Managing through Uncertain Times as a Medtech Startup

FDA layoffs, NIH cuts, disruptions at CMS, tariffs—the stock market is down, then up, then down. Running a medical device startup is always hard. Lately, it’s become harder. But what can you do?

Here are Avio’s Thoughts

⏳ Timelines Matter: 

If you closed your eyes on April 1 and opened them again on April 30th, you might think not much happened, as many federal decisions reversed. Everything takes years in medical devices. Don’t get too caught up in the day-to-day. Don’t let the news cycle drive major decisions.

🤸 Flexibility has gone up in value:

Increased uncertainty doesn’t mean you stop working. But it does make it harder to add employees. Value of a flexible consultant goes way up. With groups like Avio Medtech Consulting, you can spin up the work when needed and turn it off when not, saving cash and avoiding layoffs.

🕴‍ Support your local and national association:

Trade groups like Medical Alley and AdvaMed are a wealth of information and have policy teams that advocate on your behalf. Make sure you are a member and make your voice heard. They rely on people like you to help them understand what matters. It works.

🕴‍ Support your local association #2

Most medtech trade groups have group purchasing organizations that can save you thousands or even hundreds of thousands (sometimes millions) of dollars on insurance, lab and office supplies, and key services at discounted rates. It's like a Costco for medtech.

☎️ Call Your Peers:

You’re not the only one going through this stuff. Learn from your peers – those with more and less experience. More minds confronting the same problem are likely to develop additional novel approaches.

❓What else? What has helped you? Drop a comment and share with others.

Startups are hard. We get it. Avio was born in the startup trenches. Founded by a medtech innovator, for medtech innovators, we understand the unique challenges you face. Let us leverage our firsthand experience to accelerate your journey to market.

It will never be easy or stressless, but it can be easier and less stressful.

frank@aviomedtech.com