Maximize Capital and Accelerate Success: The Power of Part-Time Experts

A mistake in hiring “could set you back years” — a risk that new companies simply cannot afford

In the fast-paced, high-cost world of medical technology and life sciences, the key to success often comes down to one thing: having the right people on your team. As investors often say, they'd rather support a so-so technology with a fantastic team than a fantastic technology with a weak team. Having the right expertise at the right time can be the catalyst for a major breakthrough, while a poor fit can be devastating.

This was the main topic of a panel discussion at LSI USA ‘25 event in Dana Point, CA titled "Maximizing Capital, Accelerating Success with Fractional Expertise." The panel, led by Factor 7 Medical Managing Director, Dan Sands, featured several experienced leaders: the CEO of a medical technology company, the CEO of a healthcare firm, a vice president from a science organization, and the CEO of a technology company.

These leaders, with their deep knowledge of the healthcare and medical technology fields, shared how using part-time, specialized experts—often called fractional experts—is no longer a rare choice but a smart way to build a modern, capital-efficient business.

LSI USA ‘25: Maximizing Capital, Accelerating Success with Fractional Expertise

Part-Time vs. Full-Time: A Winning Combination

A common mistake is thinking that companies have to choose between hiring a full-time employee (FTE) or a fractional expert. The panelists agreed that the most successful companies do both. As one CEO explained, "We have added more fractional people as we have gone along and we have added more FTEs as we've gone along... it really is based off of a couple of criteria." For her company, roles like sales are full-time positions, while bringing in a part-time chief financial officer (CFO) or a regulatory expert makes perfect sense. These roles require high-level skills but not necessarily 40 hours a week.

This flexible approach allows companies to get access to top-tier talent they might not otherwise be able to afford. The CEO of a healthcare firm shared his experience: "I've used this function specifically in the finance side of my company... I couldn't afford [a part-time CFO] five days a week, but I get that level of professionalism for what I need."

The High Cost of the Wrong Hire

The panel repeatedly came back to a harsh reality: a bad hire is incredibly expensive. One panelist highlighted this point, noting that the cost of a bad hire can be "exponential." From an investor’s perspective, seeing a company with a shaky team is a major red flag.

The CEO of a medical technology company proved this, explaining that using a fractional expert "saved us months of work" by helping the company solve a complex research and development problem. He warned that a mistake in hiring “could set you back years,” a risk that new companies simply cannot afford. By bringing in a fractional expert, companies can reduce risk and get the right guidance from the start, avoiding costly, time-consuming mistakes.

Factor 7 Medical Managing Director, Dan Sands, moderating a workshop at LSI USA ‘25

Panelists sharing their experience on the workshop titled “Maximizing Capital, Accelerating Success with Fractional Expertise”

The Strategic Advantage of Part-Time Teams

Beyond saving money and offering flexibility, fractional experts bring a wealth of experience from working with many different companies. One CEO noted that his part-time CFO brought in a financial spreadsheet he had used "with five other firms that I work with." This exposure to the best practices from across the industry is incredibly valuable, especially for a small team. "That expertise and knowledge," he said, "really brings... a level of professionalism."

The panel also discussed how to successfully work with part-time team members. One CEO emphasized the importance of treating fractional experts as a key part of the leadership team. "My fractional folks are all executive-level people for the most part... they are part of my executive leadership meetings." This approach ensures that everyone is on the same page, creating a culture where expertise is respected, no matter their employment status.

What Investors Really Want to See

A crucial part of the discussion was how investors see part-time teams. While a presentation filled with impressive advisors can be tricky—leading some investors to worry about the expense and commitment—a well-organized fractional team tells a powerful story.

As one vice president from a science organization explained, "If you're able to say I have this fractional team, this specific expertise and milestones and costs and this is what it buys me, this is how it makes your capital that much more efficient when you give it to me, that's a different story."

This demonstrates a company's commitment to good business practices and smart planning. A fractional team isn't just about filling a gap; it’s a deliberate, smart choice to bring in the best talent to reach specific goals.

Key Takeaways for Leaders

The panel discussion ended with a quick poll, showing that the most common part-time roles are in Regulatory, Finance, and Reimbursement—areas critical for both following the rules and achieving commercial success. These are often complex, high-stakes jobs that require specialized skills, making them a natural fit for the fractional model.

The message for life sciences leaders is clear: using part-time experts isn't a sign of weakness or a temporary fix. It’s a strategic, efficient way to build a high-quality team, lower your business's risk, and prepare your company for long-term success. It allows you to tap into a network of proven professionals who can deliver results without the long-term financial commitment of a full-time hire. By embracing this model, you can truly get the most out of your capital and accelerate your path to market.

 
 

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