, and commitment to advancing healthcare innovation and the broader startup ecosystem. He also serves on multiple boards and has played a prominent role in industry associations, including leadership positions with the Canadian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association.
Scott Phillips
Scott holds a degree in Engineering Physics from the University of British Columbia. Prior to starting StarFish, he worked in diverse areas such as lithium battery development and manufacturing, UV spectroscopy instrumentation and hi-fi audio speakers. Under his leadership StarFish has grown into a diverse professional organization with clients around the world and 100% focus on medical devices. Scott is a past Chair and current member of the LifeSciences British Columbia board, member of the 2022 VIATEC Board of Directors, Fellow of The Canadian Academy of Engineering, winner of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2017 Pacific Awards Technology category, 2017 recipient of the VIATEC Technology Champion award, and volunteers with Junior Achievement, Entrepreneurs Organization, and University of British Columbia.