SightLine Partners

SightLine Partners LLC is a private equity firm founded in 2004 and based in Bloomington, Minnesota, with an additional office in Palo Alto, California. The firm specializes in investments concentrated in the healthcare sector, specifically targeting medical technology, biotechnology, and healthcare services. Rather than investing in startups, SightLine Partners focuses on later-stage and emerging growth companies, particularly those developing innovative medical devices and therapeutic solutions for conditions such as vascular diseases, diabetes, and oncology. The firm also invests in companies that provide healthcare services, including senior care and home healthcare. SightLine Partners typically invests between $2 million and $8 million, structuring its investments as preferred stock, and aims to exit within five years. The firm is a Registered Investment Adviser and operates as a Small Business Investment Company (SBIC).

Josh Baltzell

Venture Partner

Baltzell, Joshua J.

Venture Partner

Biller CFA, Joseph

Managing Director

Andrea Crooks

Vice President of Finance

Kunal Paymaster

Managing Director

Smith, Archie

Managing Director

Nicholas Speltz

Associate

22 past transactions

Magnolia Medical Technologies

Venture Round in 2022
Magnolia Medical Technologies, Inc. is a Seattle-based company that specializes in developing medical devices aimed at enhancing the accuracy of diagnostic blood culture tests. The company's flagship product, SteriPath, is a vacuum-assisted blood collection system designed to eliminate contamination from initial blood samples, thereby reducing false-positive results that can lead to misdiagnosis of conditions like sepsis. This innovative system employs a pre-assembled and sterile collection method that actively diverts potentially contaminated blood, allowing for the collection of uncontaminated samples through a separate pathway. By improving the quality of diagnostic specimens, Magnolia Medical Technologies seeks to enhance patient outcomes, lower hospital costs, and address the growing issue of antibiotic resistance. The company, incorporated in 2011, also holds a substantial intellectual property portfolio, which includes over 70 issued patents and more than 50 additional patent applications pending.
Magnolia Medical Technologies, Inc. is a Seattle-based company that specializes in developing medical devices aimed at enhancing the accuracy of diagnostic blood culture tests. The company's flagship product, SteriPath, is a vacuum-assisted blood collection system designed to eliminate contamination from initial blood samples, thereby reducing false-positive results that can lead to misdiagnosis of conditions like sepsis. This innovative system employs a pre-assembled and sterile collection method that actively diverts potentially contaminated blood, allowing for the collection of uncontaminated samples through a separate pathway. By improving the quality of diagnostic specimens, Magnolia Medical Technologies seeks to enhance patient outcomes, lower hospital costs, and address the growing issue of antibiotic resistance. The company, incorporated in 2011, also holds a substantial intellectual property portfolio, which includes over 70 issued patents and more than 50 additional patent applications pending.

Vapotherm

Series D in 2018
Vapotherm, Inc. is a medical technology company based in Exeter, New Hampshire, specializing in the development and commercialization of proprietary Hi-VNI technology products designed to treat patients experiencing respiratory distress. The company offers a range of Precision Flow systems, including Precision Flow Hi-VNI, Precision Flow Plus, Precision Flow Classic, and Precision Flow Heliox, which deliver heated, humidified, and oxygenated air at high velocities through a small-bore nasal interface. In addition to these systems, Vapotherm provides various companion products, such as the Vapotherm Transfer Unit for patient mobility, the Q50 compressor for air supply, and aerosol delivery accessories. The company aims to enhance clinical outcomes while improving patient comfort and compliance, and it primarily sells its products to hospitals through a direct sales organization in the United States and select international distributors. Founded in 1993, Vapotherm continues to focus on innovative solutions that enhance the quality of life for patients of all ages.

EndoGastric Solutions

Series I in 2018
EndoGastric Solutions, Inc. is a medical device company specializing in innovative surgical technologies aimed at treating gastrointestinal diseases, particularly gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Redmond, Washington, with an additional office in San Mateo, California, the company develops and manufactures natural orifice surgical products. Its flagship technology, EsophyX, facilitates transoral reconstructive surgery, while the EsophyX Z device is specifically designed for the transoral incisionless fundoplication procedure. Additionally, EndoGastric Solutions offers SerosaFuse Fasteners, a non-resorbable polypropylene product that provides strength comparable to traditional sutures. The company also supports surgeons through training courses and a range of consultative services, including pre-authorization and medical review.

Earlens

Series C in 2017
Earlens is a medical technology company focused on improving the hearing experience for individuals with hearing loss. It has created the Earlens Contact Hearing Solution, a unique device that directly stimulates the eardrum using a small lens, replicating the natural hearing process. Unlike conventional hearing aids that amplify sound, the Earlens solution delivers sound directly to the eardrum, providing superior sound quality and a broader bandwidth. This innovative, non-surgical approach allows for automatic adjustments in challenging listening environments while minimizing feedback. The technology received FDA clearance in 2019 for its second generation, marking a significant advancement in hearing solutions aimed at enhancing the quality of life for those with hearing impairment.

Monteris Medical

Series C in 2017
Monteris Medical, Inc. is a medical device company that specializes in developing and marketing technologies for minimally invasive neurosurgery, particularly focused on the treatment of brain lesions. The company's flagship product, the NeuroBlate System, is a laser thermotherapy system designed for the volumetric ablation of pathological brain lesions, including both primary and metastatic tumors. This system utilizes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance and applies focused laser energy to effectively target and ablate tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Monteris Medical also offers various stereotactic anchoring devices for precise image-guided trajectory alignment, as well as stabilization systems for MRI-based procedures that require head fixation. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Plymouth, Minnesota, the company serves neurosurgeons across the United States through a dedicated sales force. Monteris Medical was previously known as AutoLITT until rebranding in 2003.

Vapotherm

Series D in 2017
Vapotherm, Inc. is a medical technology company based in Exeter, New Hampshire, specializing in the development and commercialization of proprietary Hi-VNI technology products designed to treat patients experiencing respiratory distress. The company offers a range of Precision Flow systems, including Precision Flow Hi-VNI, Precision Flow Plus, Precision Flow Classic, and Precision Flow Heliox, which deliver heated, humidified, and oxygenated air at high velocities through a small-bore nasal interface. In addition to these systems, Vapotherm provides various companion products, such as the Vapotherm Transfer Unit for patient mobility, the Q50 compressor for air supply, and aerosol delivery accessories. The company aims to enhance clinical outcomes while improving patient comfort and compliance, and it primarily sells its products to hospitals through a direct sales organization in the United States and select international distributors. Founded in 1993, Vapotherm continues to focus on innovative solutions that enhance the quality of life for patients of all ages.

Vapotherm

Series C in 2015
Vapotherm, Inc. is a medical technology company based in Exeter, New Hampshire, specializing in the development and commercialization of proprietary Hi-VNI technology products designed to treat patients experiencing respiratory distress. The company offers a range of Precision Flow systems, including Precision Flow Hi-VNI, Precision Flow Plus, Precision Flow Classic, and Precision Flow Heliox, which deliver heated, humidified, and oxygenated air at high velocities through a small-bore nasal interface. In addition to these systems, Vapotherm provides various companion products, such as the Vapotherm Transfer Unit for patient mobility, the Q50 compressor for air supply, and aerosol delivery accessories. The company aims to enhance clinical outcomes while improving patient comfort and compliance, and it primarily sells its products to hospitals through a direct sales organization in the United States and select international distributors. Founded in 1993, Vapotherm continues to focus on innovative solutions that enhance the quality of life for patients of all ages.

Conventus Orthopaedics

Series A in 2014
Conventus Orthopaedics provides a range of orthopedic and sports medicine services. The physicians specialize in orthopedic surgery, reconstructive surgery, spine surgery, joint replacement, sports medicine, physical therapy, and operative care of fractures, arthritis, strains, sprains, and sports-related injuries. Conventus was formed by a team of medical professionals with the sole purpose of creating less invasive ways to treat challenging periarticular fractures. By leveraging advanced nitinol technology, the Conventus team has developed a platform technology that provides robust fixation and creates reliable repairs. The company was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Maple Grove, Minnesota.

Conventus Orthopaedics

Venture Round in 2013
Conventus Orthopaedics provides a range of orthopedic and sports medicine services. The physicians specialize in orthopedic surgery, reconstructive surgery, spine surgery, joint replacement, sports medicine, physical therapy, and operative care of fractures, arthritis, strains, sprains, and sports-related injuries. Conventus was formed by a team of medical professionals with the sole purpose of creating less invasive ways to treat challenging periarticular fractures. By leveraging advanced nitinol technology, the Conventus team has developed a platform technology that provides robust fixation and creates reliable repairs. The company was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Maple Grove, Minnesota.

CVRx

Series F in 2013
CVRx is a medical device company that develops implantable technology for the treatment of high blood pressure. Its products include Rheos implantable pulse generator that provides control and delivery of the activation energy; and Rheos carotid sinus leads, which conducts activation energy from the Rheos implantable pulse generator to the left and right carotid arteries. The company also offers a Rheos programmer system that communicates with the Rheos pulse generator. CVRx was founded in 2001 and is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Celleration

Series E in 2011
Celleration Inc. is a medical device company based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, founded in 1999. The company specializes in developing and commercializing therapeutic ultrasound technologies for wound care. Its flagship product, the MIST Therapy System, employs low-frequency ultrasound delivered through a saline mist to promote healing by penetrating the wound bed and stimulating cellular activity. Unlike traditional wound treatments, which primarily address the surface, MIST Therapy targets deeper layers to enhance the healing process. Celleration received FDA clearance for this therapy in 2005 and has successfully introduced it to the U.S. market, demonstrating significant clinical and economic benefits across numerous healthcare facilities. To date, over one million MIST Therapy treatments have been administered, positively impacting the lives of more than 65,000 patients. The company operates as a subsidiary of Alliqua BioMedical, Inc.

Anulex Technologies

Series D in 2009
Anulex Technologies focus on developing proprietary medical technology to repair and seal the soft tissue of the spine (anulus) for patients undergoing a surgical procedure to remove a herniated disc (discectomy).

Broncus Medical

Series G in 2008
Broncus Medical is a medical technology company specializing in the development of minimally-invasive devices for treating lung diseases, particularly emphysema. The company is known for its Exhale product line, which features the patented Airway Bypass technique, potentially being the first minimally-invasive procedure for homogeneous emphysema, a common form of the disease affecting many patients. Broncus is actively enrolling participants in its pivotal EASE Trial to evaluate this innovative treatment for severe homogeneous emphysema. In addition to its emphysema-focused efforts, Broncus operates within the interventional pulmonology sector, offering a range of products designed to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of lung conditions, including lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The company is headquartered in Mountain View, California, with an international presence in Nyon, Switzerland.

PHT

Series F in 2008
PHT is a leading provider of electronic patient reported outcome (ePRO) solutions utilized in clinical trials globally. The company offers advanced technologies, including the LogPad and StudyPad systems, which enhance data quality and support efficient data capture and management. PHT's StudyWorks online portal grants study sponsors, monitors, and sites real-time access to critical trial data, facilitating informed decision-making. By partnering with biopharmaceutical and medical device companies, PHT enables more effective and accurate clinical studies, ultimately contributing to the success of trials.

CVRx

Series E in 2008
CVRx is a medical device company that develops implantable technology for the treatment of high blood pressure. Its products include Rheos implantable pulse generator that provides control and delivery of the activation energy; and Rheos carotid sinus leads, which conducts activation energy from the Rheos implantable pulse generator to the left and right carotid arteries. The company also offers a Rheos programmer system that communicates with the Rheos pulse generator. CVRx was founded in 2001 and is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Atritech

Series D in 2007
Atritech is a Minneapolis-based private company founded in 2000, specializing in innovative medical technologies aimed at preventing strokes related to atrial fibrillation. The company's flagship product, the WATCHMAN Device, offers a minimally invasive solution for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation at risk of stroke by sealing off the left atrial appendage, thereby preventing blood clots from entering the bloodstream. The WATCHMAN Device was first implanted in Germany in 2002 and in the United States in 2003, and has since undergone extensive clinical trials to compare its efficacy against traditional long-term anticoagulation therapies. While the device is CE marked and available in several international markets, it is currently classified for investigational use only within the United States. Atritech's technology aims to enhance the quality of life for patients by providing a permanent alternative to anticoagulant medications.

CVRx

Series D in 2007
CVRx is a medical device company that develops implantable technology for the treatment of high blood pressure. Its products include Rheos implantable pulse generator that provides control and delivery of the activation energy; and Rheos carotid sinus leads, which conducts activation energy from the Rheos implantable pulse generator to the left and right carotid arteries. The company also offers a Rheos programmer system that communicates with the Rheos pulse generator. CVRx was founded in 2001 and is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Broncus Medical

Series F in 2006
Broncus Medical is a medical technology company specializing in the development of minimally-invasive devices for treating lung diseases, particularly emphysema. The company is known for its Exhale product line, which features the patented Airway Bypass technique, potentially being the first minimally-invasive procedure for homogeneous emphysema, a common form of the disease affecting many patients. Broncus is actively enrolling participants in its pivotal EASE Trial to evaluate this innovative treatment for severe homogeneous emphysema. In addition to its emphysema-focused efforts, Broncus operates within the interventional pulmonology sector, offering a range of products designed to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of lung conditions, including lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The company is headquartered in Mountain View, California, with an international presence in Nyon, Switzerland.

LipoScience

Series F in 2006
LipoScience is pioneering a new field of personalized diagnostics based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology. Its first proprietary diagnostic test, the NMR LipoProfile® test, measures the number of low density lipoprotein particles (LDL-P) in a blood sample and provides physicians and their patients with actionable information to personalize management of risk for heart disease. To date, over 8 million NMR LipoProfile tests have been ordered.

Anulex Technologies

Series C in 2006
Anulex Technologies focus on developing proprietary medical technology to repair and seal the soft tissue of the spine (anulus) for patients undergoing a surgical procedure to remove a herniated disc (discectomy).

Verax Biomedical

Series B in 2005
Verax Biomedical was founded upon the singular vision of detecting bacterial contamination in cells and tissues intended for transfusion and transplantation. Recognizing that bacteria pose a unique infectious challenge in these life-giving tissues, they realized that novel approaches to detection were called for. While these cellular materials are routinely tested for viral contaminants, bacteria have posed a long-standing and heretofore poorly addressed challenge. Unlike viruses, bacteria can replicate outside of a living host, meaning they can grow in these cellular matrices during storage prior to transfusion or transplantation. This results in the unique dilemma of an infectious contaminant that can grow from unmeasurably low levels at the time of collection to massive levels at the time of transfusion or transplantation, posing a serious and often fatal risk to their recipient.
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