Sam Ifergan from iGan Partners

Sam Ifergan is the Founder and Managing Partner of iGan Partners.

iGan Partners is the largest venture capital firm investing in Canada. They empower visionary founders with early-stage capital and the true resources required to grow extraordinary, high-impact companies in Healthcare Technology, Digital Therapeutics, Medical Devices, and Digital Health.

Takeaways

Investing at an early stage in medtech requires a deep understanding of the industry and the ability to navigate long development cycles and regulatory processes.

The Canadian healthcare system could benefit from greater adoption of Canadian technologies and increased support for early-stage companies.

Building and growing a medtech firm requires perseverance, a strong team, and a focus on adding value through expertise and resources.

Commercialization in medtech is a complex process that requires understanding reimbursement, clinical evidence, and the unique sales cycle in healthcare.

Chapters

00:00 Genesis of iGan Partners

01:25 Nuances of the MedTech Space

06:06 Investing at an Early Stage

08:38 The Importance of Imaging in Healthcare

11:29 Geography and Market Scale

13:08 Improving the Canadian Healthcare System

15:38 IP and Research in Canada

19:53 Building and Growing iGan Partners

20:58 Fund Size and Check Size in MedTech

22:30 Common Challenges in MedTech Companies

25:05 Exits and the MedTech Market

26:51 Fundraising Challenges in Canada

29:11 Key Trends in the MedTech Industry

30:15 Value Add and Support for Portfolio Companies

32:10 Commercialization Challenges in MedTech

34:07 Exciting Exits and Elevating the Talent Bar

37:14 The Cycle of MedTech Investments

38:27 Favorite Book and Excitement for the Future

40:14 Dealing with Hard Times

41:42 Message for Entrepreneurs