About The Founder

Dane Stimart has been working in the medtech space for over 15 years.  His vast experience spans both large and small companies. He holds an MBA from the Carlson School of Management and an MS and BS in Mechanical Engineering all from the University of Minnesota. Dane currently spends his time teaching the Medical Valuation Lab for the Carlson School, building early-stage companies and serving clients through Finnitsea Enterprises. 

After experiencing five internships in undergrad from HVAC, propulsion, data storage and medical device, Dane found his calling in the medical space. He found the medical space meaningful, as his efforts contributed towards helping someone live a better life.  After graduating with his master’s in mechanical engineering, Dane worked for Medtronic as a manufacturing engineer maintaining production lines, balancing inventory and designing packaging. After a few years he transitioned into operations where he qualified new production lines, managed supply changes and became certified in Green and Black Belt Lean Six Sigma. Several years later Dane transferred into the design department to help qualify new products for commercialization. 

After six years in engineering, Dane began his part-time MBA based on his desire to elevate his hands-on experience and apply it to both user needs and business decision-making. For seven years, Dane served as the leader of development teams at Medtronic, contributing to the development of a $600 million Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) portfolio. From the formation phase to product launch, Dane directed his teams in successfully introducing a groundbreaking brain sensing and directional stimulation portfolio to the market. This innovative product has since become a critical solution for individuals worldwide who suffer from movement disorders. Additionally, within his role at Medtronic, Dane has worked with numerous global startups, guiding them from partnership agreements to acquisition and commercialization. His extensive experience underscores a commitment to driving innovation and positively impacting global health. 

After 13 years at Medtronic, Dane transitioned to the world of startups, inspired by their agility and ability to deliver value through disruptive innovations. For the past several years, Dane has been actively working with a variety of early-stage companies ranging from diagnostics, to implantables, to consumer services. His work includes fine-tuning products, completing clinical trials, engaging in voice of the customer interviews, facilitating company incorporation, managing teams, and planning for commercial acceptance and growth. In addition to his engagement with startups, Dane teaches the Medical Valuation Lab at the Carlson School of Management. In this role, he leads graduate students through the assessment of real global medical innovations, as they evaluate aspects such as intellectual property, regulatory pathway, market sizing, reimbursement strategies, and financial considerations. Groups provide conclusions and recommendations for the inventor as well as a hypothetical venture firm. Lastly, Dane is the founder of Finnitsea Enterprises, which provides your company, product and services with support to achieve commercialization and growth .