Investors Club Panel – Turning Ideas into Reality: Funding MedTech Innovation
On May 30, in a room filled with ambition and possibility, the Investors Club panel emerged as one of the most anticipated sessions. More than just a conversation about funding, it became a compelling exploration of how bold MedTech ideas can be transformed into real-world solutions.
Aspiring founders, early-stage innovators, and curious minds came together to hear directly from those who know the journey best. Venture capitalists, business angels, and public funding experts shared not only their expertise but their personal experiences the turning points, the risks, and the rewards that come with backing innovation.
Moderated by Mr. Laviniu Chiș, Innovation Manager at Cluj IT Cluster, the panel delivered a grounded, honest perspective on what it truly takes to move from concept to company. From the challenge of securing early capital to the importance of timing and team dynamics, the discussion spoke to everyone ready to take their next step in the MedTech space.
Programme Highlights
The session covered a broad range of themes, all focused on enabling MedTech startups to grow and scale responsibly. Topics included seed-stage funding, venture capital strategies, smart specialization instruments, and public-private investment opportunities tailored to the healthcare sector.
The panel featured a diverse group of professionals who brought perspectives from across the funding landscape:
Cristian Dascălu, Partner, GapMinder VC
Emmett King, Co-founder, Transylvania Angels Network
Ștefan Koritar, CEO and Innovation Consultant, Borderbridge
Sergiu Neguț, Managing Director, Cleverage VC
Cristian Otgon, Head of Smart Specialization State Aid and Financial Instruments Department, ADR Nord-Vest
Raluca Prelucă, Co-founder of Consolid8 and Partner at fonduri-structurale.ro
Alin Stanciu, Partner, Catalyst Romania
Each speaker offered insights into what investors are really looking for in MedTech ventures, from readiness levels and IP protection to team strength and scalability. The session was interactive and grounded in practical advice, encouraging participants to ask questions and challenge assumptions.
Outcomes
The Investors Club panel succeeded in creating a rare moment of transparency between innovators and funders. For many, it was an opportunity to better understand the path to funding and to clarify what steps to take next.
Beyond knowledge sharing, the session sparked new connections and laid the groundwork for future collaboration. It offered a realistic, yet inspiring, perspective on what it takes to launch and sustain a MedTech business in today’s competitive and fast-evolving landscape.
In line with the objectives of the I3HIES project, this panel strengthened the regional innovation ecosystem by supporting responsible entrepreneurship and encouraging cross-sector dialogue in the health tech domain.
Investors Club Panel – Turning Ideas into Reality: Funding Medtech Innovation
