MED1 Ventures

Chief Executive Officer Tim Willis and Chief Technology Officer Steve Bacich, both co-founders, drive investment decisions. Willis brings over 30 years of ophthalmology operating experience, while Bacich has more than 20 years in medical devices focused on women's health. The firm does not disclose an independent investment committee.

The firm originates products internally by identifying unmet clinical needs and developing solutions through its in-house engineering and clinical team. It does not describe a traditional inbound deal-sourcing funnel from founders or brokers. Portfolio companies are formed around MED1-developed products rather than acquired as existing startups.

MED1 Ventures is structured as an asset manager but operates more like an incubator for single-product medical device companies. It does not describe itself as a fund, and it does not publicly disclose a fund structure, limited partners, or committed capital.

The firm targets early-stage development, covering seed through startup phases. Investments are tied to a product lifecycle — development, regulatory clearance, and early commercialization — with a stated exit horizon of 18 to 48 months.

The firm does not publicly disclose co-investment partners or describe a club-deal model. Its marketing emphasizes a close team of internal operators. Any external capital appears passive given the controlling role of Willis and Bacich.

Principals are associated with the Big Wave Project, a mixed-use asset in Half Moon Bay, and the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside. The firm does not describe a separate philanthropic foundation, and its investment operations are distinct from these activities.

MED1 Ventures lists dedicated managing partners for Greater China, Southeast Asia, and Europe, alongside its Raleigh headquarters. The website also references a global market focus and regulatory clearances in over 30 countries achieved by the management team at prior ventures.