Lumira Ventures

Lumira Ventures invests in therapeutic products and medical devices, targeting a broad range of therapeutic areas with high unmet clinical needs. The firm focuses on stages from pre-seed to growth equity, including Seed, Series A, Series B, and Series C. Check sizes typically range from early-stage investments to larger growth equity rounds, reflecting the firm's commitment to supporting companies throughout their development journey.

The firm emphasizes investments in oncology, cardiology, and neurological disorders, among other sectors. Lumira Ventures seeks to partner with mission-driven entrepreneurs who are dedicated to developing impactful products for patients. Their investment thesis centers on enhancing patient outcomes and creating inclusive healthcare solutions, which aligns with their focus on transformative life sciences companies.

Deal structures often involve strategic partnerships and co-investments, leveraging Lumira's extensive network of institutional investors. The firm actively engages in the life sciences sector, providing portfolio companies with the necessary resources and expertise to navigate the complexities of commercialization.

Lumira Ventures has a diverse portfolio of over 30 companies, primarily in the life sciences sector. Notable portfolio companies include:

• Endotronix: A leader in heart failure management solutions.
• OpSens Medical: A pioneer in fiber optic sensing technology for coronary artery disease.
• Bardy: Developed a patient-friendly cardiac monitoring solution, acquired by Hillrom for $375 million.
• Engage Therapeutics: Creator of the first on-demand treatment for active epileptic seizures, acquired by UBC for up to $270 million.
• Aurinia Pharmaceuticals: Known for the first oral therapy for lupus nephritis.
• Zymeworks: Focuses on bi-specific antibodies for cancer treatment.
• G1 Therapeutics: Developing therapies for oncology.
• HistoSonics: Innovating non-invasive tumor destruction methods using histotripsy.
• SpectraWAVE: Innovating coronary artery disease treatment with its HyperVue Imaging System.
• Pharmasset: Acquired by Gilead for $11 billion, known for its oral therapies for hepatitis C and HIV.
• MAKO Surgical: Developed a robotic surgical arm for knee and hip surgeries, acquired by Stryker for $1.65 billion.
• Kisoji: Developing next-generation multi-specific antibodies.
• Congruence Therapeutics: Focused on small molecule drug design for protein misfolding diseases.
• Medexus Pharmaceuticals: Specializes in orphan treatments for rare diseases.

This diverse portfolio reflects Lumira's commitment to investing in companies that address significant healthcare challenges and improve patient outcomes.

Lu Han, Ph.D. - Partner: Lu has extensive experience in life sciences investing and has been instrumental in several successful portfolio exits. He holds a Ph.D. in a relevant field and has a strong background in biotechnology.

Suman Rao, Ph.D. - Principal: Suman brings a wealth of knowledge in therapeutic development and has worked on various high-impact projects in the life sciences sector.

Gerry Brunk, MBA - Managing Director: Gerry has a strong background in venture capital and has led numerous investments in the healthcare space.

Peter van der Velden, MBA, M.Sc. - Managing General Partner: Peter has a long history in venture capital and has been a key player in Lumira's growth and success.

Nikhil Thatte - Partner: Nikhil specializes in medical devices and has a proven track record of successful investments in this area.

Jacki Jenuth, Ph.D. - Partner and COO: Jacki oversees operations and has a strong background in life sciences, contributing to the firm's strategic direction.

Beni Rovinski, Ph.D. - Managing Director: Beni has significant experience in biotech investments and has played a crucial role in portfolio management.

Danielle Karakas, Ph.D. - Analyst: Danielle supports the investment team with research and analysis, focusing on emerging trends in life sciences.

Vasco Larcina, CPA, CA - CFO: Vasco manages the financial operations of Lumira Ventures, ensuring sound fiscal management.

Daniel Hétu, M.D., MBA - Managing Director: Daniel brings clinical expertise to the team, enhancing the firm's understanding of healthcare needs.

To pitch Lumira Ventures, founders should use the contact form available on their website at lumiraventures.com. It is important to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team qualifications. Founders should expect a response within a few weeks, as the firm reviews submissions carefully.

Warm introductions are preferred, especially from industry contacts or existing portfolio companies. This can enhance the chances of getting noticed by the investment team.

Lumira Ventures runs the **Venture Innovation Program (VIP)**, a 6–12 month immersive program designed for Ph.D., MBA, and MD students across Canada. This program provides participants with exposure to the life sciences venture capital ecosystem and aims to foster the next generation of leaders in the field.

Eligibility for the program includes being a graduate student in a relevant field, and interested candidates can apply through Lumira's website. The program offers valuable insights into venture capital and the life sciences industry, enhancing participants' understanding of the investment process.

In recent months, Lumira Ventures has been active in the life sciences sector, publishing updates on portfolio companies and their clinical trial results. Notable announcements include updates on Cyrano Therapeutics' Phase 2 trial results and Iterion Therapeutics' first patient dosing in a clinical study.

The firm has also completed 8 exit transactions in the 18 months preceding the Fund IV close, showcasing an above-average velocity for a life sciences VC of its size. Portfolio companies collectively raised over $800 million via IPOs and public/private financings during this period.

Additionally, Lumira Ventures has been recognized for its contributions to the life sciences community, further solidifying its reputation as a leading venture capital firm in Canada.