Kris Aalto

Kris Aalto, Entrepreneur in Residence

Kris Aalto joined Arboretum in October 2007 as the firm's Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR). The intent of the EIR position is to create a new Michigan-based medical device company led by Kris and financed by Arboretum Ventures. Kris is focused on assessing new investment opportunities, while also lending her network and expertise to Arboretum's other diligence and portfolio management activities. Her particular strengths in specialty orthopedics, biomaterials and regulatory strategy compliment the Arboretum group.

Kris brings 15 years of medical device and technology development experience to Arboretum. She began her career in product development and quality management with Bard Access Systems (CR Bard) in Salt Lake City, UT. Kris then progressed along an engineering and regulatory management path at Dallas-based Leibinger LP, a specialty orthopedic and neurosurgery company, which was acquired by Stryker Corporation. While at Stryker, Kris successfully transitioned into sales and strengthened surgeon relationships both within Michigan and internationally. She later served as U.S. General Manager and Division Manager, Craniofacial and Dental, for the European surgical implant company Inion (LSE: IIN). Most recently, Kris served as Director of the Coulter Translational Research Program at the University of Michigan, a program aimed at advancing medical technology toward commercialization and clinical use where she coordinated the multifaceted activities necessary for developing university technology and intellectual property.

Kris earned an Honors Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering, magna cum laude, from Marquette University and is active in the Society for Biomaterials and the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society.

kaalto@arboretumvc.com

Assistant: Amanda Heinrich
E-mail: aheinrich@arboretumvc.com