AdvaMed in Action: Small Companies & Accel Members in the Spotlight at The MedTech Conference 2025
From real-world fundraising strategies to direct access with leading investors and strategics, AdvaMed’s subject matter experts have built a program designed to connect innovators with the insights, partners, and opportunities they need to grow.
This October 5–8, San Diego becomes the global hub for medtech innovation as thousands of industry leaders gather for The MedTech Conference, hosted by AdvaMed. We caught up with DeChane Dorsey, Executive Director of AdvaMed Accel and a leading voice for early-stage innovation, to explore why this year’s programming is especially critical for small companies and entrepreneurs.
Q: What is The MedTech Conference — and who attends?
A: The MedTech Conference is the premier global gathering for medtech and health tech. More than 4,000 leaders come together to discuss the issues, policies, and partnerships that will shape the industry’s future. Attendees include CEOs, investors, corporate development executives, regulatory leaders, and entrepreneurs from every stage of growth — making it an unparalleled environment for small companies to gain visibility and connect with decision-makers.
Q: Why should small companies and start-ups prioritize this event?
A: Because it’s built for connection and acceleration. Our business strategies & finance track is designed specifically to help early-stage innovators navigate the challenges of scaling. From understanding the latest fundraising trends to learning what strategic acquirers are looking for , this is where you’ll gain both the knowledge and the network to move your company forward.
And unlike generic investor conferences, The MedTech Conference pairs high-level thought leadership with targeted programming — giving you actionable strategies and direct access to the people who can help you execute them.
Q: What are the key themes of the business strategies & finance track this year?
A: We’re focused on five high-impact areas that early-stage innovators and growth-stage companies can’t afford to miss:
- M&A Trends & Insights – Understand the current deal-making landscape and how to position your company for acquisition or partnership success.
- Fundraising Strategies – Explore the evolving investment climate, the types of capital available, and how to structure your approach to attract the right partners while avoiding common pitfalls.
- Public Market Outlook – Gain a clear view of market sentiment and investor expectations to guide your strategic planning.
- Needs-Based Innovation – Learn how to design products and solutions grounded in real-world clinical and market needs for better adoption and ROI.
- Smart Reimbursement Strategies – Discover how forward-thinking companies are aligning reimbursement planning with growth and investment goals.
Q: What are you most excited about in 2025?
A: Honestly, it’s the people. This is the one week where you can walk into a room and see early-stage founders, seasoned CEOs, investors, and policy leaders all talking to each other — and sharing ideas. You’ll see them on stage, in and around the Medtech Campus, and engaging in organic conversations in the moments in-between .
For small companies, that’s huge. We’re at a point where funding, policy, and market shifts are all colliding, and the decisions made now will shape innovation for years to come. Being here means you get a front-row seat to those discussions — and a chance to be part of them.
Q: What is the Medtech Campus and why should small company leaders prioritize it?
A: The Medtech Campus is where the industry comes together — to discuss and shape the future of medtech. For small companies, it’s the most concentrated, high-value environment you’ll find all year to connect with the people and organizations that can accelerate your growth.
The Innovation Pavilion and Company Presentations offer a steady flow of ideas and perspectives from peers, the CEOs Unplugged stage hosts candid conversations between industry leaders as they share their perspectives on the issues shaping medtech today, and the Tech in Motion booth features hands-on demonstrations from across the sector.. We’ve lined up great networking opportunities, from the NEW Start-Up Pitch Competition on Sunday night to Tuesday’s Medtech Campus crawl, which takes you inside the AdvaMed booth to meet our policy team, connect with former chairmen, and see how our year-round work supports innovators like you.
Q: Any speaker details you can share?
A: AdvaMed has been hard at work carefully curating a program focused on small and mid-sized company priorities — bringing together a dynamic mix of strategics, market experts, and innovation leaders to address the unique needs of these companies and accelerators.
We’re thrilled to feature a panel moderated by Juliana Elstad (CEO of Vibrato Medical) with a candid, actionable discussion on fundraising strategies with leading medtech investors from Vensana, Gilde, Deerfield, and Arboretum. EY is bringing both Pulse of the Industry and M&A perspectives to the stage, providing market insights that can guide your strategic planning.
Our Corporate Reverse Pitch lineup includes leading strategics such as Abbott, Boston Scientific, BD, CooperSurgical, GE HealthCare, Haemonetics, Hologic, J&J, Medtronic, Stryker, and Zoll— giving you a rare insight into what the industry’s top acquirers are seeking right now.
Q: Final thoughts — why attend?
A: For small companies and accelerators, The MedTech Conference isn’t just another industry event — it’s a direct line to the people, insights, and opportunities that can define your next phase of growth. Over the course of four days, you’ll gain access to curated sessions designed around your priorities, connect with top strategics and investors, and tap into the policy expertise that only AdvaMed can offer.
Whether you’re refining your fundraising strategy, exploring M&A opportunities, or looking to position your innovation for market success, this is the place to make it happen — all in one place, and all with your growth in mind.
DeChane Dorsey
Executive Director, AdvaMed Accel, AdvaMed
Hear Patient Stories
The Story of Medtech empowers patients to share their experiences with medical technology in an effort to educate, inspire, and create community.