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BlueStone Venture Partners, LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2017 by Tom Nickoloff and Mara Aspinall. The firm is headquartered in Santa Fe, New Mexico, after initially launching in Tucson, Arizona. BlueStone focuses on investing in the Life Sciences sector, specifically targeting companies in biotech, healthcare, medical devices, and advanced materials. The firm has a fund size of $50 million and currently manages a portfolio of 8 companies.
BlueStone aims to create value for its portfolio companies by leveraging the extensive operational, technical, and financial expertise of its founders. The firm emphasizes investment opportunities in the 'NATO states'—New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and Oklahoma—regions that are often overlooked by traditional venture capital. This strategic focus allows BlueStone to tap into strong local research institutions and uncover hidden opportunities.
BlueStone Venture Partners primarily invests in early-stage companies within the Life Sciences sector, with a specific emphasis on biotech, healthcare, medical devices, and advanced materials. The firm targets Series A and Series B funding rounds, typically investing between $10 million and $50 million per deal. Their investment strategy is built on the belief that many promising companies in the NATO states are overlooked by legacy venture capital firms despite having strong research capabilities and innovative technologies.
The firm seeks to partner with founders who have a clear vision and a strong leadership team. BlueStone leverages its extensive networks within the healthcare industry and local research institutions to enhance the value of its investments. This approach not only provides financial backing but also operational support and strategic guidance to help portfolio companies scale effectively.
BlueStone Venture Partners has invested in a diverse range of companies within the Life Sciences sector. Notable portfolio companies include:
The firm currently manages a total of 8 portfolio companies, all of which are positioned in sectors that align with BlueStone's expertise and investment thesis.
Tom Nickoloff - Co-Founder & Managing Director. Tom has extensive operational and financial experience in the healthcare sector, having previously held leadership roles in various healthcare companies.
Mara Aspinall - Co-Founder & Executive Consultant. Mara is a seasoned healthcare industry CEO and investment adviser, known for her expertise in medical technology and diagnostics.
Chris Burwell - Manager of Research. Chris supports the investment team with market research and analysis, contributing to the firm's strategic decision-making.
Andrew More - Decision Maker. Andrew plays a key role in evaluating investment opportunities and has a background in healthcare investments.
In October 2018, BlueStone Venture Partners made its first investment from its $50 million fund, providing equity funding for BroadSpot Imaging Corporation. The firm also participated in a $45 million Series C round for GT Medical Technologies, which specializes in brain tumor therapies. These investments highlight BlueStone's commitment to supporting innovative companies in the Life Sciences sector.
What are BlueStone Venture Partners' investment criteria?
BlueStone Venture Partners invests in early-stage companies within the Life Sciences sector, specifically targeting biotech, healthcare, medical devices, and advanced materials. The firm focuses on companies located in the NATO states—New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and Oklahoma.
How can I apply or pitch to BlueStone Venture Partners?
Founders interested in pitching to BlueStone Venture Partners should prepare a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines their business model, market opportunity, and team qualifications. The firm prefers warm introductions but also accepts direct inquiries through their contact form on the website.
What makes BlueStone Venture Partners different from other VC firms?
BlueStone Venture Partners differentiates itself by focusing on the often-overlooked NATO states, leveraging local research institutions and strong operational expertise to identify and support promising life sciences companies.
What is the typical check size for investments?
BlueStone typically invests between $10 million and $50 million in each funding round, primarily in Series A and Series B stages.
What is BlueStone's post-investment involvement like?
The firm actively engages with its portfolio companies, providing operational support, strategic guidance, and access to its extensive network within the healthcare industry to help drive growth and success.
What is the fund size of BlueStone Venture Partners?
BlueStone Venture Partners has a fund size of $50 million, which they utilize to invest in promising life sciences companies in their target regions.
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