MedTech Snapshot: Lessons in Building A Successful MedTech Company | CEO Andrew Ortega-Verdaguer

Explore the journey of Medtech startups from the perspective of an industry leader. In this series of Medtech Snapshot interviews, Travis Smith sits down with Andrew Ortega-Verdaguer, CEO of IntelVasc Inc., to discuss everything from transitioning out of large organizations to building the right team and creating innovative solutions where most companies fail. Watch each segment to gain insights that can guide your own startup journey.

Part 1: Transitioning into Startups

Key Takeaways:
1. Know Your Why
Andrew’s decision to start his company came after years of experience supporting surgeries around the world. The loss of a close friend to a stroke made him realize he wanted to do more with his knowledge and skills. Understanding your purpose is critical when navigating the uncertainty of a startup.
2. Inspire and Build the Right Team
One of the advantages of running a startup is the ability to bring others into your vision. Andrew emphasizes surrounding yourself with people smarter than you and inspiring them to innovate alongside you. Generosity and collaboration from colleagues, industry leaders, professors, and even investors can be instrumental to success.
3. Embrace the Challenges of Early-Stage Startups
Bootstrapping, limited resources, and even skipping a salary in the early stages are all part of the journey. Early-stage startups are tough, but staying focused on your mission and leveraging the support of others can carry you through the most challenging moments.
Conclusion:
Moving from a large organization to a startup requires reflection, purpose, and resilience. Andrew’s story highlights how having a clear “why” and building a team around shared inspiration can set a new company on the path to success.

Part 2: How to Pick Your Startup Co-Founder

Key Takeaways:
1. Validate Your Idea Early
Before incorporating his company, Andrew reached out to 20 of his previous U.S. customers, vascular surgeons, to see if they would actually use the product. 100% said yes. Getting real-world validation gave him the confidence to move forward.
2. Find the Right Co-Founders
Andrew stresses that choosing co-founders is like choosing a long-term partner. It is about personality fit, shared vision, respect, and complementary skills. He started with a clinical co-founder he trusted and then carefully recruited a technical co-founder from a network of academics and companies.
3. Avoid Mixing Family or Friends with Business
While it might seem easier, partnering with family or friends can strain personal relationships if things go wrong. Andrew recommends choosing co-founders based on skills, compatibility, and trust, not personal history.
4. Be Ready for the Roller Coaster
Startups are unpredictable. Andrew compares it to a roller coaster. Some days you are high, other days you are low. A strong team and good co-founder relationships help navigate the ups and downs.
Conclusion:
Launching a Medtech startup from scratch requires vision, validation, and the right team. Andrew’s story highlights that while the road is challenging, careful planning and smart partnerships dramatically increase the chances of success.

Part 3: Surprise Career Question

Key Takeaways

• Resilience is critical
  Early career setbacks don’t define your trajectory. Persistence through rejection and self-doubt builds strength and confidence.
• Leverage your network
  Personal connections, mentors, and supporters can open doors that applications alone cannot. Networking is a career accelerator.
• Take initiative and be proactive
  Seek opportunities actively. Even unconventional approaches, like reaching out in person or visiting companies directly, can make a difference.
• Believe in yourself
  Confidence paired with guidance from supportive mentors helps you navigate early challenges and sets the foundation for long-term growth.
• Small steps lead to big opportunities
  Early positions may not be perfect, but strategic moves, persistence, and building relationships can create pivotal turning points in your career.