I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Manuel in his role as a business advisor in our commercialization courses.  Manuel is a highly effective strategic thinker, excellent problem solver and has deep knowledge of licensing and bringing technologies to market.  He has made significant contributions helping our small businesses and early-stage researchers understand their best market entry, potential acquirers and create their commercialization plans.  He is highly skilled in identifying the best markets and business models as well as understanding the potential risks in getting to market.  Manuel is also equally committed to helping mentor and guide his projects and teams to achieve success.  Every entrepreneur should have the opportunity to work with Manuel.

I had the pleasure of working with Manuel during the crucial early stages of our company, Emtherapro. His expertise was instrumental in helping us navigate the complexities of company formation, ensuring we built a solid foundation for future success, devising the best strategies to monetize our technology, and helping us turn innovative ideas into a viable business model. 

One of the most significant areas of impact was in helping us think through strategic partnerships. Manuel’s insight into how to form mutually beneficial and sustainable alliances is critical to the company’s long-term plan. His combination of business acumen, industry knowledge, and genuine care for his clients has made a meaningful difference for Emtherapro.

When I began my entrepreneurial journey, I was a clinician through and through. The thought of being an inventor was laughable—I was determined to stay in my lane as an Ob/Gyn specializing in Breastfeeding Medicine. In 2017, I shared my frustration with Manuel about the gaps I saw in breastfeeding support for postpartum mothers, and he immediately helped me articulate the problem in a way that resonated with stakeholders outside of medicine. His relentless support in refining my pitch over the years has been invaluable. With his guidance and the insights his team at Questus uncovered during early prototyping, we were able to identify key customer needs that we might have otherwise missed. Throughout this journey, I’ve encountered many advisors, but few have proven to be as steadfast and trustworthy as Manuel. He has consistently offered thoughtful advice rooted in his deep experience in the med device manufacturing space, and has been a true ally in navigating the unique challenges I’ve faced as a Filipina female in the healthcare startup world.

Questus has been an invaluable partner, providing comprehensive support across our investment portfolio. From business development to commercialization strategies, their contributions have consistently driven success. We greatly appreciate Manuel’s leadership and expertise, which have been instrumental in our continued growth and innovation.

It’s been many years, and I was hesitant to start my telehealth practice—always finding reasons to delay. But this year, I started working with Jissel, and she said, ‘That’s it—you’re doing this.’ In just one day, she helped me put together a solid plan. It’s not easy; there are a lot of licenses and systems to navigate, but we’ve got a plan, and she connected me with the right people. I’m thrilled to announce that Gardenia Medical Care will soon be opening its doors to the public!