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Abingworth

Abingworth is a life sciences investment firm based in London, New York, and San Francisco, focusing on seed and early-stage, development stage, and clinical co-development investments. It has a notable history of successful investments in over 180 life science companies.

Founded
1973
Recorded stages
Seed, Seed Plus, Series A, Series B, Series C, Growth Equity
Recorded regions
Europe, Global, North America

Online destinations

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Overview

Founded in 1973 and acquired by The Carlyle Group in 2022, Abingworth is a leading life sciences investment firm with a focus on biopharma companies. With offices in London, New York, and San Francisco, the firm provides capital, expertise, and strategic guidance to help develop new treatments. Abingworth invests across three strategic areas: seed and early stage, development stage, and clinical co-development, typically investing between $15 million to $30 million for early-stage companies and a minimum of $30 million for development-stage investments. The firm has a strong track record, having invested in over 180 life science companies, achieving 46 mergers and acquisitions and 70+ IPOs.

Focus

Abingworth invests in private and public companies across three strategic areas: seed and early stage, development stage, and clinical co-development. The firm typically invests in biotherapeutics, small molecules, nucleic acid therapeutics, vaccines, gene therapies, cell therapies, specialty pharmaceuticals, and platform technologies, with investment sizes ranging from $15 million to $30 million for early-stage companies and a minimum of $30 million for development-stage investments.

Support

Abingworth adds value to its portfolio companies through strategic guidance, access to extensive industry networks, and milestone-based funding structures that align incentives and support long-term growth. The firm's affiliation with The Carlyle Group enhances its capital resources and operational capabilities, providing portfolio companies with the support needed to succeed in the competitive life sciences sector.

Questions

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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