LSN Summer Reading Series Issue #4

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By Lucy Parkinson, Director of Research, LSN

This week in the summer reading series, we explore the current categories of early stage life science investors. As a result of the significant changes the investor landscape has undergone in the past few years, many traditional players have moved downstream to later stage investments or out of the space entirely, and new faces have stepped in to fill the void. Understanding what motivates these different groups and how they operate is crucial when looking for a successful financial partnership.

Chapter 4 of The Life Science Executive’s Fundraising Manifesto “Categories of Life Science Investors” explains how and why the funding landscape has changed, the types of investors who are currently funding companies, and, in general, the approach these entities take toward investing.

Click here to download/print the PDF.

We hope this text proves to be informative. Next week we will turn the focus inward with Chapter 5: “Knowing Who and What You Are, and Where You Fit.”

Enjoyed the preview? Buy now from Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble

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Hot Investor Mandate 1: Japan-based Device Firm Seeks Cardiovascular & Regenerative Medtech Venture Deals

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A Japan-based medtech corporation with a California office is seeking to invest in venture-stage startup companies. Typical allocation sizes range from $0.2M-$2M, and may be structured as research funds, equity, or convertible loans depending on the phase of development. The firm will consider companies at all stages from concept to OTM, with OTM products being candidates for M&A and distribution agreements. Investments are focused on medical technology and diagnostics companies.

The firm is interested in medical technology and diagnostics companies across indications, but has a current focus in cardiovascular and regenerative indication areas.  Technologies at any stage of development may be considered.

The firm may or may not seek a board seat on companies they invest in. They are open to working with all management teams, and view deals globally.

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

Hot Investor Mandate 2: Private Fund Seeks Medical Device and CMO Opportunities

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A Canada-based investment group formed by successful entrepreneurs seeks to invest globally in small-to-mid sized medical device and pharmaceutical companies. The firm can act as a co-investor or lead, and can leverage distribution networks and partnerships across 4 continents. Typical allocations are < $25 M structured as equity, and may come from a combination of the firm’s fund, partners’ personal funds, or a family office whose wealth is managed by the firm. Portfolio companies focus on specialty pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, & ancillary health services.

The firm’s specialty area is in generic pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution, and manufacturing and distribution of specialty medical devices. Urology and urogynecology devices, injectable medications, cardiovascular medications, dental devices, vaccines, oncology therepeutics, diagnostics, and surgical simulators are reflected in portfolio companies. Devices that fit well in the focus and distribution regions of portfolio companies are of particular interest.

The firm looks for strong & accomplished management teams and above all, values, innovation, transparency, integrity, and execution. The firm may or may not seek a board seat depending on the structure of the allocation.

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

Hot Investor Mandate 3: Venture Firm Seeks Preclinical Biologics and NCEs in Oncology, CNS, and Infectious Diseases

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A venture capital firm based in Cambridge, MA raised a new fund in 2015, which closed at $500 million. The firm makes highly varied allocations, and focuses on investing in North American biotech hubs (including Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego), but also considers opportunities elsewhere in North America and in Europe.

The firm invests in therapeutic companies with products at the preclinical development stage. The firm typically invests in biologics and NCEs rather than optimizations of existing chemical entities. The firm is opportunistic regarding indication areas but focuses on oncology, CNS, anti-infectives, and other serious life-threatening diseases (including orphan diseases), and generally does not invest in fields that require large Phase III trials such as cardiology and diabetes.

The firm seeks companies pursuing disease targets that have been rigorously validated via animal studies, pharmacology and/or genetic studies. The firm invests in high-quality management teams, and syndicates investments with a select group of preferred strategic and financial investors.

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

Hot Investor Mandate 4: Digital Health Fund Seeks Healthcare IT Opportunities in The US Mountain West/West Coast

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A firm headquartered in Arizona makes pre-seed, seed, and post-seed investments which reserves strategic follow-on capital for additional rounds and selecting follow-on Series A investments. Typical allocation are $1M-$5M. The firm capital invests in digital health and healthcare IT companies located in AZ, UT, CO, NM and CA.

The firm invests in the digital health/healthcare IT space. They are interested in both consumer facing and data storage and analytics products.

The firm works with companies with a defined product market fit and cogent go-to-market strategy. The typical valuation of companies they work with fall in the $3M-$6M range. The product should have validation in the market with some early stage traction with customers and revenue (usually <$ 1M).

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

30 Startups Will Rock MaRS HealthKick Innovation Challenge

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By Shaoyu Chang, MD, MPH, Senior Research Manager, LSN

Shaoyu 10*10

For the first time ever, RESI is taking the Innovation Challenge to MaRS Discovery District in Toronto, Canada on June 23. The competition will feature 30 handpicked early stage innovators from MaRS and across North America.

From a competitive pool of applicants, these entrepreneurs have been selected by LSN’s scientific validation team based on their scientific merit and “investor readiness.” The 30 companies bring together cutting-edge innovations across healthcare IT, biotech, medical device, and diagnostics.

Meaningful connection is key to RESI Innovation Challenge. Instead of a traditional 15-minute pitch contest, the companies will receive a presentation space in the exhibition hall for the full day of the conference to showcase their innovations to investors and fellow entrepreneurs. LSN has found repeatedly that companies presenting in this venue interact with more investors—and with more meaningful dialogues.

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To add some friendly competition to the mix, the RESI Innovation Challenge invites all attendees to participate in a virtual investment contest. At the start of the day, each attendee will receive “RESI Cash” to allocate to the entrepreneurs whose technologies they expect will be most influential. The capital that was invested will be tallied up and the top three winners will be featured in our RESI newsletter recap that will go out to LSN’s 23,000 newsletter readership.

  • First Prize: Complimentary tickets to 3 RESI Conference Series events of your choice (2 tickets per event)
  • Second Prize: Complimentary tickets to 2 RESI Conference Series events of your choice (2 tickets per event)
  • Third Prize: Complimentary tickets to 1 RESI Conference Series event of your choice (2 tickets)

Whether you are an investor, an entrepreneur, or a service provider, make sure you check out the exhibit hall to meet with some of the top innovators in the field and invest your “RESI Cash.” We will see you there!

RESI on MaRS Panel Announcement: Early Stage Diagnostic Investors

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By Cole Bunn, Senior Research Analyst, LSN

cole-wpAs we approach our third RESI event of 2016, LSN prides itself on continuing to foster an environment that allows entrepreneurs to effectively engage with investors, strategic partners and other key stakeholders that have the ability to move the needle in their venture. The value in robust networking/partnering coupled with first-hand insight from veteran investors and industry leaders, for diagnostic entrepreneurs is clear.

Moderated by Tom Miller, Managing Partner, GreyBird Ventures, this session will feature:

  • Nicola Urbani, Investment Director, Emerillon Capital
  • John Steuart, Managing Director, Steuart Ventures
  • Kathryn Deuchars, Director, Ontario Personalized Medicine Network, Ontario Genomics
  • Jeff Summer, SVP Business Development, Clinical Affairs & Genetics, LifeLabs

The investors on this panel will share their perspective and tactical guidance for shepherding a diagnostic at the early stages of development through the dynamic healthcare environment to an eventual exit.

By registering for RESI on MaRS, you’ll be able to listen to the early stage diagnostics panel live in person, and also experience numerous opportunities to expand your network in the life sciences and to learn more about the fundraising process.

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