Alumnus Launches Fund Focused on San Diego MedTech Startups
Garrett Smith knows a thing or two about medtech startups. He founded his first company as a bioengineering PhD student at the University of California San Diego (PhD ‘12). Since then he has stewarded several technologies through FDA approval; led multiple startups to successful acquisition; directed early innovation partnerships for massive players like Johnson and Johnson Innovation; and overseen a corporate venture capital fund for MedeonBIO. Smith has worked across nearly every stage of the healthcare innovation ecosystem, including as a founder, operator, corporate innovation leader, venture investor, and advisor. Read Full Article
Garrett Smith, Reef Haven Ventures
Aug 21, 2025
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Former President and CEO of Sharp HealthCare, Peter ended his tenure having expanded the system from two hospitals to a group of seven hospitals and two medical groups that cared for one third of San Diegans and was the largest private employer in the City. After leaving Sharp he refocused and reorganized the Legler Benbough foundation and became President and CEO of that Foundation. An ardent supporter of UC San Diego, Peter serves on the Institute for the Global Entrepreneurship advisory board. He generously donated to IGE’s Founders Fund.
Pete Ellsworth
President
The Legler Benbough Foundation