Our Team
We are a team with deep experience in the medical device industry, providing us with a unique “unfair advantage” when it comes to investing in this space.
MEET OUR TEAM
R. Sean Churchill, MD, MBA
Having an MD along with an MBA, Dr. Churchill's leadership is informed by a deep understanding of both the clinical and business aspects of healthcare. This dual insight is crucial in steering cultivate(MD)'s mission to support groundbreaking medical startups and technologies.
In his role as Managing Director, Dr. Churchill is pivotal in identifying and nurturing high-potential medical innovations. His vision for cultivate(MD) is not just to be a catalyst for medical startups, but to be a bridge that develops cutting-edge solutions into real-world applications that ultimately reduce healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes.
Matt Ahearn
Mr. Ahearn's leadership journey encompasses pivotal roles including Chief Operating Officer at Shoulder Innovations, as well as President of LeanLogistics which was acquired by Brambles, LTD.
At cultivate(MD), Mr. Ahearn's insights and experience are invaluable in assessing and advancing the potential of emerging medical device companies. His commitment to excellence and innovation supports cultivate(MD)'s mission to transform healthcare through strategic investments in groundbreaking technologies.
David Blue
His professional journey includes impactful executive roles at DePuy, Tornier, Zimmer, Conventus Orthopedics, and Shoulder Innovations. In these capacities, Mr. Blue has consistently focused on leveraging technology and talent to enhance patient outcomes and drive company growth.
Currently, Mr. Blue applies his wealth of commercial executive leadership and experience to both Shoulder Innovations, as well as to cultivate(MD), where his servant leadership and vision are integral to identifying and supporting the next generation of medical device innovations.
Rob Ball
Mr. Ball's innovative spirit is evidenced by his portfolio of more than 40 issued or pending patents, underscoring his significant contributions to the development of groundbreaking medical devices and technologies. His work showcases not just technical and creative expertise but a deep understanding of the healthcare sector's needs and challenges.
At cultivate(MD), Rob Ball harnesses his visionary leadership and commitment to excellence, advancing technology to improve patient care and orthopedic practices, while using his extensive experience and knowledge to drive industry growth and innovation.
OUR CAPITAL FUND ADVISORS
Steve Bishop
He was instrumental in driving consistent, strong growth and value creation, significantly increasing the business's size and global presence through both organic initiatives and pivotal mergers & acquisitions, including the multi-billion-dollar acquisition of Merck KGaA Consumer Health Care.
With a career at P&G that spanned over 35 years, his leadership not only steered P&G Health Care to new heights but also set a benchmark for strategic growth and consumer-centric innovation in the industry.
Paul Buckman
Mr. Buckman has also played a significant role in corporate governance, having served as Director or Chairman on the Boards of 20 medical device companies. This experience underscores his expertise and influence in guiding companies towards growth and innovation. Notably, as CEO of five early-stage companies, he successfully raised venture and private equity funding, demonstrating exceptional skill in securing financial support for cutting-edge medical technologies. In addition, his participation in fundraising activities across numerous board positions highlights his comprehensive understanding of the financial dynamics essential for advancing medical device ventures.
His leadership and strategic vision have been crucial in driving the development and commercialization of groundbreaking medical solutions, benefiting patients and the industry at large.
Nathan Estruth
During his time at P&G, Mr. Estruth held the position of Vice-President and Officer for over 12 years, leading the company's corporate new business development and Corporate Innovation Fund. His extensive industry experience spans across various sectors including healthcare, food and beverage, pet health, retail, and more, showcasing his versatile expertise.
Mr. Estruth currently holds leadership roles across several companies, including Chairman of Genesis Software Innovations, KPS Global and Smart Solve. His global speaking engagements showcase his dedication to promoting innovation and talent development.
Dan Blue, MD
His leadership is marked by a commitment to integrated healthcare systems, advocating for a unified approach to healthcare delivery that emphasizes collective vision. His tenure as President of Sanford Clinic is notable for the significant expansion of the system, growing it to 1,500 employed physicians across five states and managing an annual budget of $1.5 billion.
Dr. Blue believes in the power of trust, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement to facilitate sustainable and transformative changes in healthcare.
Michael Alexiades, MD
Since 1989, Dr. Alexiades has contributed significantly to the design and development of hip and knee implants, including the Biomet Vision Hip system and Biomet knee systems. Beyond his surgical innovations, he is dedicated to medical education, serving as an examiner for the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and playing a vital role in training the next generation of orthopedic surgeons. He is the Director and Chief of the Department of Rehabilitation at Hospital for Special Surgery and a Professor of Clinical Orthopedic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College.
Dr. Alexiades extends his commitment beyond surgery to supporting law enforcement personnel. He is actively involved with New York’s Finest Foundation, serves as the chairman of the NYPD Article II Medical Board, is a Police Surgeon for the NYPD and is Chief Surgeon for the NY State Troopers Association.
Michael Chaney
Mr. Chaney's comprehensive experience spanned engineering, manufacturing, innovation management, and supply chain leadership. In his final role, he led the Global Grooming Product Supply team, contributing over 12% to P&G's sales. This role included oversight of 19 manufacturing sites and 5 R&D centers worldwide, supporting major brands like Gillette, Venus, Braun, and the Art of Shaving.
Mr. Chaney's leadership extended across diverse business units, including Food & Beverage, Health Care, Baby Care, Feminine Care, and Beauty Care, showcasing his adaptability and breadth of expertise. Mr. Chaney's legacy at P&G is marked by his significant contributions to business growth and his steadfast commitment to diversity and leadership development.
Meet Our Team
R. Sean Churchill, MD, MBA
Managing Director
Dr. Churchill brings to cultivate(MD) a rich blend of clinical expertise and innovative vision. With over 20 years of dedicated service as a shoulder reconstruction specialist, Dr. Churchill has been at the forefront of advancing orthopedic care. His unique background in engineering complements his medical practice, allowing him to approach healthcare challenges with creative and practical solutions, as evidenced by his holding of over 20 patents.
Having an MD along with an MBA, Dr. Churchill’s leadership is informed by a deep understanding of both the clinical and business aspects of healthcare. This dual insight is crucial in steering cultivate(MD)’s mission to support groundbreaking medical startups and technologies.
In his role as Managing Director, Dr. Churchill is pivotal in identifying and nurturing high-potential medical innovations. His vision for cultivate(MD) is not just to be a catalyst for medical startups, but to be a bridge that develops cutting-edge solutions into real-world applications that ultimately reduce healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes.
Matt Ahearn
Director
Matt Ahearn brings over two decades of executive leadership and entrepreneurial success to his role as a Director at cultivate(MD). With a foundational expertise in enterprise software, supply chain and operations across diverse industries, he has a proven track record of steering technology companies from startup phases to market leadership.
Mr. Ahearn’s leadership journey encompasses pivotal roles including Chief Operating Officer at Shoulder Innovations, as well as President of LeanLogistics which was acquired by Brambles, LTD.
At cultivate(MD), Mr. Ahearn’s insights and experience are invaluable in assessing and advancing the potential of emerging medical device companies. His commitment to excellence and innovation supports cultivate(MD)’s mission to transform healthcare through strategic investments in groundbreaking technologies.
Dave Blue
Director
David Blue is a seasoned healthcare executive with a deep entrepreneurial spirit, bringing over 40+ years of experience to the medical device industry and healthcare services. Throughout his career, Mr. Blue has held several senior executive positions across a diverse range of healthcare companies, with a particular focus on the orthopedic and the neuro muscular sector. His leadership, along with a talent for building effective teams, have contributed to rapid growth in both established companies and startup medical device companies.
His professional journey includes impactful executive roles at DePuy, Tornier, Zimmer, Conventus Orthopedics, and Shoulder Innovations. In these capacities, Mr. Blue has consistently focused on leveraging technology and talent to enhance patient outcomes and drive company growth.
Currently, Mr. Blue applies his wealth of commercial executive leadership and experience to both Shoulder Innovations, as well as to cultivate(MD), where his servant leadership and vision are integral to identifying and supporting the next generation of medical device innovations.
Rob Ball
Director
Rob Ball has been a leader in the medical device space for over 20 years. His significant contributions to the development and market introduction of innovative products have made him a pivotal figure at cultivate(MD). His roles have included CEO of Shoulder Innovations and Genesis Innovation Group, and Global Vice President of Research and Development at Tornier.
Mr. Ball’s innovative spirit is evidenced by his portfolio of more than 40 issued or pending patents, underscoring his significant contributions to the development of groundbreaking medical devices and technologies. His work showcases not just technical and creative expertise but a deep understanding of the healthcare sector’s needs and challenges.
At cultivate(MD), Rob Ball harnesses his visionary leadership and commitment to excellence, advancing technology to improve patient care and orthopedic practices, while using his extensive experience and knowledge to drive industry growth and innovation.
OUR CAPITAL FUND ADVISORS
Steve Bishop
Retired CEO - Procter & Gamble Health
Steve Bishop is a distinguished leader known for his role as the retired Chief Executive Officer of Procter & Gamble (P&G) Health Care, which includes the global oral care and over-the-counter medicines divisions. Under his leadership, P&G Health Care boasted a portfolio of billion-dollar brands including Crest, Oral-B, and Vicks, along with other well known brands like Metamucil, Pepto-Bismol, Fixodent and Neurobion. He was instrumental in driving consistent,strong growth and value creation, significantly increasing the business’s size and global presence through both organic initiatives and pivotal mergers & acquisitions, including the multi-billion-dollar acquisition of Merck KGaA Consumer Health Care.
With a career at P&G that spanned over 35 years, his leadership not only steered P&G Health Care to new heights but also set a benchmark for strategic growth and consumer-centric innovation in the industry.
Paul Buckman
President of North American Operations - Livanova
Paul Buckman brings a rich legacy of leadership within the medical device industry. His comprehensive career encompasses pivotal roles in both large multinational corporations and innovative startup companies, reflecting a broad and impactful engagement across the healthcare technology spectrum.
Mr. Buckman has also played a significant role in corporate governance, having served as Director or Chairman on the Boards of 20 medical device companies. This experience underscores his expertise and influence in guiding companies towards growth and innovation. Notably, as CEO of five early-stage companies, he successfully raised venture and private equity funding, demonstrating exceptional skill in securing financial support for cutting-edge medical technologies. In addition, his participation in fundraising activities across numerous board positions highlights his comprehensive understanding of the financial dynamics essential for advancing medical device ventures.
His leadership and strategic vision have been crucial in driving the development and commercialization of groundbreaking medical solutions, benefiting patients and the industry at large.
Nathan Estruth
Vice-Chairman - KPS Global Board of Directors
Nathan Estruth is a seasoned executive with a 27-year tenure at Procter & Gamble (P&G), where he earned recognition for his leadership in driving business growth through technological, business model, and organizational innovation. Living in both the U.S. and China, Mr. Estruth’sglobal perspective has been instrumental in his approach to innovation and strategy, particularly in the realms of consumer products, healthcare, and technology.
During his time at P&G, Mr. Estruth held the position of Vice-President and Officer for over 12 years, leading the company’s corporate new business development and Corporate Innovation Fund. His extensive industry experience spans across various sectors including healthcare, food and beverage, pet health, retail, and more, showcasing his versatile expertise.
Mr. Estruth currently holds leadership roles across several companies, including Chairman of Genesis Software Innovations, KPS Global and Smart Solve. His global speaking engagements showcase his dedication to promoting innovation and talent development.
Dan Blue, MD
Former President - Sanford World Wide Health Clinics
Dr. Dan Blue is a dynamic corporate health systems executive and a family physician with extensive experience across diverse healthcare settings in the U.S. and internationally. His unique perspective enables him to address contemporary healthcare challenges effectively. Dr. Blue is known for his entrepreneurial spirit, relationship-building prowess, and passion for exploring new ventures alongside highly motivated and action-oriented teams.
His leadership is marked by a commitment to integrated healthcare systems, advocating for a unified approach to healthcare delivery that emphasizes collective vision. His tenure as President of Sanford Clinic is notable for the significant expansion of the system, growing it to 1,500 employed physicians across five states and managing an annual budget of $1.5 billion.
Dr. Blue believes in the power of trust, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement to facilitate sustainable and transformative changes in healthcare.
Michael Alexiades, MD
Practicing Orthopedic Specialist
Dr. Michael Alexiades specializes in orthopedic surgery, focusing on the hip, knee, shoulder, and elbow, with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques and arthroscopic surgery. Renowned for adopting pioneering methods, he is an early proponent of the Mini Anterior technique for hip replacements and partial knee replacements, aiming for the quickest recovery times for his patients.
Since 1989, Dr. Alexiades has contributed significantly to the design and development of hip and knee implants, including the Biomet Vision Hip system and Biomet knee systems. Beyond his surgical innovations, he is dedicated to medical education, serving as an examiner for the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and playing a vital role in training the next generation of orthopedic surgeons. He is the Director and Chief of the Department of Rehabilitation at Hospital for Special Surgery and a Professor of Clinical Orthopedic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College.
Dr. Alexiades extends his commitment beyond surgery to supporting law enforcement personnel. He is actively involved with New York’s Finest Foundation, serves as the chairman of the NYPD Article II Medical Board, is a Police Surgeon for the NYPD and is Chief Surgeon for the NY State Troopers Association.
Michael Chaney
Retired Senior Vice President - Procter & Gamble
Mike Chaney recognized a 38-year tenure at Procter & Gamble as a celebrated senior executive, renowned for his strategic leadership, business acumen, and extensive technical knowledge. His expertise propelled significant business outcomes across various P&G sectors worldwide.
Mr. Chaney’s comprehensive experience spanned engineering, manufacturing, innovation management, and supply chain leadership. In his final role, he led the Global Grooming Product Supply team, contributing over 12% to P&G’s sales. This role included oversight of 19 manufacturing sites and 5 R&D centers worldwide, supporting major brands like Gillette, Venus, Braun, and the Art of Shaving.
Mr. Chaney’s leadership extended across diverse business units, including Food & Beverage, Health Care, Baby Care, Feminine Care, and Beauty Care, showcasing his adaptability and breadth of expertise. Mr. Chaney’s legacy at P&G is marked by his significant contributions to business growth and his steadfast commitment to diversity and leadership development.