Vertex Ventures HC

Heading to the BIO Investor Forum? Join Lori Hu, our Managing Director at Vertex Ventures HC, as she discusses the evolving fundraising landscape for #biotech companies.   Session: Understanding the Fundraising Environment for Biotech Companies 🗓️ Date: October 15, 2024 ⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM 📍 Location: Fairmont San Francisco, CA (Venetian Room)   Panel participants include: ▪ Srini Akkaraju, MD, PhD, Founder and Managing General Partner - Samsara BioCapital ▪ Lori Hu, Managing Director - Vertex Ventures HC ▪ Jonathan Norris, Managing Director - HSBC Innovation Banking ▪ Jesse Essaff, Director, Life Science & Healthcare, Commercial Banking - HSBC Bank USA (Moderator)   The latest HSBC Venture Healthcare report reveals a surge in investment activity in 2024, with Seed and Series A total investment doubling and investment in preclinical deals already surpassing 2023. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ggqMVkCH   Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable perspectives on navigating this dynamic market and securing capital for your biotech venture from experts.    Register now at: https://lnkd.in/dFy3uU4W Registration is complimentary for qualified investors   #BIF2024 #BiotechInvestment #LifeSciences #Biotech #Fundraising #VentureCapital

Congratulations to Septerna on initiating its Phase 1 clinical trial for SEP-786, a novel oral small-molecule PTH1R agonist for treating hyperparathyroidism! ✨ This is a significant milestone for Septerna and a promising step forward in addressing the debilitating condition. Their innovative approach to targeting GPCRs with their Native Complex Platform™ is groundbreaking.    We’re excited to see the progress of this clinical trial and the potential impact on patients. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gHyeMZav Lori Hu Christine Brennan Sahil Chopra Amanda Chen David Van Meter #biotech #drugdiscovery #clinicaltrials #hypoparathyroidism #GPCRs

𝐒𝐚𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐊𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐀. 𝐎'𝐍𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐥, 𝐏𝐡.𝐃.! 👋 We're thrilled to introduce Kristen O'Neill, Ph.D., our new Venture Fellow at Vertex Ventures HC, who joined us after completing her PhD at Brown University in Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, with a focus on RNA therapeutics in #oncology. Previously she worked at Hyku Biosciences, OpenAI and RebootRx. In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, Kristen's journey also exemplifies the invaluable contributions of Latinas in the #healthcare space and the influence of strong role models.   𝐀 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 Kristen's story is rooted in her Mexican-American background. Inspired by her mother, a Mexican immigrant with an elementary school education, Kristen has embraced the challenges of navigating an industry where Latine women are underrepresented. Her unique perspective as a Mexican-American woman in #biotech enriches our approach to #venturecapital.   𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐬 Kristen's path in science was ignited by a fascinating intersection of culture and research. Under the mentorship of Dr. Louiza Nogaj at Brown University, she investigated the anticancer properties of soursop – a fruit used in her family's cultural traditions. This experience sparked her passion for scientific inquiry and paved the way for her PhD and eventual transition to life science venture capital.   𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 Kristen is committed to paying it forward. In her final year of graduate school, she volunteered to teach science to middle school students from low-income neighbourhoods – many of whom are first-generation Americans or immigrants. By sharing a similar background, she hopes to inspire these students and show them that a career in science is within reach, regardless of their origins.   𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 Kristen plans to support others entering the field by mentoring through programs like VC University, where she was previously a scholarship recipient. Her goal is to drive positive change and increase #diversity in the industry.   𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐛 Outside of her professional pursuits, Kristen loves to cook traditional Mexican cuisine and is passionate about making science accessible to underrepresented communities. Her multifaceted approach to life and career embodies the spirit of innovation and cultural pride.   Join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by learning more about Kristen’s inspiring story and how she’s making a difference below 👇   #HispanicHeritageMonth #DiversityInVC #WomenInTech #Biotech #Innovation #LifeSciences #VentureCapital #Innovation #LatinasInBiotech #LatinasinBio #molecularbiology #lifescience #RNA   Lori Hu Christine Brennan Sahil Chopra Amanda Chen David Van Meter

📢 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬! 🎉 MSD and EyeBio have just initiated the Phase 2b/3 BRUNELLO trial evaluating Restoret™ for their innovative treatment of diabetic macular edema. This marks a significant step forward in addressing this debilitating eye condition.   Congratulations to Dr. David Guyer and the entire EyeBio team on this achievement! This milestone comes on the heels of Merck's acquisition of EyeBio for up to $3 billion, a testament to the promising potential of their work. As Dr. David Guyer stated, "The initiation of the BRUNELLO trial marks an important milestone as we work with our new colleagues at Merck, driven by the common purpose to deliver new, much needed options for patients with diabetic macular edema."   We're eager to see the results of this trial and the impact it could have on the lives of those affected by diabetic macular edema.   👉 Read the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/e2a5V9Ga   #DiabeticMacularEdema #ClinicalTrials #Innovation #Healthcare #Biotech #Lifesciences Lori Hu Christine Brennan Sahil Chopra Amanda Chen David Van Meter

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Thomas Daniel to our team! 🌟🔬   As a physician, scientist and R&D executive, Dr. Daniel brings over two decades of unparalleled experience in the life sciences sector. With a proven track record in fostering #innovation, building high-performing R&D teams, and driving strategic investments, Dr. Daniel’s broad clinical expertise will be invaluable in supporting our portfolio companies to bring new medicines to patients and evaluating new investment opportunities.    His multifaceted career includes serving as a Venture Partner at ARCH Venture Partners and President of Global Research and Early Development at Celgene. Dr. Daniel has also been a guiding force on numerous boards, including Juno, Sana Biotechnology, Inc. and Vir. He is a founder and chairs the Board of Managers of Life Science Cares San Diego, is a Trustee of Reed College and is a Director at Scripps Research. A nephrologist and former academic investigator, he was previously C.M. Hakim Professor of Medicine and Cell Biology at Vanderbilt University. Tom Daniel joins us alongside VVHC's venture advisors and industry veterans, George Golumbeski and Faheem Hasnain. His focus on patients and the translation of medicines drives his work, as well as his passion for mentoring #entrepreneurs and raising the bar for emerging #biotech companies. We're excited to have Dr. Daniel join us as we continue to drive advancements in the life sciences field.   Join us in welcoming Dr. Tom Daniel as our Venture Advisor! 🚀👏 Find out more about our team here: https://lnkd.in/g7y_DZqZ   Lori Hu Christine Brennan Sahil Chopra Amanda Chen David Van Meter #LifeSciences #Innovation #Leadership #Venturecapital #Biotech #Founders #Entrepreneur

🎉👩🏽🤝👩🏻 Today, we commemorate Women's Equality Day, marking the anniversary of the 19th Amendment's ratification, granting American women the right to vote.   This year's theme, "Equality Starts with Empowered Women," underscores the importance of fostering women's well-being and resilience in both the workplace and society. At Vertex Ventures HC (VVHC), we are committed to supporting female entrepreneurs, celebrating the achievements of the women's rights movement, and empowering women in all aspects of life.   Our Managing Directors, Lori Hu and Christine Brennan, share their insights on how VVHC play a crucial role in bridging the gender gap.    1️⃣ More than 80% of our investments have been made in companies with #female leadership, such as #founders, C-suite, and board members. We strive to increase our investment in women.   2️⃣ We formed a Fellowship Programme to provide MD, PhD and PharmD students and recent graduates exposure to #healthcare venture investing and #entrepreneurship.   3️⃣ We are a member of Breaking 7%, which aims to connect women in healthcare investment, business development and deal-making roles to foster strong connections and ultimately be a driving force to change.    4️⃣ Christine co-founded the Series 2X initiative, where senior-level women in healthcare VCs support deal flow and discuss ways to increase funding for women-led companies.   👉 Read more on our perspectives here: https://lnkd.in/gd76UCdc Sahil Chopra Amanda Chen   #FemaleFounders #NationalWomensEqualityDay #Equality #Inclusivity #GenderGap #FemaleEntrepreneurs #Funding #VentureCapital #VC

Congratulations Moximed on raising their latest USD 61M Series D round! 🎉 This is a testament to the company's innovative and groundbreaking work in addressing knee osteoarthritis. The new funds will accelerate the US commercialization of the MISHA® Knee System - the world’s first implantable shock absorber (ISA) for knee osteoarthritis. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eYh3WgxQ Lori Hu Christine Brennan Sahil Chopra Amanda Chen #fundraising #kneeosteoarthritis #innovation #medtech #sportsmedicine

📢 We are pleased to announce that Merck (NYSE: MRK) has completed the acquisition of our portfolio company, EyeBio, for up to $3 billion.    This outcome is a testament to the dedication and brilliance of the EyeBio team, led by David Guyer (Co-founder, President & Chief Executive Officer) and Tony Adamis (Co-founder, Chief Scientific Officer).    EyeBio’s lead candidate, Restoret™, is scheduled to advance into a pivotal Phase 2b/3 trial to evaluate its potential for the treatment of patients with diabetic macular edema in the second half of 2024.    This acquisition is a significant win for patients, the ophthalmology field, and the investment community. Congratulations to everyone involved in this incredible journey!👏   Read more: https://lnkd.in/eRdnnxBZ Christine Brennan Lori Hu Sahil Chopra Amanda Chen #eyecare #opthalmology #biotech #acquisition #lifesciences #biopharma

📣  Are you passionate about innovation in the #biotech space? Join us for a FREE webinar and dive into the exciting world of Venture Capital and the Vertex Ventures HC Fellowship program! In this webinar, you'll discover: ✅ VC 101: Demystify the world of venture capital and understand how it funds promising #healthcare #startups ✅ Vertex Ventures HC Overview: Learn about Vertex Ventures HC, our #investment focus areas, and diligence/investment process ✅ Fellowship Program: What to expect in our Venture Fellowship program and process ✅ Q&A: Ask us anything! This webinar is perfect for: 🌟 Aspiring biotech #entrepreneurs and #innovators 🌟 Recent graduates and early-career professionals 🌟 Anyone interested in learning about Venture Capital and its role in life sciences Don't miss out on this chance to: 👉 Gain valuable insights from industry experts. 👉 Learn how the Vertex Ventures HC Fellowship program can propel your career in the biotech sector. 📅 Date: 14 Jun 2024 🕑 Time: 11 AM PST / 2 PM EST Panelists: - Lori Hu, Managing Director at Vertex Ventures HC - Amanda Chen, Senior Associate at Vertex Ventures HC - Sneha Batheja, Investor at The John Hopkins University and Former VVHC Fellow 👇 Space is limited, so register today at: https://lnkd.in/dwfwJxNz  #venturecapital #biotech #lifesciences #startup #medtech #womeninbiotech #womeninlifesciences #womenintech #diversity #womentechleaders #VC Venture Forward BLCK VC Black Venture Capital Consortium (BVCC) Chicago:Blend Diversity VC Girls Into VC Girls Who Invest Hack.Diversity HBCUvc LGBT+ VC Management Leadership for Tomorrow PledgeLA SomosVC StartOut VCFamilia Global Women in VC Women Who Launch

📣 Calling all aspiring #healthcare #investors!   Are you passionate about bringing groundbreaking innovations to the healthcare industry? Curious about the exciting world of venture capital (#VC) and how it fuels life-changing discoveries?   Join us for an exclusive FREE live Zoom webinar where we'll answer your questions about the Vertex Ventures HC #Venture #Fellowship program.   In this webinar, you'll learn: ✅ VC 101: Demystify the world of venture capital, understand how it funds promising healthcare startups and careers in VC ✅ Vertex Ventures HC Overview: Learn about Vertex Ventures HC, our investment focus areas, and diligence & investment process ✅ Fellowship Program: What to expect in our Venture Fellowship program and process ✅ Q&A: Ask us anything!   This webinar is perfect if you're an aspiring VC investor interested in a career in VC 🎓   Don't miss this chance to: 🌟 Learn what VCs are looking for in terms of background and experience 🌟 Get advice for building your network, getting your foot in the door, and interviewing for venture capital roles   Panelists: - Lori Hu, Managing Director at Vertex Ventures HC - Amanda Chen, Senior Associate at Vertex Ventures HC - Sneha Batheja, Investor at The John Hopkins University and Former Vertex Ventures HC Fellow   📅 Friday June 14, 2024: 2PM EST / 11AM PST 🔗 Register today at: https://lnkd.in/dwfwJxNz  #VentureCapital #Startup #Investing #CareerOpportunity #Webinar #VentureFellowship #Networking #ProfessionalDevelopment #WomeninVC