Cracking Open the IPO Window for Pre-Commercial Device Companies

DexCom's is a bellwether IPO: if it holds its value, it could open the door for other pre-commercial device businesses. If it doesn't, it could keep it shut-as it's been since the class of 1995-96 device companies disappointed investors by missing their commercial targets.

One can only shake one's head in admiration. In December 2004, Warburg Pincus bought two-thirds, or $14.5 million worth, of DexCom Inc. 's $22.5 million Series D round, paying an as-converted price of $5.38 per share [See Deal]. Barely five months later, the glucose monitoring company went public, raising $50 million at $12 a share [200530066]. Since the April 13th offering, shares have lost a bit—but in a generally dismal market, they're holding their own. Granted the shares continue to do so for the 180-day lock-up period, Warburg will have more than doubled its money in about a year.

A nice, but not terribly unusual story of VC timing? Perhaps. But DexCom had been struggling to raise capital before Warburg bought its shares, with a senior liquidation preference, at...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Medtech Insight for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Strategy

SAGA Diagnostics Launches Early Breast Cancer MRD Detection Test In US

 

SAGA Diagnostics has launched its breast cancer residual and recurrence detection test – Pathlight – in the US. The test’s ultrahigh sensitivity and specificity is rare to see in oncology, the company claimed.

Siemens Healthineers Widens FY25 EPS Range By €0.15 To Absorb Up To €300M In Tariff Costs

 
• By 

The imaging, Varian, and advanced therapies segments – which are more reliant on equipment sales – are more heavily affected, with tariffs applying to roughly 55% of their revenue base. In diagnostics, the company expects minimal exposure due to sufficient US value-added manufacturing.

ConcertAI Launches Generative AI-Powered Precision Suite

 

Valued at over $1.9bn, ConcertAI is building on its pre-existing multi-agentic AI SaaS solution CARAai to bring life science customers the new Precision suite of applications: Precision Explorer, Precision Trials, Precision GTM and Precision360.

Roche Diagnostics Day 2025: ‘We Need To Become A Leader In Decentralized Testing’

 

Roche aims to grow its diagnostics sales by mid to high single digits, said CEO of Roche Diagnostics Matt Sause. The company unveiled the Axelios synthesis and sequencing solution and discussed its “long-term commitment” to China, as well as its business strategy for the next five years.

More from Business

Cardiosense Advances Noninvasive Heart Monitoring With Final Validation Study

 
• By 

Cardiosense has launched a nationwide clinical study, SEISMIC-HF II, to validate its non-invasive, AI-powered technology for monitoring heart failure. The data will be used to file for US regulatory clearance of the Cardiosense heart failure monitoring platform.

ConcertAI Launches Generative AI-Powered Precision Suite

 

Valued at over $1.9bn, ConcertAI is building on its pre-existing multi-agentic AI SaaS solution CARAai to bring life science customers the new Precision suite of applications: Precision Explorer, Precision Trials, Precision GTM and Precision360.

Get Ready For International Harmonization Before Approaching QMSR Deadline, Says Regulatory Expert

 

During MD&M East last week, regulatory consultant Darren Reeves reminded device manufacturers that the time to get ready to comply with the new Quality Management System Regulation is now.