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Ath Microtechnologies

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HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL

9-108-092
REV: JANUARY 14, 2009

ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers nstructi This case describes the evolution of an innovative, entrepreneurial firm in the medical technology industry. The successes-and di(fIcult-ies---of the business are due in large part to management's attenpts to design and use formal control systems to achieve profit and performance goals The case is structured in five chronological sections that will be discussed in class. To prepare for the initial discussion,please answer the questions at the end of this case.

Founding In 1997, Dr. Charles Casper and John Frost founded ATH MicroTechnologies Inc. to develop, manufacture, and sell a new medical imaging product. Dr. Casper (47), a radiologist, had trained at Johns Hopkins medical school and, after a research fellowship at Harvard Medical School, joined a private practice in Florida. Casper specialized in the use of imaging systems for the medical practice. Over time, he had experimented with different procedures, such as ultrasounds and x-ray, until he became interested in a new technology based on sending electronic impulses through electrodes attached to the skin and observing how these impulses changed as they went through the body. Together with John Frost-an engineer who specialized in digital imaging for medical applicationsCasper perfected the technology, reducing its cost and improving its resolution. Both founders anticipated a significant market potential for their product. Relatively low cost combined with improved image quality made it a very attractive alternative for applications where other imaging systems were prohibitively expensive to use. With these expectations, they convinced a group of doctors to invest in the venture. The company started with $3.6 million in paid-in capital. In 1998, ATH MicroTechnologies received

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