When launching a medical technology (medtech) company, proving the product's effectiveness often involves clinical trials, meeting regulatory standards, and obtaining certifications such as CE marking in Europe or FDA approval in the United States. However, this is just the beginning. After ensuring a product is safe and effective, the challenge shifts to identifying the right market, finding buyers, and successfully selling the product. This phase also involves choosing the right business model and assembling the correct team. To help medtech and health software startups navigate these challenges, Tomcat, a French investment firm, has launched a new health-focused initiative. Starting on October 1st, the program aims to support startups for six months, with the goal of financing those that demonstrate strong potential during this time. The initiative targets both medical device developers and health software companies operating on a subscription-based (SaaS) model, both of which face specific regulatory requirements depending on their product's purpose. Tomcat, which has supported over 100 startups since its founding in 2011, has already invested in a dozen of them, including Abby, Mendo, Najar, and Manda. The firm sees this new vertical as a natural next step. According to Patrice Thiry, president of Tomcat, the firm has learned over the years that entrepreneurs who have successfully built and run companies are best positioned to support those just starting out. Applying this model to the health sector, Tomcat has enlisted three experienced entrepreneurs with deep sector knowledge to serve as Partners MedTech. The program offers support in recruitment, marketing, and sales development, as well as opportunities to engage with experienced entrepreneurs. The three partners involved are Matthieu Mallédant, former CEO of Hoppen; Dr. Nor-Eddine Regnard, former medical director of Gleamer; and Dr. Yoann Lopez Nguyen, a dentist and business angel. Matthieu Mallédant founded Hoppen in 2011 with the goal of reducing patient isolation in hospitals. The company later expanded to provide digital solutions for both patients and healthcare institutions. Through strategic acquisitions, Hoppen grew significantly, achieving annual recurring revenue of 40 million euros. Mallédant emphasizes that saving time is a top priority for startups, as efficiency can be the difference between success and failure. Dr. Nor-Eddine Regnard, a radiologist and former medical director at Gleamer, highlights the importance of considering market access from the very start of a company's development. He notes that launching a medical device requires careful planning, as regulatory approvals can take a long time. It's crucial to ensure there is a market for the product before obtaining these approvals, as it can be costly and time-consuming to realize there is no demand after the process is complete. Tomcat's program is designed for companies that have already overcome the initial hurdles of product development and have achieved some initial traction with sales. It is not an incubator, nor is it for companies that are too far along, as the key structural decisions have already been made. The firm's approach is based on a "giveback" philosophy, where experienced entrepreneurs share their knowledge and experience with newer startups. Matthieu Mallédant highlights the value of having experienced and humble entrepreneurs who are committed to passing on their knowledge and the practical exchange of insights among startup founders. He believes that such an environment would have been invaluable to him during his early entrepreneurial journey. In the health sector, this transfer of knowledge is particularly important for building strong teams that combine medical expertise with entrepreneurial and investment skills. Dr. Yoann Lopez Nguyen, a dentist with a background in finance and health AI, exemplifies this blend of perspectives, helping medtech founders navigate the complexities of business and investment.