Founder and CEO for ImplantGuard

As CEO of ImplantGuard, a groundbreaking venture in antibacterial coating technology for orthopedic implants, you have the opportunity to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing surgeons and patients worldwide; infection. Are you the visionary leader who can drive this innovation forward?

The Innovation

Orthopedics is a well established surgical specialty supported by an advanced and competitive industry. Whilst surgical techniques and product developments have been well refined, so much so that primary hip replacements are widely considered one of the most successful surgical procedures currently performed, infection remains a significant challenge for surgeons and hospitals and has a sizable and sometimes fatal patient impact.

The prosthetic implants used in orthopedic and trauma surgery are susceptible to bacterial biofilms which are not penetrated by antibiotics alone and therefore enable the development of infection, leading to recurring and costly surgical procedures and a significant decline in quality of life for the patient. There is a critical need for primary infection prevention solutions. Current implant coatings (e.g., silver-based) are either prohibitively expensive, insufficiently effective, or associated with toxicity concerns. Thanks to ImplantGuard’s non-leaching coating technology bacteria will not be able to colonise the implant surface, let alone form a biofilm. 

Our technology offers a breakthrough: a proprietary process for coating metal and polymer implants with effective antimicrobial agents through a versatile, cost-efficient plasma nitriding technique. The coating process is compatible with a range of antimicrobial peptides and other substances. This innovation is secured by three patents, covering the nitriding technology's use on metal and polymer surfaces, as well as on implants specifically.

The company, based in Austria, has recently decided to pivot the focus on the USA market and drive towards a rapid market introduction. ImplantGuard will appoint a new CEO, who will be based in the USA (East Coast) or in Europe and flying regularly across the Atlantic Ocean. 

Joining the venture, your primary objective will be to strategically drive product development to registration and commercialisation initially on the orthopedic market. The technology has many potential applications beyond orthopedics, including in cardiovascular implants, the second-largest implant market and for single use polymer products such as catheters. 

The CEO Role

The CEO will be responsible for leading the organisation in crafting and executing the business strategy to bring this transformative product to market, focusing on regulatory approval pathways, including FDA clearance, and establishing a network of strategic partnerships in the U.S.A. You will have the support of the venture builder NLC Health Ventures, working closely with the inventor and other key stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Business Strategy: Lead the company in developing and executing a comprehensive business strategy to drive growth.
• Product Development: Oversee product development from animal studies to clinical solutions.
• Regulatory Strategy: Ensure alignment with FDA requirements and maintain compliance with clinical and commercial standards.
• Partnership & Networking: Cultivate strategic partnerships and engage stakeholders across the orthopedics industry.
• Capital Raising: Lead funding efforts.
• Team Leadership: Build and lead a high-performing, cross-functional team.

Your Background Includes

• Demonstrated leadership experience as a CEO or similar executive and entrepreneurial role
• Strong knowledge of relevant market dynamics in healthtech or medical devices
• A track record leading product development up to successful product launch, including responsibility for regulatory approvals in the USA (510k).  
• An extensive professional network in the U.S. orthopedic industry
• International experience including North America and Europe
• P&L responsibility and financial management

The Opportunity:
This is more than just a job—it’s a chance to become the entrepreneur leading a highly promising venture. Here’s what we offer:

• Equity-Based Remuneration: Share in the success you help create.
• Cash Compensation: Linked to successful fundraising milestones.
• Co-Funding Opportunity: Invest alongside us and other investors..
• NLC Ecosystem Access: Leverage the expertise and network of NLC Venture Services.
• Strategic Support: Regular sparring sessions with your Venture Partner and collaboration with over 100 CEOs in our network.

Why This Matters:
We’re looking for a CEO who is not just seeking a new role but is driven by the profound impact this venture can have on millions of lives. This is a unique opportunity to lead innovation in a field that is ripe for disruption, and to make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most.

If you’re ready to take on this challenge and lead ImplantGuard to new heights, we want to hear from you.

Contact:

For more information please apply or contact wijna.bekker@nlc.health

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