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Abingworth is a life science investment firm founded in 1973, with a significant acquisition by The Carlyle Group in August 2022. The firm operates from offices in London, New York, and San Francisco, focusing on supporting young biopharma companies in developing innovative treatments. Abingworth has a strong track record, having invested in over 185 life science companies, achieving notable milestones such as 36 product approvals since 2012, 75 IPOs, and 52 mergers and acquisitions.
As of now, Abingworth manages approximately $1.3 billion in assets under management (AUM) and has a team of around 40 professionals, including 12 partners. The firm’s affiliation with The Carlyle Group enhances its capital resources and operational capabilities, allowing it to provide extensive support to its portfolio companies. Abingworth's long history and established reputation make it one of the oldest dedicated life sciences venture capital firms globally.
Abingworth invests in private and public companies across three strategic areas: seed and early stage, development stage, and clinical co-development. The firm specializes in sectors such as biotherapeutics, small molecules, nucleic acid therapeutics, vaccines, gene therapies, cell therapies, specialty pharmaceuticals, and platform technologies. Investment sizes typically range from $15 million to $30 million for seed and early-stage companies, while development-stage investments start at a minimum of $30 million.
The firm emphasizes a milestone-based funding structure that aligns incentives and supports long-term growth. Abingworth's investment strategy is designed to navigate the complexities of the life sciences landscape, focusing on clinical co-development and providing strategic guidance to its portfolio companies. This approach allows Abingworth to effectively support companies throughout their development journey, from early-stage innovation to late-stage clinical programs.
Abingworth has invested in over 185 life science companies, achieving significant milestones in the sector. Notable portfolio companies include:
Since 2012, Abingworth has achieved 36 product approvals, 75 IPOs, and 52 mergers and acquisitions, showcasing its strong performance in the life sciences sector. The firm continues to actively support its portfolio companies, leveraging its extensive industry networks and resources to drive growth and innovation.
Bali Muralidhar - Global Head of Life Sciences & CIO, previously held senior roles at various life sciences firms, bringing extensive expertise in investment strategy.
Kurt von Emster - Managing Partner, known for leading successful investments in the biotech sector, with a strong background in venture capital.
Jayson Punwani - Managing Director, Head of Venture, specializes in early-stage investments and has a track record of successful biotech ventures.
Andrew Sinclair - Managing Director, Head of Publics & Late Stage, focuses on public market investments and has significant experience in the life sciences field.
Robert DeBenedetto - Managing Director, CCD, brings expertise in clinical development and has led numerous successful funding rounds.
Travis Wilson - Managing Director, CCD, specializes in clinical co-development and has a strong background in operational support for portfolio companies.
Tim Haines - Executive Partner, with a long history in venture capital and a focus on strategic partnerships.
Vincent Miles - Executive Director, known for his work in operational management and support for portfolio companies.
Lucille Conroy - Principal, focuses on investment analysis and portfolio management.
Diya Malhotra - Principal, specializes in deal sourcing and evaluation.
Graham Mills - Principal, known for his expertise in market analysis and strategic planning.
Ankur Shah - Vice President, CCD, focuses on clinical development investments.
Helen Liu - Senior Associate, CCD, involved in deal execution and portfolio support.
Anna Slezak - Senior Associate, focuses on investment research and analysis.
Min Joo Kim - Associate, involved in deal sourcing and due diligence.
Emma O'Reilly - General Counsel, oversees legal matters and compliance.
Alex Asquith - Counsel, provides legal support for investment transactions.
Scott Brun - Venture Partner, known for his extensive network in the biotech industry.
Natalie Mount - Venture Partner, focuses on strategic investments in life sciences.
Carlos Paya - Venture Partner, brings expertise in drug development and commercialization.
Dayle Hogg - Operating Executive, involved in operational support for portfolio companies.
James Abell - Senior Advisor, provides strategic insights and guidance.
John Chiminski - Senior Advisor, CCD, focuses on clinical development strategies.
Peter Goodfellow - Senior Advisor, known for his expertise in regulatory affairs.
Genghis Lloyd-Harris - Senior Advisor, provides insights into market trends and opportunities.
David Simmons - Senior Advisor, CCD, focuses on clinical program development.
Natalie Anderson-Saturley - Business Operations Manager, oversees operational functions.
Gwen Kinard - Operations Manager, US, manages US operations.
Michelle Bradley - Executive Assistant, supports executive functions.
Sofia Harley - Operations Support Specialist, assists with operational tasks.
Sofia Jara (SJ) - Executive Assistant, provides administrative support.
Elizabeth O’Brien - Executive Assistant, supports executive functions.
Aron Schmidt - Executive Assistant, assists with administrative tasks.
To pitch to Abingworth, founders should use the contact form available on their website at abingworth.com. It is important to include a detailed presentation that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team qualifications. Abingworth prefers to receive pitches through this channel and typically responds within a few weeks. Warm introductions can enhance the chances of a successful pitch.
In August 2022, Abingworth was acquired by The Carlyle Group, significantly expanding its capital resources and operational capabilities. This acquisition allows Abingworth to operate within Carlyle's healthcare franchise, enhancing its ability to support portfolio companies.
Recently, Abingworth closed the Bioventures 8 fund, raising $466 million, and the Clinical Co-Development Fund 2, which raised $356 million. These funds are aimed at supporting investments in life sciences, particularly in clinical co-development and late-stage programs.
Abingworth continues to demonstrate momentum in the life sciences sector, having achieved 36 product approvals since 2012, along with 75 IPOs and 52 mergers and acquisitions. The firm remains active in investing and supporting its portfolio companies, which include notable names such as Median Technologies and Jasper Therapeutics.
What are Abingworth's investment criteria?
Abingworth focuses on life sciences investments, specifically in biotherapeutics, small molecules, nucleic acid therapeutics, vaccines, gene therapies, cell therapies, specialty pharmaceuticals, and platform technologies. The firm invests in both private and public companies at various stages, including seed, early stage, and development stage.
How can I apply or pitch to Abingworth?
Founders can pitch to Abingworth through their website at abingworth.com. It is advisable to include a comprehensive business plan, details about the team, and any relevant data on market potential and product development.
What makes Abingworth different from other venture capital firms?
Abingworth has over 50 years of experience in the life sciences sector, which allows it to provide unique insights and strategic guidance to its portfolio companies. The firm’s affiliation with The Carlyle Group enhances its capital resources and operational capabilities, providing significant support to emerging companies.
What is the geographic scope of Abingworth's investments?
Abingworth has a global investment focus, with particular emphasis on North America and Europe. The firm actively seeks opportunities in various life sciences markets worldwide.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Abingworth typically invests between $15 million and $30 million for seed and early-stage companies, while development-stage investments start at a minimum of $30 million. This allows the firm to support companies at different stages of their growth.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Abingworth have?
Abingworth provides strategic guidance, access to industry networks, and milestone-based funding structures to its portfolio companies. The firm is actively involved in supporting the growth and development of its investments, ensuring alignment of interests and long-term success.
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