SightLine Partners

SightLine Partners LLC is a private equity and venture capital firm established in 2004, headquartered in Bloomington, Minnesota, with an additional office in Palo Alto, California. The firm specializes in investing in later-stage healthcare companies across the United States, focusing on medical technology, biotechnology, medical devices, diagnostics, and healthcare services. It targets investments in innovative medical devices and technologies, particularly in therapeutic areas such as vascular diseases, diabetes, and pulmonary conditions. SightLine Partners looks for opportunities in companies that can enhance the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of major diseases, including those related to the nervous and immune systems, cardiovascular health, and oncology. The firm typically invests between $2 million and $8 million in its portfolio companies, structuring investments as preferred stock, with an exit strategy within five years.

Josh Baltzell

Venture Partner

Joshua J. Baltzell

Venture Partner

Kenneth Lloyd Benson

General Partner

Buzz Benson

Co-Founder & Managing Director

Joe Biller

Managing Director

Andrew S. Duff

President and CEO

Kunal Paymaster

Managing Director

Nicholas Speltz

Associate

Scott Ward

General Partner

22 past transactions

Magnolia Medical Technologies

Venture Round in 2022
Magnolia Medical Technologies, Inc. is a Seattle-based company that specializes in the development and manufacturing of medical devices aimed at enhancing the accuracy of diagnostic blood culture tests. Its flagship product, SteriPath, is a vacuum-assisted blood collection system designed to divert contaminants from the initial blood sample, thereby reducing the incidence of blood culture sample contamination. The company markets its products through distributors across the United States and has built a robust intellectual property portfolio, consisting of over 70 issued patents and more than 50 pending applications. Founded in 2011, Magnolia Medical Technologies is committed to improving diagnostic specimen quality and increasing the accuracy of critical laboratory tests.
Magnolia Medical Technologies, Inc. is a Seattle-based company that specializes in the development and manufacturing of medical devices aimed at enhancing the accuracy of diagnostic blood culture tests. Its flagship product, SteriPath, is a vacuum-assisted blood collection system designed to divert contaminants from the initial blood sample, thereby reducing the incidence of blood culture sample contamination. The company markets its products through distributors across the United States and has built a robust intellectual property portfolio, consisting of over 70 issued patents and more than 50 pending applications. Founded in 2011, Magnolia Medical Technologies is committed to improving diagnostic specimen quality and increasing the accuracy of critical laboratory tests.

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 respiratory distress in patients of all ages. 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 velocity through small-bore nasal interfaces. Additionally, Vapotherm provides various companion products such as the Vapotherm Transfer Unit for patient mobility, the Q50 compressor for compressed air supply, and specialized adaptors and cannulas to enhance treatment delivery. The company also produces disposable patient circuits for aerosol nebulization and Oxygen Assist Modules to help maintain target oxygen levels. Vapotherm primarily sells its products to hospitals in the United States and through distributors in select international markets. Founded in 1993, Vapotherm aims to improve clinical outcomes and enhance the quality of life for patients.

EndoGastric Solutions

Series I in 2018
EndoGastric Solutions, Inc. is a medical device company focused on developing and commercializing innovative surgical technologies for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, particularly gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The company offers a range of products, including the EsophyX technology, which facilitates transoral reconstructive surgery, and the EsophyX Z device used in the transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) procedure. Additionally, it provides SerosaFuse Fasteners, a non-resorbable material that matches the strength of traditional sutures. EndoGastric Solutions also supports healthcare professionals through training courses and various consultative services. Established in 2002 and headquartered in Redmond, Washington, with an office in San Mateo, California, the company has evolved from its original name, EsophyX, Inc., which it adopted in 2005.

Earlens

Series C in 2017
Earlens is a privately held medical technology company committed to transforming the hearing experience for millions of people who suffer from hearing loss.The company has developed the Earlens Contact Hearing Solution, which directly activates natural hearing, delivering the broadest bandwidth available today and superior sound quality. This revolutionary, non-surgical hearing solution uses a small lens to vibrate the eardrum, replicating the natural hearing process. The Earlens Contact Hearing Solution received FDA clearance in 2019 for a second generation of the Earlens technology. Unlike traditional hearing aids, which are in effect tiny speakers that simply turn up the volume on air conducted sound, the Earlens Contact Hearing Solution™ is the world’s first to deliver sound directly to the eardrum.

Monteris Medical

Series C in 2017
Monteris Medical develops and markets advanced medical devices for minimally invasive neurosurgery, focusing on the treatment of brain diseases. Their flagship product, the NeuroBlate System, utilizes MRI-guided laser thermotherapy for the precise ablation of pathological brain lesions, including both primary and metastatic tumors. This innovative system allows neurosurgeons to deliver focused laser energy directly to tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue, offering real-time control and visualization during procedures. Monteris Medical also provides stereotactic anchoring devices for accurate image-guided trajectory alignment and AtamA stabilization systems for MR-based procedures requiring head fixation. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Plymouth, Minnesota, with additional offices in Minneapolis and Winnipeg, the company distributes its products through sales representatives to neurosurgeons across the United States. Formerly known as AutoLITT, Monteris Medical has established itself as a leader in the development of technologies aimed at improving the treatment of brain cancer.

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 respiratory distress in patients of all ages. 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 velocity through small-bore nasal interfaces. Additionally, Vapotherm provides various companion products such as the Vapotherm Transfer Unit for patient mobility, the Q50 compressor for compressed air supply, and specialized adaptors and cannulas to enhance treatment delivery. The company also produces disposable patient circuits for aerosol nebulization and Oxygen Assist Modules to help maintain target oxygen levels. Vapotherm primarily sells its products to hospitals in the United States and through distributors in select international markets. Founded in 1993, Vapotherm aims to improve clinical outcomes and enhance the quality of life for patients.

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 respiratory distress in patients of all ages. 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 velocity through small-bore nasal interfaces. Additionally, Vapotherm provides various companion products such as the Vapotherm Transfer Unit for patient mobility, the Q50 compressor for compressed air supply, and specialized adaptors and cannulas to enhance treatment delivery. The company also produces disposable patient circuits for aerosol nebulization and Oxygen Assist Modules to help maintain target oxygen levels. Vapotherm primarily sells its products to hospitals in the United States and through distributors in select international markets. Founded in 1993, Vapotherm aims to improve clinical outcomes and enhance the quality of life for patients.

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. develops and commercializes therapeutic ultrasound healing technologies in the United States. It offers MIST Therapy, a noncontact and low frequency ultrasound solution delivered through a saline mist to the wound bed. The company serves patients, medical professionals, and payers. Celleration Inc. was formerly known as Advanced Medical Applications, Inc. The company was founded in 1999 and is based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. As of May 29, 2015, Celleration, Inc. 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

Series G in 2008
Broncus Technologies is a medical technology company focused on developing minimally-invasive medical devices for emphysema and other lung diseases. Broncus is investigating the Exhale emphysema product line to perform our patented treatment method called Airway Bypass. Airway Bypass could be the first minimally-invasive procedure for the treatment of homogeneous, or diffuse, emphysema, which constitutes the majority of the emphysema patient population. Broncus is currently enrolling patients worldwide in our pivotal EASE Trial investigating a treatment of severe homogeneous emphysema. Broncus is located in Mountain View, CA (San Francisco Bay area). Broncus International is located in Nyon, Switzerland.

PHT Corporation

Series F in 2008
PHT Corporation is a leading provider of electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) solutions utilized in clinical trials globally. The company offers the LogPad and StudyPad Systems, which enhance data quality and facilitate efficient data collection. Additionally, PHT's StudyWorks online portal grants study sponsors, monitors, and sites real-time access to trial data, enabling informed decision-making. By leveraging these technologies, biopharmaceutical and medical device companies can obtain more comprehensive data and accelerate their trial processes, ultimately contributing to the success of clinical studies.

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 private company located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company was founded in 2000 and has developed proprietary technology focused on replacing long term anticoagulation therapy for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation at risk of stroke. The first implants of the WATCHMAN® Left Atrial Appendage Closure Technology were performed in Germany in August of 2002 and in the United States in October of 2003. Since then the company has conducted a large randomized clinical trial comparing the WATCHMAN® Left Atrial Appendage Closure Technology to long term Warfarin therapy in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation at risk of stroke. The WATCHMAN® Device is CE Marked and available in many markets outside the United States. The WATCHMAN® Device is currently available For Investigational Use Only in the United States.

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

Series F in 2006
Broncus Technologies is a medical technology company focused on developing minimally-invasive medical devices for emphysema and other lung diseases. Broncus is investigating the Exhale emphysema product line to perform our patented treatment method called Airway Bypass. Airway Bypass could be the first minimally-invasive procedure for the treatment of homogeneous, or diffuse, emphysema, which constitutes the majority of the emphysema patient population. Broncus is currently enrolling patients worldwide in our pivotal EASE Trial investigating a treatment of severe homogeneous emphysema. Broncus is located in Mountain View, CA (San Francisco Bay area). Broncus International is located 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, Incorporated, a medical products company, develops rapid tests for the detection of bacterial contaminants in blood cells and tissues for transplantation and cellular therapies. It offers platelet, red cell, and cell therapy pan genera detection (PGD) tests. The company was founded in 1999 and is based in Marlborough, Massachusetts.