Bringing a medical device to market is a complex, multi-phase process that requires significant investment, time, and expertise. Yet many entrepreneurs, innovators, and even seasoned professionals underestimate the true costs involved — from early-stage R&D to regulatory approval and commercialization.

In this in-depth webinar, “The True Cost of Developing a Medical Device,” three leading experts — Peter van der Velden, Managing General Partner at Lumira Ventures, Ram Rao, serial medtech entrepreneur, and Mark Drlik, Director of Program Design at StarFish Medical — joined Scott Phillips, CEO of StarFish Medical, to explore what it really takes to develop and launch a successful medical device.

The panel unpacks real-world cost data and case studies that reveal how much funding is needed at every stage — and what common missteps can derail even the most promising innovations. From class II to class III devices, and from platform technologies to highly specialized solutions, this conversation provides a roadmap for entrepreneurs, engineers, investors, and executives alike.

Key Takeaways from the Webinar:

• Case examples of companies that successfully (and unsuccessfully) navigated the journey — including real development costs and exit outcomes.
• Cost breakdown by development phase — Understand typical funding requirements for innovation, safety, and regulatory stages.
• Why development is often more expensive and longer than anticipated — and how to plan accordingly.
• Real data on medical device exits — What does a “successful” exit look like, and how does it compare to total investment?
• How to minimize costly design iterations — Best practices to avoid going back to the drawing board mid-way.
• The role of manufacturing and regulatory strategy in controlling total costs — Tips for aligning product development with regulatory and market needs.
• What investors look for when evaluating medtech opportunities — insights on valuations, milestones, and team readiness.

Whether you’re an early-stage entrepreneur, a product development professional, or a medtech investor, this webinar is packed with essential insights and hard-earned lessons that will help you better estimate and manage the true cost of medical device development.

Speakers

• Peter van der Velden, Managing General Partner, Lumira Ventures
• Ram Rao, Serial Entrepreneur and CEO, LensGen
• Mark Drlik, Director of Program Design, StarFish Medical
• Moderator: Scott Phillips, CEO, StarFish Medical