MedVenture Associates

MedVenture Associates is a private equity firm based in Lincoln, California, founded in 1986. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in healthcare and medical technologies across North America. With a focus on identifying and supporting innovative medical technologies and the entrepreneurs behind them, MedVenture Associates aims to help shape the future of medical practice. Although it was known for engaging in seed, growth capital, and late-stage investments in various sectors, including medical technology, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology, it is currently no longer actively investing.

Christopher M. Kaster

Partner

45 past transactions

EKOS Corporation

Series C in 2006
EKOS Corporation pioneered the development and the clinical application of ultrasound accelerated thrombolysis, introducing its first system for the treatment of vascular thrombosis in 2005. Today, interventional radiologists, cardiologists and vascular surgeons at leading institutions around the world use the EKOS EkoSonic Endovascular System to provide faster, safer and more complete dissolution of thrombus.

Genteric

Series A in 1997
Genteric, Inc. develops gene-based drug delivery that employs the secretor organs of the patient’s gastrointestinal system to produce and release therapeutic proteins into the bloodstream.

Game Ready

Debt Financing in 2010
Game Ready is a medical device maker focused on treating post-surgical orthopedic sports injuries. The company operates primarily through its flagship product GameReady. The GameReady device essentially provides ice cold water and pressure to injured joints/body parts.

Pulmonx

Private Equity Round in 2012
Pulmonx Corporation, based in Redwood City, Calif., is focused on developing and marketing minimally-invasive medical devices and technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary disorders. The company is currently engaged in the design, development and manufacture of products that will improve the effectiveness and benefits of endoscopic lung volume reduction (ELVR) for patients with severe emphysema. The company’s Zephyr® Endobronchial Valve (EBV) therapy* involves placing small one-way valves in the lung to prevent air from entering the most diseased regions while allowing fluids and trapped air to escape. The goal is to reduce the volume of the diseased portions of the lung, allowing increased ventilation to healthier areas of the lung. The company has CE mark for the Zephyr Endobronchial Valves and has submitted a CE mark application for the Chartis System. The company has 510(k) marketing clearance for the Chartis System in the United States.

Sonoma Orthopedics

Series B in 2007
Sonoma Orthopedic Products designs, develops, and delivers proprietary orthopedic implants for physicians to address problematic fractures. The WaviBodyâ„¢ technology platform allows for quick, minimally invasive surgical solutions for active patients. Direct to Bone...Back To Life.

Intact Medical

Series E in 2005
Intact Medical Corporation designs, develops, and markets minimally invasive systems for the volumetric excision of tissue for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in select cancer markets. Intact Medical Corporation was formerly known as Neothermia Corporation and changed its name to Intact Medical Corporation in November 2005. It is driven by its mission to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life. The company was founded in 1998 and is based in Framingham, Massachusetts.

Pavad Medical

Series B in 2005
PAVAD Medical, Inc., a medical device startup company, develops therapeutic technologies in the areas of obstructive sleep apnea. The company was incorporated in 2002 and is based in Fremont, California.

eNeura Inc.

Venture Round in 2010
ENeura Therapeutics is a medical technology company developing transcranial magnetic stimulation devices for the treatment of migraines. It pioneers the use of portable, non-invasive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) devices for the treatment of migraine. Prescribed by physicians but designed for patient use, it is the first truly portable, convenient TMS product that will allow migraine patients to administer treatment as needed—at home, in the office, or on the go.

Sleep Solutions

Venture Round in 2003
Sleep Solutions (SSI) is a privately held diagnostic service provider for home testing and evaluation of sleep-disordered breathing, which includes the diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Sleep Solutions® offers physicians and their patients a fast, cost-effective, accurate and comfortable alternative to in-laboratory sleep studies. Utilizing proprietary sound analysis technology, their NovaSom® QSG® home-diagnostic system is delivered directly to the patient.

BeneChill

Series C in 2009
BeneChill, Inc., a medical device company, develops non-invasive cooling technologies in the United States and Europe. The company develops non-invasive cooling technologies to improve patient outcomes after acute ischemic events, such as cardiac arrest, stroke, and traumatic brain injury. Its RhinoChill System focuses on reducing patient temperature. The company was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in San Diego, California.

Amnis

Series C in 2008
Amnis Corporation engages in the development, manufacture, and marketing of cell analysis systems for the imaging and analysis of cells in flow. It provides ImageStream, an instrument that combines the functionalities of microscopy and flow cytometry in a single platform for various applications in drug discovery, basic biomedical research, and diagnostics. The company also offers upgrades for ImageStream system to add additional functionality, including violet and red lasers, and an extended depth of field technology (EDF) option. In addition, it provides IDEAS, a cell image analysis software that is used for the quantitative analysis of cell images, as well as for the evaluation of image-based data in various cell populations. Further, the company provides a calibration reagent for the operation of ImageStream system that allows the instrument to track flow rate and core position; and a sheath solution for the functioning of ImageStream system. Its systems are used in apoptosis, immune synapse analysis, nuclear translocation, leukocyte classification, cell cycle analysis, cell morphology analysis, intracellular molecular trafficking, surface markers co-localization, and gene expression quantitation applications. The company offers its products to academic, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical customers. Amnis Corporation was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Aesthera Corporation

Series A in 2004
Aesthera is an innovative company focused on reinventing the world of high technology aesthetics. Based in Pleasanton, California, Aesthera was founded by an experienced team of professionals with decades of combined experience in innovative laser R&D, strong connnections to the medical community and proven successes in establishing global markets for medical devices. At the forefront of advancements in the field of light based aesthetic treatments, Aesthera has developed breakthrough Photopneumatic Therapy (PPx) bringing an unprecedented array of firsts to physicians and patients: First no pain treatments, the first light based therapy to require no pre-treatments, the first to treat legs and backs in under twenty minutes, and the first to offer hygienic treatments that are 4-5x safer and highly effective.

OptiScan Biomedical

Venture Round in 2005
OptiScan Biomedical Corporation develops glucose monitoring systems for the intensive care unit (ICU)/CCU. It offers OptiScanner, an automated, bedside glucose monitoring system to assist healthcare providers manage the glucose level of critically ill patients. The company’s OptiScanner provides serial blood glucose measurements for a range of glucose concentrations. OptiScan Biomedical Corporation was founded in 1994 and is based in Hayward, California.

BeneChill

Series B in 2007
BeneChill, Inc., a medical device company, develops non-invasive cooling technologies in the United States and Europe. The company develops non-invasive cooling technologies to improve patient outcomes after acute ischemic events, such as cardiac arrest, stroke, and traumatic brain injury. Its RhinoChill System focuses on reducing patient temperature. The company was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in San Diego, California.

NanoVasc

Series A in 2008
NanoVasc, in stealth mode, is developing medical devices.

PolyRemedy

Series A in 2005
PolyRemedy offers integrated wound management systems designed to increase consistency by extending wound care expertise to the point of care. The PolyRemedy Personalized Woundcare System (PWS) enables clinicians to document care through easy-to-use, web-based assessment tools and order personalized wound dressings, while also providing critical and unprecedented visibility into wound care data. It was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Concord, Massachusetts.

eNeura Inc.

Series B in 2005
ENeura Therapeutics is a medical technology company developing transcranial magnetic stimulation devices for the treatment of migraines. It pioneers the use of portable, non-invasive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) devices for the treatment of migraine. Prescribed by physicians but designed for patient use, it is the first truly portable, convenient TMS product that will allow migraine patients to administer treatment as needed—at home, in the office, or on the go.

Sleep Solutions

Series D in 2000
Sleep Solutions (SSI) is a privately held diagnostic service provider for home testing and evaluation of sleep-disordered breathing, which includes the diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Sleep Solutions® offers physicians and their patients a fast, cost-effective, accurate and comfortable alternative to in-laboratory sleep studies. Utilizing proprietary sound analysis technology, their NovaSom® QSG® home-diagnostic system is delivered directly to the patient.

Spinal Modulation

Series C in 2009
Spinal Modulation, Inc. provides medical devices research and development services. The company is based in Menlo Park, California. According to the 2002 Health Assessment on the Prevalence of Chronic Pain, severe chronic pain, as defined by the International Association for the Study of Pain, is prevalent in 10 to 13% of the adult population. Limited treatment options exist for these patients and the burden to the healthcare system is unsustainable. The Spinal Modulation AxiumTM Neurostimulator System is a next-generation intraspinal neuromodulation therapy that stimulates the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) to provide a new pain management option. It has shown promising results in managing chronic intractable leg pain, as well as difficult-to-target anatomies such as the back and foot. By stimulating the DRG, therapy can be adjusted to cover either broad or specific areas of pain throughout the torso and legs, while limiting uncomfortable postural effects typically experienced with other spinal cord stimulators.

Intact Medical

Series G in 2007
Intact Medical Corporation designs, develops, and markets minimally invasive systems for the volumetric excision of tissue for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in select cancer markets. Intact Medical Corporation was formerly known as Neothermia Corporation and changed its name to Intact Medical Corporation in November 2005. It is driven by its mission to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life. The company was founded in 1998 and is based in Framingham, Massachusetts.

SpinalMotion

Series C in 2009
SpinalMotion is dedicated to preserving motion in the spine for patients with degenerative disc disease. By developing innovative artificial discs and instrumentation, we seek to combine the kinematics of a mobile bearing design with materials designed for low wear and improved longevity. Building upon our international clinical experience since 2002, SpinalMotion obtained FDA approval to conduct lumbar and cervical artificial disc clinical trials in the United States in 2005. SpinalMotion is a private company founded in 2004 by Southern Medical, a spinal implant company in South Africa, and Thomas Weisel Healthcare partners. Three Arch Partners became an investor in 2005, and in 2006 Skyline Ventures and MedVenture Associates joined the company's investor group.

PolyRemedy

Series B in 2008
PolyRemedy offers integrated wound management systems designed to increase consistency by extending wound care expertise to the point of care. The PolyRemedy Personalized Woundcare System (PWS) enables clinicians to document care through easy-to-use, web-based assessment tools and order personalized wound dressings, while also providing critical and unprecedented visibility into wound care data. It was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Concord, Massachusetts.

Aesthera Corporation

Series B in 2005
Aesthera is an innovative company focused on reinventing the world of high technology aesthetics. Based in Pleasanton, California, Aesthera was founded by an experienced team of professionals with decades of combined experience in innovative laser R&D, strong connnections to the medical community and proven successes in establishing global markets for medical devices. At the forefront of advancements in the field of light based aesthetic treatments, Aesthera has developed breakthrough Photopneumatic Therapy (PPx) bringing an unprecedented array of firsts to physicians and patients: First no pain treatments, the first light based therapy to require no pre-treatments, the first to treat legs and backs in under twenty minutes, and the first to offer hygienic treatments that are 4-5x safer and highly effective.

Asthmatx

Series C in 2005
Asthmatx, Inc., a medical device company, focuses on developing and commercializing a therapeutic treatment for asthma in the United States. The company has developed a technology that is designed to deliver controlled thermal energy to the airways of adult patients to reduce the mass of airway smooth muscle in a procedure called Bronchial Thermoplasty. Asthmatx offers an interventional medical device, called the Alair System, for the bronchoscopic treatment of patients with moderate to severe asthma. Asthmatx was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Mountain View, California. As of October 26, 2010, Asthmatx operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of [Boston Scientific](/organization/boston-scientific).

Pulmonx

Series A in 2003
Pulmonx Corporation, based in Redwood City, Calif., is focused on developing and marketing minimally-invasive medical devices and technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary disorders. The company is currently engaged in the design, development and manufacture of products that will improve the effectiveness and benefits of endoscopic lung volume reduction (ELVR) for patients with severe emphysema. The company’s Zephyr® Endobronchial Valve (EBV) therapy* involves placing small one-way valves in the lung to prevent air from entering the most diseased regions while allowing fluids and trapped air to escape. The goal is to reduce the volume of the diseased portions of the lung, allowing increased ventilation to healthier areas of the lung. The company has CE mark for the Zephyr Endobronchial Valves and has submitted a CE mark application for the Chartis System. The company has 510(k) marketing clearance for the Chartis System in the United States.

EKOS Corporation

Series B in 2005
EKOS Corporation pioneered the development and the clinical application of ultrasound accelerated thrombolysis, introducing its first system for the treatment of vascular thrombosis in 2005. Today, interventional radiologists, cardiologists and vascular surgeons at leading institutions around the world use the EKOS EkoSonic Endovascular System to provide faster, safer and more complete dissolution of thrombus.

Amnis

Series C in 2005
Amnis Corporation engages in the development, manufacture, and marketing of cell analysis systems for the imaging and analysis of cells in flow. It provides ImageStream, an instrument that combines the functionalities of microscopy and flow cytometry in a single platform for various applications in drug discovery, basic biomedical research, and diagnostics. The company also offers upgrades for ImageStream system to add additional functionality, including violet and red lasers, and an extended depth of field technology (EDF) option. In addition, it provides IDEAS, a cell image analysis software that is used for the quantitative analysis of cell images, as well as for the evaluation of image-based data in various cell populations. Further, the company provides a calibration reagent for the operation of ImageStream system that allows the instrument to track flow rate and core position; and a sheath solution for the functioning of ImageStream system. Its systems are used in apoptosis, immune synapse analysis, nuclear translocation, leukocyte classification, cell cycle analysis, cell morphology analysis, intracellular molecular trafficking, surface markers co-localization, and gene expression quantitation applications. The company offers its products to academic, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical customers. Amnis Corporation was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Activaero

Series A in 2011
Activaero GmbH, a drug delivery company, engages in the research, development, manufacture, and marketing of controlled breathing technologies that are used for the delivery of inhaled therapeutic agents to the human lung and various lung regions. It offers AKITA, a controlled breathing device with smart card technology for the pulmonary delivery of inhaled therapeutics; and Watchhaler, an inhalation device tailored to the needs of children who need to take inhaled medication. The company also provides AKITA², a controlled breathing technology for the pulmonary delivery of inhaled therapeutics in the clinical trial setting; and LimiX, a first flow limitation valve that controls the flow rate. In addition, it offers measurement and diagnostic technologies for use in laboratory settings, including a system to measure the properties of aerosols in a minute. Further, the company provides contract development services for devices to use in clinical trials; and clinical trial logistics services. It markets its products through distributors. Activaero GmbH was founded in 2004 and is based in Gemunden, Germany. It also has locations in Munich, Germany; and Dublin, Ohio.

Spinal Dynamics

Series A in 1997
Spinal Dynamics develops neuro-surgical devices for the replacement of spinal disks. The company's Bryan Cervical Disc System is an implanted prosthesis designed to replace and mimic the flexibility and shock-absorbing characteristics of natural intervertebral discs. It features a shock-absorbing elastomer that is intended to cushion the vertebrae and allow movement of the head and neck and is designed to replace the disc that is removed from the patient in cervical spine surgery.

eNeura Inc.

Series A in 2002
ENeura Therapeutics is a medical technology company developing transcranial magnetic stimulation devices for the treatment of migraines. It pioneers the use of portable, non-invasive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) devices for the treatment of migraine. Prescribed by physicians but designed for patient use, it is the first truly portable, convenient TMS product that will allow migraine patients to administer treatment as needed—at home, in the office, or on the go.

Sleep Solutions

Series E in 2002
Sleep Solutions (SSI) is a privately held diagnostic service provider for home testing and evaluation of sleep-disordered breathing, which includes the diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Sleep Solutions® offers physicians and their patients a fast, cost-effective, accurate and comfortable alternative to in-laboratory sleep studies. Utilizing proprietary sound analysis technology, their NovaSom® QSG® home-diagnostic system is delivered directly to the patient.

NeuroPace

Venture Round in 2013
NeuroPace, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, and markets implantable devices for the treatment of neurological disorders with responsive stimulation. It offers RNS System, a medical device that monitors and responds to brain activity. The company’s RNS System consists of a small implantable neuro stimulator that is connected to leads that are placed in up to two seizure onset areas. NeuroPace, Inc. was founded in 1997 and is based in Mountain View, California.

Alteer

Venture Round in 2005
Alteer optimizes overall performance of medical practices of any size. Alteer’s Internet based software is the only integrated platform that eliminates paper completely and automates the entire workflow in a physician’s practice - from scheduling to charting to billing and patient messaging.

Insulet

Series D in 2004
Insulet Corporation develops, manufactures, and sells insulin delivery systems for people with insulin-dependent diabetes. Its Omnipod System comprise two devices: a self-adhesive disposable tubeless Omnipod device that is worn on the body for up to three days at a time, and its wireless companion, the handheld personal diabetes manager. The company sells its products primarily through independent distributors and pharmacy channels, as well as directly in the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East. Insulet Corporation was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Acton, Massachusetts.

Genteric

Series B in 2001
Genteric, Inc. develops gene-based drug delivery that employs the secretor organs of the patient’s gastrointestinal system to produce and release therapeutic proteins into the bloodstream.

Sleep Solutions

Series F in 2009
Sleep Solutions (SSI) is a privately held diagnostic service provider for home testing and evaluation of sleep-disordered breathing, which includes the diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Sleep Solutions® offers physicians and their patients a fast, cost-effective, accurate and comfortable alternative to in-laboratory sleep studies. Utilizing proprietary sound analysis technology, their NovaSom® QSG® home-diagnostic system is delivered directly to the patient.

Intact Medical

Series D in 2003
Intact Medical Corporation designs, develops, and markets minimally invasive systems for the volumetric excision of tissue for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in select cancer markets. Intact Medical Corporation was formerly known as Neothermia Corporation and changed its name to Intact Medical Corporation in November 2005. It is driven by its mission to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life. The company was founded in 1998 and is based in Framingham, Massachusetts.

PolyRemedy

Series C in 2011
PolyRemedy offers integrated wound management systems designed to increase consistency by extending wound care expertise to the point of care. The PolyRemedy Personalized Woundcare System (PWS) enables clinicians to document care through easy-to-use, web-based assessment tools and order personalized wound dressings, while also providing critical and unprecedented visibility into wound care data. It was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Concord, Massachusetts.

OptiScan Biomedical

Private Equity Round in 2013
OptiScan Biomedical Corporation develops glucose monitoring systems for the intensive care unit (ICU)/CCU. It offers OptiScanner, an automated, bedside glucose monitoring system to assist healthcare providers manage the glucose level of critically ill patients. The company’s OptiScanner provides serial blood glucose measurements for a range of glucose concentrations. OptiScan Biomedical Corporation was founded in 1994 and is based in Hayward, California.

Pulmonx

Series B in 2007
Pulmonx Corporation, based in Redwood City, Calif., is focused on developing and marketing minimally-invasive medical devices and technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary disorders. The company is currently engaged in the design, development and manufacture of products that will improve the effectiveness and benefits of endoscopic lung volume reduction (ELVR) for patients with severe emphysema. The company’s Zephyr® Endobronchial Valve (EBV) therapy* involves placing small one-way valves in the lung to prevent air from entering the most diseased regions while allowing fluids and trapped air to escape. The goal is to reduce the volume of the diseased portions of the lung, allowing increased ventilation to healthier areas of the lung. The company has CE mark for the Zephyr Endobronchial Valves and has submitted a CE mark application for the Chartis System. The company has 510(k) marketing clearance for the Chartis System in the United States.

Pavad Medical

Series C in 2007
PAVAD Medical, Inc., a medical device startup company, develops therapeutic technologies in the areas of obstructive sleep apnea. The company was incorporated in 2002 and is based in Fremont, California.

Pulmonx

Series C in 2010
Pulmonx Corporation, based in Redwood City, Calif., is focused on developing and marketing minimally-invasive medical devices and technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary disorders. The company is currently engaged in the design, development and manufacture of products that will improve the effectiveness and benefits of endoscopic lung volume reduction (ELVR) for patients with severe emphysema. The company’s Zephyr® Endobronchial Valve (EBV) therapy* involves placing small one-way valves in the lung to prevent air from entering the most diseased regions while allowing fluids and trapped air to escape. The goal is to reduce the volume of the diseased portions of the lung, allowing increased ventilation to healthier areas of the lung. The company has CE mark for the Zephyr Endobronchial Valves and has submitted a CE mark application for the Chartis System. The company has 510(k) marketing clearance for the Chartis System in the United States.

Sonoma Orthopedics

Series D in 2011
Sonoma Orthopedic Products designs, develops, and delivers proprietary orthopedic implants for physicians to address problematic fractures. The WaviBodyâ„¢ technology platform allows for quick, minimally invasive surgical solutions for active patients. Direct to Bone...Back To Life.

Spinal Modulation

Series D in 2011
Spinal Modulation, Inc. provides medical devices research and development services. The company is based in Menlo Park, California. According to the 2002 Health Assessment on the Prevalence of Chronic Pain, severe chronic pain, as defined by the International Association for the Study of Pain, is prevalent in 10 to 13% of the adult population. Limited treatment options exist for these patients and the burden to the healthcare system is unsustainable. The Spinal Modulation AxiumTM Neurostimulator System is a next-generation intraspinal neuromodulation therapy that stimulates the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) to provide a new pain management option. It has shown promising results in managing chronic intractable leg pain, as well as difficult-to-target anatomies such as the back and foot. By stimulating the DRG, therapy can be adjusted to cover either broad or specific areas of pain throughout the torso and legs, while limiting uncomfortable postural effects typically experienced with other spinal cord stimulators.

Game Ready

Venture Round in 2007
Game Ready is a medical device maker focused on treating post-surgical orthopedic sports injuries. The company operates primarily through its flagship product GameReady. The GameReady device essentially provides ice cold water and pressure to injured joints/body parts.