Global venture capital firm New Enterprise Associates (NEA) has appointed Stephen Oesterle (pictured), MD, as Venture Partner. Dr Oesterle is a former Executive Vice President for Medtronic and brings to NEA more than two decades of experience spanning health technology investment, corporate strategy, and general management.
"Dr Oesterle is one of the most widely known and respected leaders in the medical device industry, and it is an honor to welcome him to the NEA team," says Dr Josh Makower, NEA General Partner and founder of several medical device companies. "Steve brings with him a vast global network of relationships across the academic, technical, clinical, entrepreneurial, and venture communities. His experience in the health technology investment space coupled with his business development and general management background will be invaluable resources to the companies in our portfolio and to the NEA partnership."
Prior to serving as Medtronic's Executive Vice President, Oesterle served as the company's Senior Vice President for Medicine and Technology and was a member of the Medtronic Executive Committee for more than 14 years. By forging relationships with global technology partners and technical universities, he oversaw internal technology investments while participating in strategic corporate investments in emerging private companies. He also served as a member of the Business Development and Strategy Committee that approved all corporate acquisitions. During his tenure at Medtronic Dr. Oesterle served on more than 20 boards as a director or observer and built a strong and enduring profile for Medtronic in the global venture capital community.
"After working closely with investors and entrepreneurs across the venture capital ecosystem for many years, I'm thrilled to join NEA during what I believe is an extraordinary time for medical technology," says Oesterle. "With the firm's scale, expertise and rich history of innovation, NEA stands to play an important role in shaping the future of medical technology, and I'm excited to work alongside the team to advance new products and treatments for improved patient care."
