From Innovator to Investable: The Hidden Risks That Kill Deals and How to De Risk Them Early

Patrick Trotter, PhD, MBA (TechMgmt), is Head of Innovation & Commercialisation at Medilink North of England, with over 25 years' experience across academia, SMEs and multinational industry. He specialises in translating health innovation into investable, market-ready propositions across medical devices, in vitro diagnostics, digital health and pharmaceuticals. His work focuses on identifying and mitigating the technical, clinical, regulatory and commercial risks that often prevent promising innovations from securing investment and achieving adoption. Patrick has particular expertise in innovation strategy, market and competitor analysis, and investment due diligence. He supports companies, investors and stakeholders to evaluate opportunities, define credible development pathways, and test value propositions against real market, regulatory and NHS requirements. He brings extensive hands-on experience in product development and regulatory affairs, including UKCA and CE marking, technical documentation and clinical evaluation, and has authored several hundred clinical evaluation reports across all device classes, including Class IIb and III. Through his published work in peer reviewed innovation journals and a contributor to the the MediPath Innovation RoadmapTM, he offers a practical, system-level perspective on de-risking innovation and maximising commercial success, making him well placed to chair this session.

Giles is a serial entrepreneur, having founded and scaled a handful of tech companies, raising both angel and VC money. In 2023, Giles took up his current role as Regional Development Manager leading Par Equity's expansion into Yorkshire and the North of England. Since then Par Equity merged with Preatrura Ventures to create PXN Group. is a leading venture capital firm, with a focus on startups and scaleups in the North of UK. PXN’s investment thesis is to combine the professionalism and rigour of a venture capital manager with the skills and expertise of a broad base of individual investors who can add value throughout the investment life cycle.

Louise has spent the last 30 years assisting clients in their commercial / IP transactions. She drafts and negotiates complex IP, IT and commercial agreements including licensing and assigning IP, collaboration agreements, R&D agreements, SaaS agreements, agile agreements, terms and conditions, supply, distribution and agency agreements. She is used to acting for a variety of clients from start-ups, small and large SME's, plc's and Universities. Louise is listed in Legal 500 and in Chambers UK as a leader in her field for both IP and IT and has been described as: 'An experienced and very capable lawyer on commercial transactions' and 'Superb client service, accessible and flexible, work with demanding timescales'.

Sarah Frankland leads our validation service and is a professional in this, she brings a calm and client-centric approach to her work. Her unique blend of technical expertise, leadership, and regulatory acumen positions her as a trusted partner for clients seeking validation solutions of the highest Caliber. Sarah’s expertise extends beyond project execution to consulting for audits, where her insights contribute to clients' compliance with rigorous industry regulations. She exhibits exceptional organizational skills, effectively managing her workload and seamlessly adapting to simultaneous involvement in multiple projects. Sarah holds certifications as a BSI-certified internal auditor for ISO 45001 and ISO 9001, reflecting her dedication to upholding the highest standards of safety and quality in her work. Sarah’s career is marked by a steadfast commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and a deep-seated passion for contributing to the success of validation endeavours within the pharmaceutical industry.

Tamanna Keir is a Legal Director at Hill Dickinson, with over a decade’s experience in advising start-up and high-growth companies, investors and institutions on corporate transactions, governance and investment readiness. Her work focuses on supporting businesses, including in the healthcare and life sciences sectors, to navigate legal and transactional risks and prepare for successful investment and scaling.