What Founders Wish They Knew Sooner
On October 21, 2024, StarFish Medical hosted a Medical Device Playbook webinar titled “Lessons from the Trenches: What Founders Wish They Knew Sooner.” The session featured Tim Botham, Andrew Talbot, and Andre Marziali from Aqua Mergers + Acquisitions, sharing invaluable insights into the complex world of high-tech mergers and acquisitions (M&A).
Drawing on their extensive experience in executive roles and high-tech M&A, the speakers delivered an engaging discussion tailored for MedTech founders and executives. Attendees gained critical insights into how to strategically position their companies, prepare for successful exits, and navigate the often intricate and high-stakes negotiation processes that define the M&A landscape.
The webinar highlighted key lessons learned from real-world experiences, offering actionable advice on avoiding common pitfalls and maximizing a company’s potential. The speakers also shed light on the importance of early preparation and alignment with strategic goals to ensure a smooth and rewarding acquisition process.
Lessons from the Trenches
What Founders Wish They Knew Sooner
Presenter Bios:
Tim Botham
Tim has served in various executive roles at small, medium and large high-tech companies, including serving on the buy-side M&A team at MDA, one of Canada’s largest technology firms. Tim sits on several boards has been selling companies for over 20 years.
Andy Talbot
Andy is a serial entrepreneur, having founded 8 advanced technology startups. As a founder of entrepreneurship@UBC, Andy helped launch over 36 technology and life sciences companies in just 3 years. Andy has served on numerous tech industry boards and has been selling advanced technology companies for more than 20 years.
Andre Marziali
Andre is the Director of Engineering Physics and a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of British Columbia.
Andre received his B.A.Sc. in Engineering Physics from UBC in 1989, and his Ph.D. in Physics from Stanford University in 1994. He subsequently worked for several years with Prof. Ron Davis, in the Stanford DNA Sequencing Technology Center, developing instruments for DNA sequencing and sample purification. He moved to UBC in 1998 where he started the Applied Biophysics Laboratory.