Jeff Estes helps private, development stage companies bring the latest advances in life science, medical device and emerging technologies to fruition as he guides them through the financing of every major milestone – from initial start-up through their exit. His knowledge of the venture market and finance creates opportunities that accelerate the creation and growth of innovative technology platforms, expand business models and spur exploration into new global markets. Two decades of high-volume, fast-paced deal experience informs his cost-efficient and streamlined approach.  He coaches companies and investors through every aspect of venture capital financings, mergers and acquisitions, securities offerings and intellectual property transactions.

Jeff credits early career experience as the general manager of a business in its early years for his understanding of the financial priorities and challenges emerging companies face. He has established long-term relationships with development stage companies who seek his advice regarding financing options to support critical product research and development. As a key part of Jeff’s practice, he frequently advises medical device companies through their lifecycle in devising various contractual templates and often plays a key role in clinical trial agreements with contract research organizations.

Some highlights of Jeff’s career include:

The $27 million Series C preferred stock financing of Inari Medical, Inc. led by Gilde Healthcare and including existing investors Versant Ventures and U.S. Venture Partners. The company used the funds to commercialize its catheter-based technologies for the treatment of venous thromboembolis, and to continue to advance clinical and technology development programs.

The $380 million merger of Sequent Medical, Inc. with a U.S. subsidiary of Terumo Corporation, a global medical device company. Under the terms of the deal, Terumo acquired Sequent in an all-cash transaction which included $280 million upfront and up to an additional $100 million if certain milestones are achieved.

The acquisition of inXile Entertainment Inc. by Microsoft Corp. in a deal designed to help Microsoft become the “Netflix of video game streaming and original content.” Founded by Brian Fargo in 2002, inXile Entertainment is an Orange County role-playing video game developer.

The Series D and D1 ($15.5 million, $8 million), Series E ($22.7 million), Series 2 ($5.97 million), and Series B ($28.78 million, $26.06 million) financings for Vertos Medical, putting the company’s pre money valuation at $61 million. Vertos is a developer of minimally invasive medical devices  that assist in the treatment of common spinal diseases including lumbar spinal stenosis.

Credentials

Education
  • University of California, Los Angeles, J.D., corporate law specialization
  • University of California, Los Angeles, B.A., history
  • Orange County Bar Association
  • TriTech Small Business Development Center, Advisor
  • California