Vertex Ventures HC

Recently, our Managing Director Lori Hu participated in a dynamic panel discussion at BIO Investor Forum 2024, sharing insights for companies navigating the evolving investment landscape.   Here are some key takeaways from the discussion:   ▪ How has the investment landscape changed this year, and where are we in the market cycle? The overall macro is trending positive with interest rate decreases, and despite where we may be in a market cycle, the rate of innovation remains high. Biotech markets are seeing signs of recovery with ~17 biotech IPOs this year and likely a few more before end of the year, but still down from pre-pandemic levels. IPO markets have been "constructive", rewarding positive data but can be punitive for even lukewarm results. M&A for earlier stage companies has been a consistent driver as pharma companies look to replenish pipelines in the face of a looming patent cliff.   ▪ What do the mega-rounds say about the state of biotech financing? Mega-rounds have been up and concentrated toward experienced management teams, certain areas like ADCs or AI, and for investors looking to mitigate financing risk but can be at trade-off of ownership. There has been a shift toward clinical-stage assets which has put pressure on pre-clinical companies.   ▪ What advice do you have for first-time CEOs fundraising in this market? Find a strong executive chairperson and board members that will help you make in-roads & introductions to the investor community, and help you workshop a concise narrative before going out to investors. Seek out the best storyteller in your peer group and see if they would re-tell your story in a different way. Resetting on valuation may be necessary especially for companies that last raised at the peak, and it's better to be proactive and decisive.   Find out more about the fundraising environment for biotech companies here: https://lnkd.in/eYJs_CdS   #BIF24 #biotech #lifesciences #venturecapital #investment #startups #fundraising #M&A #venturecapital Biotechnology Innovation Organization

In the dynamic world of #biotech, a successful company often hinges on a delicate balance of three key elements – Science, Financing, and Team (SFT). At Vertex Ventures HC, we found this framework invaluable in identifying promising startups.    Sahil Chopra, Principal, shares a glimpse into our approach:   𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 We meticulously analyze preclinical and clinical data, competitive landscapes, and the underlying scientific validation. A strong scientific basis and innovative approaches are crucial for long-term success. 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐞𝐥 We delve into a company's financial strategy, understanding how they plan to generate value and allocate resources effectively. A well-structured financial model is essential for sustainable growth. 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 A talented and passionate team can overcome challenges and drive #innovation. We believe a great team can often turn moderate science into extraordinary outcomes. The synergy of these elements often determines a biotech startup's trajectory. Are you a #biotech entrepreneur? Let's discuss how your startup aligns with our SFT framework. 📧 Drop us an email at hello@vertexventureshc.com Lori Hu Christine Brennan Sahil Chopra Amanda Chen David Van Meter #biotech #startup #venturecapital #innovation #entrepreneur #founder #startups

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