Evan Kelso is the founder and managing partner of Haddon Rig Investments, where he leads the early-stage investment fund. He has a deep understanding of Med Tech innovation, having successfully launched products in operating rooms with industry leaders like DePuy/Synthes Spine, Ethicon Endo-Surgery, and Covidien. While many innovations emerge annually, only a few provide substantial clinical, economic, and workflow differentiation. Evan's expertise allows him to identify those innovations that truly impact customers.
Before Haddon Rig, Evan served as CEO of Xenocor, a minimally invasive surgical startup, where he oversaw all functions, including Commercial, Finance, R&D, Quality, Regulatory, and Intellectual Property. His leadership at Xenocor led to significant milestones, including raising substantial funds for the company. This experience equips Haddon Rig with unique advantages in sourcing, evaluating, and funding promising early-stage ventures.
Charles DeCoster is the COO and a key member of Haddon Rig Investments LLC. He plays an essential role in building partnerships with investors and providing leadership to portfolio companies. Previously, Charles managed Strategy and Investor Relations at Stryker Corporation and later oversaw the innovation and investment portfolio for their global Neurovascular division. His recent role as CEO of Xenocor further solidified his expertise, as he raised significant funding and managed various aspects of the business.
Mark Foster serves as advisor to Haddon Rig, offering strategic guidance and assisting with M&A evaluations for portfolio companies. Mark has extensive experience at major Med Tech firms like Smith & Nephew and Boston Scientific. He has also been CEO of two venture-backed medical device companies, Trice Medical and CurvaFix, and has raised over $100 million in capital. Currently, he sits on the boards of five small med-tech companies.