The charismatic Chief Executive Officer of Medtech Makers Lab, Christian Kumar, has been appointed Entrepreneur in Residence for Medilink Midlands. Christian brings his extensive experience in corporate finance, investment banking and wealth management, gained over three decades of dedicated involvement in driving strategic growth for various enterprises to bear to help support the ambitions of Medilink Midlands members as they strive to commercialise their own innovations. 
Christian comments: “The Entrepreneur in Residence programme is designed to facilitate innovation, providing support and a tactical roadmap for innovators in the Midlands.” He adds: “I’m delighted to be engaging with Medilink Midlands and only too pleased to be able to put my knowledge and experience to excellent use.”
Throughout his career, Christian has honed a profound understanding of strategic growth across diverse sectors and is proud to have played a pioneering role in developing “demand-based” business modelling. Christian has thrived in the dynamic realms of Corporate Finance and Investment Banking, evident by his impressive portfolio encompassing six companies and over 22 investments across sectors such as Leisure, Med Tech, Construction, and Energy.
Currently, he is actively engaged in supporting universities and governmental bodies in devising strategic inbound investment initiatives. His role involves shaping comprehensive expansion strategies that harmonise with their overarching goals, fostering growth and innovation within these institutions.
“Christian’s enthusiasm, drive, experience, expertise and connections make him an ideal fit in helping to support Medilink Midlands members. His experience, networks and advice will help our members navigate the complexities in commercialising their innovations. Christian will be invaluable in helping to link suppliers, academia, and innovators and, where possible, seek funding from private investors at a time when government funding is getting increasingly more difficult to come by,” says CEO, Melanie Davidson.
She adds: “Despite the recent £650million investment growth package by the Government for the UK’s life sciences sector, funding remains a highly competitive area so it’s incumbent on organisations such as Medilink Midlands to think creatively in how we offer and deliver support and opportunities to our members.”
Christian will be hosting an Innovation and Funding Masterclass at Charnwood Campus, Loughborough on 29 November which will cover topics such as the changing landscape of capital and offer advice on how to deliver the perfect pitch. To book, visit the link here.