Session
Two Co-Founders building breakthrough medical technology in Australia, and what their journey teaches us.
Purpose: To bring a working Australian medical-deeptech founding team into direct conversation with families who could back the next wave of this work — moderated by an investor with rare insight across both clinical and capital considerations. insight across clinical and capital considerations.
Discussion: What Venstra is building and why, what the journey from clinical insight to investable company has actually required, and what the partnership between Founders and patient capital looks like when it works (and when it doesn't).
Outcomes: You’ll leave with a grounded picture of what backing Australian medical deeptech actually involves, the right questions to ask Founders before any commitment, and a sharper sense of where families fit in the capital stack for breakthrough work.
Martin Cook is a recognised leader in mechanical circulatory support (MCS) with more than two decades of experience advancing cardiac assist technologies. He previously served as Vice President of Product Development at Sunshine Heart and held key leadership roles at Ventracor (LVAD) and Percutaneous Cardiovascular Solutions (acquired by Edwards). Martin has directed multiple device development programs through CE mark and FDA approval and has advised CEOs and CTOs across the MCS sector as a consultant and mentor to MedTech startup leaders.
He holds undergraduate degrees in aerospace engineering and physics, a PhD in fluid mechanics, and is the author of numerous scientific publications as well as the inventor of multiple patents. Martin also contributes to the broader MedTech community as a reviewer for medical technology journals and related grant programs.
Dr. Suku Thambar is a highly regarded interventional cardiologist with extensive experience across both the public and private health sectors in the Hunter region. He completed his specialist cardiology training at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney, NSW, and Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, USA. A recognized leader in his field, Dr. Thambar holds a conjoint appointment as a Senior Staff Specialist at John Hunter Hospital and serves as a Senior Lecturer within the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Newcastle. Additionally, he is a Visiting Medical Officer at Lake Macquarie Private Hospital, Newcastle Private Hospital, and Mayo Private Hospital.
A dedicated clinical researcher, Dr. Thambar is deeply committed to advancing the field of cardiology through the exploration of innovative therapies. His primary research interests focus on the application of adult stem cells in the management of acute and chronic cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, he is actively involved in studying the emerging technology of renal artery denervation—utilizing catheter-based radiofrequency ablation—to manage complex conditions such as resistant hypertension and heart failure.
In his clinical practice, Dr. Thambar possesses deep expertise in a comprehensive array of advanced interventional procedures. His specialized capabilities span coronary angiography, left and right heart catheterization for detailed valve assessment, and complex coronary interventions utilizing intracoronary imaging, lesion-modifying devices, and hemodynamic support. He is also highly proficient in cutting-edge structural and targeted therapies, including Left Atrial Appendage closure utilizing the Watchman device, advanced renal denervation, and balloon aortic valvuloplasty.
