Robert G. McNeil, Ph.D. Founding Partner (September 4, 1943 – July 23, 2021)

Robert McNeil founded Sanderling Ventures in 1979 and had served since then as a Managing Director of Sanderling’s seven investment partnerships.

Dr. McNeil had been the seed investor for many successful companies including Western Technology Ventures, Advanced Cardiovascular Systems (acquired by Eli Lilly and spun out as Guidant Corp.) and Ventritex (acquired by St. Jude Medical).  Dr. McNeil was the Chairman of Ista Pharmaceuticals, GeminX, as well as other entities.

As an active investor, Dr. McNeil had developed close relationships with management and their technologies, allowing Sanderling to successfully develop products at a very early stage.

Dr. McNeil earned his Ph.D. in the fields of molecular biology, biochemistry and genetics in 1972 from the University of California, Irvine.  He is also well known for his love of the sea and restoration of important historical vessels.