From business plan to fundraising: four EIC webinars MedTech entrepreneurs should watch

Between December 2023 and February 2024 the European Innovation Council delivered a short series of online seminars aimed at founders and teams developing medical technologies. The sessions were organised by Enric Claverol-Tinturé, the EIC Programme Manager for MedTech and MedDev, and brought together regulators, investors and ecosystem intermediaries. The events were pitched at early stage companies that need to combine regulatory strategy with credible commercial plans to attract finance.

Why these topics matter for European MedTech founders

MedTech ventures operate at the intersection of regulated clinical evidence, manufacturing and complex reimbursement pathways. For that reason fundraising decisions require more than a pitch deck. Founders must demonstrate regulatory foresight, realistic product development milestones, sound intellectual property management and a go to market plan that accounts for national health systems across Europe. The EIC programme series aimed to surface those practical requirements and to expose founders to multiple funding routes beyond venture capital.

Series snapshot and where to watch recordings

The four seminars are available as recordings on the EIC or EISMEA video channels. They range from short practical sessions on business plan composition to longer discussions with regulators and investor networks. Attendance varied by session but all drew sizable participation from the community. The events were framed as knowledge sharing rather than official policy statements by the Commission.

Market context presented during the series

The seminars referenced the size and funding dynamics of the European medical technology market. The sector was estimated at about €160 billion in 2022. Early stage European MedTech companies collectively raised around $7.7 billion in financing up to the third quarter of 2023. Germany, France, Italy and Spain were identified as leading markets in Europe by market size and activity.

What each seminar covered and the practical takeaways

1. Crowdfunding for MedTech

The crowdfunding session examined reward based and equity based platforms as alternatives or complements to venture capital. Speakers discussed how crowdfunding can validate demand and build an early customer base. The session also stressed limitations. For regulated products there are legal and ethical constraints on claims and on running premarket campaigns. Clinical validation, manufacturing readiness and adverse event handling all complicate the use of mainstream crowdfunding for medical devices.

2. How to write a winning MedTech business plan

This practical webinar focused on the elements investors expect from a MedTech business plan. Presenters recommended a clear articulation of the clinical need, evidence strategy, regulatory pathway, unit economics, reimbursement approach and a realistic timeline to milestones that de-risk the technology. The session emphasised that slide decks and executive summaries must align with detailed appendices covering clinical data, manufacturing plans and IP status.

3. MedTech startups and the European Medicines Agency

The EMA focused session aimed to demystify regulatory expectations where medical devices intersect with medicinal products or where software claims affect clinical outcomes. EMA speakers presented updates relevant to startups and explained how early engagement with regulators can shape clinical data strategies and avoid costly delays. The event reinforced that regulatory planning is a core component of any credible investment case.

4. Angel investors for early stage MedTech

The angel investor session involved the European Business Angels Network and regional members. Discussion covered how angels evaluate clinical and commercial risk, the types of milestones that trigger follow on funding and the role of syndication to pool expertise. Speakers highlighted that angels often provide more than capital. They can introduce founders to industry partners, clinicians and follow on investors. The session also touched on valuation realism and the need to stage financing according to technical de risking.

Practical implications and cautious notes for founders

The series provided useful orientation but founders should apply critical judgement. Publicly cited funding numbers are aggregate and may hide variance by sub sector, country and technology readiness. Crowdfunding success does not equate to regulatory readiness. Angel interest does not guarantee scale up capital. A strong business plan must be backed by verifiable data and a regulatory roadmap that responds to notified body and EMA requirements where applicable.

Accessing the recordings and next steps

All four seminars were recorded and are available through the EIC and EISMEA video channels. Entrepreneurs should watch the regulatory and business plan sessions first, and then decide whether crowdfunding or angel routes match their technology readiness and regulatory position. Engaging with notified bodies, clinical partners and experienced investors early will increase the credibility of any fundraising effort.

DISCLAIMER: The EIC explicitly framed these seminars as knowledge sharing. The content should not be interpreted as the official view of the European Commission or of other organisations represented during the events.