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Gil Kliman is a Managing Director at InterWest Partners based in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he leads the medical device investment team. With over 30 years of venture capital experience, he joined the firm in 1996 after serving as an Investment Manager at Norwest Venture Partners and a Senior Associate at TA Associates. A board-certified ophthalmologist, he previously worked as an Assistant Clinical Professor at Tufts New England Eye Center and holds an MD from the University of Pennsylvania, an MBA from Stanford University, and an AB from Harvard College. Kliman has directed investments and held board seats at numerous public and private healthcare companies, including Doximity, Glaukos, Epocrates, and STAAR Surgical. His current focus remains on funding early-stage medical device, digital health, and vision technology companies by leveraging his dual clinical and financial expertise.
Gil Kliman stands as a highly respected Managing Partner at InterWest Partners, a prominent venture capital firm with a long history of backing groundbreaking companies. At InterWest, Gil plays a pivotal role in identifying and nurturing innovative startups, primarily focusing on the dynamic healthcare sector. His investment strategy centers on transformative opportunities within medical devices, diagnostics, and the rapidly evolving field of digital health, leveraging his unique blend of medical expertise and entrepreneurial acumen.
Gil's journey into venture capital is distinguished by a deep understanding of both clinical needs and business strategy. A physician by training, he earned his MD from the University of California, San Francisco, and an MBA from Stanford University, following his undergraduate studies at Harvard. This robust educational foundation provided him with a comprehensive perspective on healthcare innovation. Before joining InterWest Partners in 1996, Gil co-founded and served as CEO of Advanced Cardiovascular Systems (ACS), a pioneering medical device company that was later acquired by Eli Lilly and subsequently by Johnson & Johnson. This hands-on experience as an entrepreneur gives him invaluable insight into the challenges and triumphs faced by founders. Prior to InterWest, he also honed his venture capital skills as a General Partner at Mayfield Fund.
Throughout his tenure at InterWest, Gil Kliman has been instrumental in the growth and success of numerous portfolio companies, often serving on their boards of directors. His strategic guidance and deep industry connections have helped many ventures navigate complex regulatory landscapes and achieve significant market penetration. Notable investments reflecting his keen eye for innovation include Glaukos (a leader in glaucoma treatment), Inspire Medical Systems (pioneering solutions for sleep apnea), and NeoTract (developer of a minimally invasive treatment for BPH). In the digital health space, he backed Livongo Health, which went public and was later acquired by Teladoc, demonstrating his foresight in emerging healthcare technologies. Other successful exits include LenSx Lasers (acquired by Alcon/Novartis) and Ulthera (acquired by Merz).
Gil Kliman's commitment to advancing healthcare through strategic investment continues to make a significant impact. His ability to identify disruptive technologies and support visionary entrepreneurs solidifies his reputation as a leading figure in the venture capital community, dedicated to fostering companies that improve patient outcomes and reshape the future of medicine.
Gil Kliman is a Managing Partner at InterWest Partners, a prominent venture capital firm. He is a physician, entrepreneur, and experienced investor known for his focus on healthcare innovation, particularly in medical devices and digital health.
Gil Kliman primarily invests in the healthcare sector, with a strong emphasis on medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health companies. He seeks out innovative technologies and solutions that have the potential to significantly improve patient care and outcomes.
Gil Kliman works as a Managing Partner at InterWest Partners. InterWest Partners is a venture capital firm with offices in Menlo Park, California.
