The acquisition of Baltimore-based Harpoon Medical, Inc. by Edwards Lifesciences Corporation marks a victory for local impact investor, the Abell Foundation, and Baltimore's burgeoning medical technology business ecosystem.

The Abell Foundation made a net investment of $500,000 in Harpoon in 2014-15. When Edwards closed its $100 million acquisition last week, Abell earned $5.2 million, a 10-times return on Abell's investment with the possibility of additional milestone payments.

Harpoon Medical, which is based at Camden Yards, developed a technology that results in less-invasive heart surgery. Invented by Dr. James S. Gammie, the head of cardiac surgery at University of Maryland School of Medicine, the device has the potential to improve outcomes for patients with certain forms of Degenerative Mitral Valve disease.

Harpoon is the second successful exit for CEO Bill Niland. Previously, Mr. Niland was the founder and business development executive of Vapotherm. In addition to Mr. Niland, Vapotherm alumni hold leadership positions in five growing companies in Baltimore City.

Read the full article about impact investments in Baltimore at Mission Investors Exchange.