
Matthew Calleja
6th August 2024
Calling All CEOs! Our Exclusive Forum Returns at MedTech Malta 2024
MedTech World is thrilled to announce the return of the CEO Forum at MedTech Malta 2024 this November! As we eagerly anticipate welcoming both seasoned veterans and innovative newcomers back to our beautiful island and premier venue, we suggest you read on to further discover what awaits you at our forum—meticulously curated to provide maximum value to the leaders at the forefront of MedTech.
Leadership Doesn’t Have to Be Lonely
MedTech World is excited to unveil the CEO – Only Forum, set to take place at MedTech Malta this November. Attendees can expect an unparalleled platform for open discussions and mutual support among industry leaders!
Taking centre stage at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, this year’s CEO – Only Forum builds on the success of last year’s inaugural event. It’s set to offer MedTech CEOs a unique opportunity to collaborate, share experiences, and gain invaluable insights.
“Having led these CEO-Only Forums throughout Europe and the U.S., there is one consistent piece of feedback from those that attend and contribute to the open discussions on ‘Life as a MedTech CEO,’ and that is that ‘this platform of bringing like-minded executives and founders together is a crucial need.’ We have witnessed the magic of these powerful networking experiences manifest into tangible outcomes for the companies that are led by these CEOs, and that is what motivates us to continue providing this CEO-Only Forum to our MedTech community around the world and here in Malta.”
Giovanni CEO of Lifeblood

Commenting on the forum’s launch, MedTech World CEO Dr. Dylan Attard said…
“Last year’s CEO Forum proved itself pivotal for our attending MedTech leaders, fostering open dialogue and collaboration. This year, CEOs can look forward to sharing insights, discussing trends and tackling challenges towards the betterment of all MedTech. I’m eager to see the transformative changes that will invigorate the gathered community this year.”
The CEO Forum stands out for its exclusivity, tailored specifically for MedTech CEOs. By intentionally excluding investors, corporate strategists, and industry partners, the forum creates a space where CEOs can have frank discussions without the need to impress external stakeholders.
By maintaining this focused approach, the event fosters a sense of camaraderie, enabling participants to openly share their experiences and insights. On that note, let’s take a glance at last year’s hottest topics for a sneak peek at what this year’s forum might have in store.
Navigating Volatile Market Dynamics
It is hard to disprove that there is a notable, heightened uncertainty plaguing the current economic climate within the industry. During the 2023 forum, gathered CEOs shared their struggles with rising supplier costs, fluctuating wages, and a more cautious investor landscape.
The regulatory environment was also brought up, noted to have also grown more complex, amplifying the challenges of leadership. The CEOs discussed how, in a climate such as this, execution has become a more daunting task, with timelines stretched thin and team dynamics strained.


The conversation naturally flowed into the complexities of transitioning from a startup to a scaling enterprise. Leaders grappled with the hurdles of scaling their organisations—balancing leadership team dynamics, securing funding, and nurturing a culture that evolves with growth.
The group’s insights provided a roadmap for navigating these pivotal changes.
Partnerships, VC and Fundraising Trends
The VC landscape was equally engaging, with several pressing questions shaping the dialogue. The storm surrounding Silicon Valley Bank has left its mark, prompting discussions on whether VCs are leveraging this upheaval to lower pre-money valuations and tighten their investment criteria. The mood was one of cautious optimism, with many wondering how to navigate these shifting sands.
A critical discussion point was the balancing act between optimism and realism in pitches. CEOs often downplay risks, adopting a “fake it until you make it” attitude. The group probed how VCs perceive this strategy and the impact it has on their investment decisions.
As new rounds of financing unfold, CEOs wrestled with predicting the compatibility of new and existing investors. Ensuring alignment and avoiding friction between stakeholders emerged as a key concern. The forum offered strategies for assessing and managing these relationships to ensure smooth financing processes.
A recurring challenge was the feedback loop from investors—balancing between being too early or too late in revenue stages. Participants brainstormed ways to break free from this catch-22 and move forward with investment discussions.
Ultimately, investment and entrepreneurship thrive within an ecosystem, making partnerships a natural topic to emerge. Strategies were shared on how startups can streamline commercialisation by creating synergies and choosing the right distribution partners.
The forum also tackled challenges in building sales teams and offered practical advice on selecting Contract Manufacturers for complex products, providing valuable insights for scaling and successful partnerships.
HR, Talent and Board Dynamics.
In startups lacking formal HR roles, how much should CEOs delegate administrative tasks versus handling them personally?
Strategies for managing brilliant yet disruptive founders and balancing team dynamics were explored. Discussions also covered handling underperforming but key employees, optimising human resources, and maintaining morale in a post-COVID world.
Challenges with board effectiveness were also discussed, particularly regarding tech understanding and engagement.
Insights were shared on achieving a productive board experience, managing personal conflicts, and ensuring the right mix of skills and backgrounds on the board. Strategies for aligning founder and investor perspectives were also examined.
“As the leader of an executive recruitment firm that continues to design and build MedTech teams and boards for more than 15 years, one of the most humbling experiences is witnessing the power of these CEO interactions from these open forums manifest into unexpected synergies, experiences, and support between two CEOs where it leads to one CEO joining the other CEO’s board as an independent director. Now, this is what peer-to-peer networking should look like and deliver.”
Giovanni CEO of Lifeblood
Gearing up for Singapore and Malta!
MedTech World is making its debut in Singapore this September! Stay tuned for more details and be the first to hear all about it.
The excitement doesn’t stop there—Join us in Valletta for MedTech Malta, our flagship event from November 6th to 8th, where healthcare innovation takes centre stage. Meet Key Opinion Leaders and take advantage of premium networking opportunities.
you might also like
view all