China Firm wtih Cross-Border VC Arm Raises New $1B RMB Early Stage Fund

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A strategic consulting firm with offices in USA and China has a venture capital arm that invests in life sciences. Alongside investments, the firm advises life science companies on strategic partnerships (manufacturers, distributors) in the Asian market by providing resources in the network. In addition to a $10M fund closed at the end of 2016, the firm has a new ¥1 billion RMB (approx. $150M US dollar equivalent) fund which invests majorly in China local healthcare companies or helps the companies outside of China grow well in Asia market. The firm is seeking five new investments within the next year, and typically makes $1M – $5M dollar investments per company in Series B and C rounds. The firm focuses on the startups in U.S., China, Canada, and Europe based companies, though is open to companies on a global-level.

The firm is indication agnostic and open to technology in all sectors of life science (medical devices, therapeutics, diagnostics, and digital health) while having the most experience in biotech/medtech. In terms of phase of development, the firm requires the company to at least have a prototype, and for therapeutics to be in clinical trials, preferably after Phase 2. The firm will also look at on-the-market products of medical device, lab equipment and drug development enabling technology.

The firm requires the company to be in Series A, B, or C. The firm prefers the company to have or seek to have their technology or products in Asia market.

If you are interested in more information about this investor and other investors tracked by LSN, please email mandates@lifesciencenation.com.

China PE Firm Invests Up to $40M Per Company In Medtech, Diagnostics, and Digital Health

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A private equity firm headquartered in China with additional offices throughout China and Hong Kong provides venture capital and growth capital to growth-stage companies across various industries, including life sciences, Internet, consumables, software, and high technology sectors (i.e. drones). The firm is interested in all types of life science companies except drug development. The allocation size will vary, but the firm has the capability to allocate up to $40 million per company, depending on the opportunity. The investment is typically in form of equity, but convertible loan will be considered as well. The firm has an emphasis on technologies and products, and it is currently seeking new investment opportunities globally. Companies with a China angle will be a big plus.

The firm is currently seeking to invest in medical device, diagnostics, biotech R&D services and healthcare IT sectors. The firm is very opportunistic in terms of subsectors and indications. Currently the firm will not invest in companies targeting drug development. The firm will consider companies at all stages of development, from pre-clinical stage all through to commercial stage; however, the firm prefers companies in the business proven stage, where the product is on the market and may already have customer feedback.

The firm primarily invests in growth-stage private companies. The firm does not have specific requirements for companies’ management team or revenues. The firm will take a board seat post-investment.

If you are interested in more information about this investor and other investors tracked by LSN, please email mandates@lifesciencenation.com.

China Investment Firm Seeks Novel Oncology/First-In-Class Therapeutic Drugs and Diagnostics

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A biotech incubator sector fund founded in 2015 is headquartered in China with an additional USA office. The firm currently manages two venture funds including an RMB and USD fund. The firm can allocate from $200,000 to $800,000 of equity capital in seed round companies and can make investments ranging from $1 to $10 million in series A companies. The firm looks to tailor its incubator and CRO services to the needs of its partners, helping them to reach key value-added milestones. The firm will consider opportunities based in China and North America, companies within a strong China angle involvement is their sweet spot. The firm is actively seeking in-licensing opportunities and plans to make 6-8 investments next year but is flexible.

The firm focuses mostly on therapeutics, while the firm is also open to Diagnostics. The firm can utilize its CRO services to advance portfolio company’s products into or through clinical trials. The firm is currently most interested in oncology-related small molecule drugs and first-in-class drugs. The firm is opportunistic in terms of subsector and indication and is willing to consider companies targeting orphan indications. For therapeutics, the firm is looking to invest in pre-clinical stage. For diagnostics, the firm will consider companies from in-development to clinical stages. The firm will not invest in Medical Devices or Healthcare IT companies.

The firm looks to act as a lead investor in seed round investments and can participate as either lead or co-investor in series A investments. The firm is looking for companies with skilled and experienced management teams. The firm prefers to support companies that own exclusive IP protection with renowned universities or research institutions. The firm also prefers to work with companies that have a technical expert and experienced in clinical trials.

If you are interested in more information about this investor and other investors tracked by LSN, please email mandates@lifesciencenation.com.

Call for Innovation Challenge Applicants

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Life Science Nation invites all eligible early stage life science companies to apply to Innovation Challenge to showcase their technologies.

Companies from all categories of life science are encouraged to apply to Innovation Challenge for RESI Healthtech Week. Eligible companies can apply to Day 1, the First Coast Innovator’s Gathering, Day 2 RESI Global Partnering or both. Applicants will have the opportunity for excellent visibility among investors and strategic partners.

LSN is now accepting applications! The deadline is July 27, 2018.

For the first time this fall, Life Science Nation will have two days of Innovation Challenge competition as part of the RESI Healthtech Week (September 5-7, 2018). The Innovation Challenge offers selected companies the chance to gain more visibility from the early-stage investors in attendance.

Day 2 Redefining Early Stage Investments

All early-stage life science companies are eligible to apply. Finalists will be highlighted in multiple outlets:

  • Your country and technology highlighted at the conference
  • All conference attendees will have the chance to “invest” RESI Cash in their favorite technologies
  • LSN Newsletter Announcement to a readership of 20,000+
  • Featured on RESI Conference website Featured in the printed and online program guide
  • Winners will be announced during the cocktail reception
  • It is FREE to apply, click here.

Day 1, First Coast Innovation Challenge

All early-stage life science companies from DC through Boston are eligible to apply. Applicants will be highlighted in multiple outlets:

  • 10 finalists will be selected to pitch to a panel of investors
  • Applicants present a poster of their technology
  • All featured in the printed and online program guide
  • Attendees have access to partnering platform
  • Attendees have access to early-stage investor panels
  • Attendance on Day 1 for companies is $300, click here.

9 Hamilton Place, Suite 2B, Boston, MA 02108 +1 617-600-0668 | resi@lifesciencenation.com

Global Funding Insights for Digital Health Initiatives in 2018

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By Ashley Durrer, Marketing Manager, LSN

This week I interviewed Colin Widen, the CEO of Boston Innovation Capital (BIC), Life Science Nation’s (LSN) wholly-owned broker-dealer arm, to learn where investors are allocating funds, and the current focus on healthcare advancement within the digital health space.

BIC works alongside LSN and our network of investors to support early-stage companies in forging connections with investors, major pharma firms, and other strategic players in the life science world. By managing clients’ fundraising campaigns and connecting them to investors who are a good fit, BIC is able to address its, and LSN’s, mission of advancing new and innovative technologies to the clinic.

Interview with Colin Widen moderated by Ashley Durrer

AD: With billions of dollars being poured into digital health, why the sudden increase?

CW: “Healthcare needs to find a way to pay for digital health now that value-based care and hospital incentives are aligned to support lower costs in healthcare with improved patient care. There are new potentials for change within the telemedicine space in light of ongoing healthcare reforms and debate.”

AD: How will that turn out for those seeking funding?

CW: “Digital health initiatives will be the least impacted by changes to the American healthcare system, making them prime opportunities for investment this year.

“There is a much lower cost to creating software, virtual platforms, compliance tools, etc. than creating advances in biologics, drugs, and other life science advancements, making digital health an increasingly popular space for investors. Successfully investing in therapeutics or medical devices requires a great deal of expertise, not to mention the increased risk due to the potential failure in clinical trials. On the other hand, software is a recognizable, lower cost, and scalable business model that is often also easily adaptable when regulations change.”

AD: Where does BIC fit into global funding from client perspectives?

CW: “BIC is working tirelessly to support digital health technologies that will have a real impact on the healthcare system for our doctors, nurses, and hospitals. This year BIC is focused on digital health technologies, assets, and virtual tools, which can support doctors’, hospitals’, and nurses’ efforts with patients. However, this currently excludes consumer-based products and electronic medical record (EMR) initiatives.”

AD: What are some examples of potential best-fit clients?

CW: “Some examples recognized in the market are pill dispensers and medicinal tracking for patient compliance, health portals for patients and doctors, mental health apps, medication tracking, patient monitoring and more.”

AD: What kind of client are you seeking now? Can you share a potential client profile?

CW: “Within our LSN network of investors, feedback clearly shows there is an increasing appetite to invest in niche digital health opportunities.

“Investors are seeking companies within the top-tier of their specialization, and a proven business model within the market. Often these investors want to see that the product, software, tool, etc. are viable, which means it’s already being used within the market e.g. hospitals. This also includes an accompanying value proposition for payors and the company is receiving ongoing revenue for that service.”

BIC Global Network of Digital Health Investors are focused on:

  • Funding of $10M-50M
  • Min $3mm+ ARR
  • Niche companies within the top-tier of their specialization
  • Currently avoiding pure EMR focused and consumer-based products

The Future of Digital Health

There are innovations happening every day to help improve access to healthcare. 2018 has already seen an increase in the debate over healthcare reform, rising insurance costs, and uncertainty of coverage for millions of Americans. Advancements in technologies and virtual tools for doctors and hospitals could really help to streamline processes and reduce overall costs for themselves as well as the patients they serve.

We can’t wait to hear what new innovations are entering the digital health space.

About Colin Widen, CEO

Colin Widen, registered representative, is a seasoned executive with 25 years of sales, trading and portfolio management experience in major investment banks. Colin joined Deutsche Bank where he led a team providing consulting services about alternative asset allocation strategies to family offices and smaller endowments and foundations. In creating BIC, Colin has combined investment skills with the robust investor network of LSN to offer a unique platform. Colin is a registered representative and holds Series 7, 24, 63 and 82 registrations. His specialties include reconstructing hedge fund portfolios. analyzing private equity holdings and helping with strategy and execution of capital raise initiatives across the spectrum of today’s life science assets.

About Boston Innovation Capital

Boston Innovation Capital (BIC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Life Science Nation Holdings, became a FINRA-registered broker-dealer in 2016. BIC works alongside LSN’s other two divisions (LSN’s Investor Platform and Company Platform, and the RESI Conference Group) to support early-stage companies in forging connections with investors, major pharma firms and other strategic players in the life science world.

Hot Investor Mandate: Singapore-Based PE Firm Invests Up to $20M in All Areas of Life Sciences with Potential for Global Growth, Open to Any Stage of Development

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A private equity and corporate finance advisory firm is headquartered in Singapore with a global presence. The firm makes global investments into life science and healthcare companies as well as services related to healthcare. The firm acts as a lead investor and utilizes their network to seek out other co-investors. Typical deal size is $0.5m to $20m. The firm will occasionally seek distribution rights for international investments.

The firm is interested in therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics, healthcare IT, healthcare services, biotech, R&D services and suppliers and engineering companies. The firm is both stage and indication agnostic and has no revenue requirement. The firm has no flexible investment criteria but the East West Axis is very important as the firm is not interested in companies that are restricted to one country. The firm looks for companies with a multinational, global component.

The firm is flexible with their management team requirements. The firm is open to bringing in their own talent to assist with management and have supported scientists in becoming successful entrepreneurs. The firm is a value-added investor driven by opportunity. The firm takes a board seat when making investments.

If you are interested in more information about this investor and other investors tracked by LSN, please email mandates@lifesciencenation.com.

Hot Investor Mandate: VC Firm Seeks to Invest in Medical Device, Scientific Instrument, and Digital Health Technologies in the Midwest and Southern California

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A venture capital firm located in the midwest USA with several offices nationwide. The firm has 3 funds, the third of which they are investing from. The third fund has a vintage year of 2016. The firm currently is looking to make investments from this fund typically in the $.25-1M range with 2x that amount saved for follow on investments. The firm is looking to make 10 investments a year through 2019. The firm typically invests in companies raising Seed Investments, Seed Extensions, or Series A investments. The firm tends to lead 30-40% of their investments and co-invests in the rest. The firm looks at companies primarily in the Midwest, but is also interested in companies in Southern California.

The firm looks for investments primarily in the healthcare IT, medical devices, scientific instruments, and agriculture technology spaces. For the healthcare IT, agriculture technology, and scientific instrument companies, the firm prefers for the companies to have demonstrated product-market fit, some decent revenue traction, and a good revenue trend-line. For the medical device companies, the firm prefers to invest in companies that are just prior to FDA approval or are going through the FDA approval process. The firm’s focus on IT is much broader than just healthcare IT and is willing to consider IT companies beyond the healthcare sector.

The firm looks for companies with experienced management teams. When leading the investments, the firm requests a board seat and when co-investing, the company requests board observer rights if possible.

If you are interested in more information about this investor and other investors tracked by LSN, please email mandates@lifesciencenation.com.