The Business of Biofabrication

A New Chapter in Medtech Company Building
Vensana Capital, a leading venture and growth equity firm focused on medical technology, has launched Vensana Innovation (VI)—a new platform dedicated to identifying, developing, and commercializing next-generation medical technologies. The initiative will be led by Thomas Tu, MD, who joins the firm as Venture Partner after a distinguished career as Chief Medical Officer at Inari Medical.

Accelerating Medtech Innovation
Vensana Innovation aims to transform bold ideas into successful medtech companies by providing access to capital, product development expertise, and strategic guidance. The platform will work across a range of opportunities—from internal discoveries and physician-led projects to early-stage companies and large device firms looking to expand or optimize their portfolios.

Leadership and Team
As CEO of VI, Dr. Tu brings deep clinical and entrepreneurial experience. During his time at Inari Medical, he helped pioneer thrombectomy as a standard treatment for venous thromboembolism, leading clinical programs and global market adoption. A Harvard-trained cardiologist with decades in interventional practice, Dr. Tu’s combination of clinical and industry expertise uniquely positions him to bridge innovation with patient care.

Joining Dr. Tu is an experienced founding team including Chairman Bill Hoffman, R&D veterans Ben Merritt, Cole Thress, Brian Merritt, and Advising CTO Phil Marchand. Together, they have played pivotal roles in developing breakthrough technologies at companies such as Inari Medical (acquired by Stryker in 2025) and Sequent Medical (acquired by Terumo in 2016).

A Vision for Company Creation
“I’m honored to lead Vensana Innovation,” said Dr. Tu. “By combining Vensana’s proven record in medtech investing with our in-house development expertise, we can bring transformative technologies from concept to clinic faster than ever before.”
Chairman Bill Hoffman added, “This team has built category-defining products before—and now we’re ready to do it again for the next generation of medtech solutions.”

Expanding Vensana’s Reach
Since its founding in 2019, Vensana Capital has grown into one of the most respected names in medtech investing, with approximately $1 billion under management. The launch of VI extends Vensana’s reach across every stage of the innovation lifecycle—empowering entrepreneurs, clinicians, and inventors to bring new ideas to life.

“Vensana Innovation allows us to partner even earlier and more deeply with founders,” said Managing Partners Kirk Nielsen and Justin Klein, MD, JD. “Our mission remains the same: to be the go-to builder and investor for transformative medtech companies.”

About Vensana Capital
Vensana Capital is a venture and growth equity firm committed to advancing healthcare through innovation in medical devices, diagnostics, and data-driven technologies. The firm’s partners have supported leading companies including Inari Medical, CVRx, Relievant Medsystems, and Artelon. Learn more at www.vensanacap.com.

About Vensana Innovation
Vensana Innovation (VI) is the creation arm of Vensana Capital, focused on building category-defining medtech companies from the ground up. Established in 2025 by leaders from Vensana and Inari Medical, VI combines investment capital with deep expertise in R&D, clinical strategy, and commercialization. Learn more at www.vensanainno.com.