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Novatio Ventures is a venture capital firm focused on the commercialization of high-potential life science innovations. Founded by Peng Fu, the firm operates from three key locations: Toronto, Boston, and Hong Kong. Established to target early-stage innovations nearing preclinical proof-of-concept or validation, Novatio Ventures provides seed funding while collaborating closely with inventors, entrepreneurs, and institutions to develop effective commercialization strategies.
The firm emphasizes its commitment to the life sciences sector, particularly in biotech, healthcare, diagnostics, medical devices, and proteomics. By leveraging a global industry network, Novatio Ventures aims to achieve early exits that generate financial returns while mitigating risks associated with early-stage investments. The firm has built a reputation for its hands-on approach, combining capital with management services to support portfolio companies.
As of now, Novatio Ventures has not disclosed its current fund size or the number of active funds. However, it is known for its focus on seed and early-stage investments, particularly in markets such as Canada, the U.S., China, and South Korea. The firm has a strong emphasis on building relationships with its portfolio companies, ensuring they have the necessary resources and support to succeed.
Novatio Ventures invests primarily in early-stage life science innovations, specifically those emerging from Canada, the U.S., China, South Korea, and other markets. The firm targets companies that are nearing preclinical proof-of-concept or validation, which aligns with its investment strategy of focusing on high-potential opportunities in the biotech and healthcare sectors. The firm’s check sizes are not publicly disclosed, but it is known to provide seed funding to support the initial stages of development.
The investment thesis of Novatio Ventures centers on identifying innovations that can transform disease diagnosis and treatment. The firm seeks to partner with inventors and entrepreneurs who are developing technologies with clear unmet needs in therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices, and drug delivery technologies. Novatio Ventures emphasizes the importance of a strong management team and a clear commercialization strategy when evaluating potential investments.
In addition to providing capital, Novatio Ventures offers a range of support services, including management assistance, entity formation, interim management, fundraising strategy, licensing, partnership development, and monetization support. This comprehensive approach helps portfolio companies navigate the complexities of bringing life science innovations to market.
Novatio Ventures has built a notable portfolio of companies in the life sciences sector. Key portfolio companies include:
These companies exemplify Novatio's commitment to supporting early-stage innovations that have the potential to make significant impacts in healthcare and life sciences. The firm’s focus on therapeutic and diagnostic advancements aligns with its investment strategy of targeting high-potential opportunities.
Peng Fu, MSc, JD - General Partner. Peng Fu is the founder of Novatio Ventures and has extensive experience in the life sciences sector. His background includes roles at CBC Group, LYFE Capital, DRI Capital, Amgen Canada, and Teva. He is also involved with portfolio companies such as 3io Therapeutics and Precision Proteomics.
Chris Kim, PhD, MBA - Managing Director. Chris Kim has a strong background in life sciences, having worked with organizations such as Bridge Biotherapeutics, Korea-Seoul Life Science Fund, and Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research. His expertise spans biotech, venture capital, and pharmaceuticals.
Sandy Der, PhD - Partner. Sandy Der is a researcher specializing in innate immunity, genomics, and oncology. She co-founded Immvue Therapeutics and is actively involved with Novatio portfolio companies, including Ardra Inc. and 3io Therapeutics.
Ben Walker, MBA - Partner. Ben Walker is a global biopharma business-development professional with experience across oncology, cardiovascular disease, neurology, dermatology, and infectious disease. He has held roles at 3io Therapeutics, Selentus Science, and ACTUS Biotechnologies.
To pitch Novatio Ventures, founders should utilize the contact information provided on their website. The preferred channel for submissions is through email at info@novatioventures.com or by visiting their website at novatioventures.com. While there is no specific pitch form disclosed, it is advisable to include a concise overview of the technology, the problem it addresses, and the team behind the project.
Founders should expect a rolling application cycle, as Novatio Ventures maintains an open pitch policy. However, specific timelines for decision-making are not publicly available, so it is recommended to follow up after submitting a pitch to gauge interest.
Warm introductions are not explicitly required, but they can enhance the chances of a successful pitch. Founders should be prepared to discuss their commercialization strategy and how their innovation fits within Novatio's investment thesis.
As of the latest updates, Novatio Ventures has not made any recent public announcements regarding new investments or fund activities. The most notable investment recorded was in January 2017, when the firm participated in a seed funding round for Winterlight Labs, contributing $500,000 to support the development of a speech-based digital biomarker platform for cognitive impairment.
While the firm has a strong portfolio, including companies like 3io Therapeutics and Precision Proteomics, there have been no verified new deals or exits reported in the last 24 months. Founders interested in engaging with Novatio Ventures should verify the current investment activity before proceeding with outreach.
What are Novatio Ventures' investment criteria?
Novatio Ventures focuses on early-stage life science innovations, particularly those nearing preclinical proof-of-concept or validation. The firm looks for technologies with clear unmet needs in therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices, and drug delivery.
How can I pitch to Novatio Ventures?
Founders can pitch to Novatio Ventures by visiting their website at novatioventures.com or by emailing them directly at info@novatioventures.com. The firm maintains an open pitch policy.
What makes Novatio Ventures different from other investors?
Novatio Ventures distinguishes itself by providing not only capital but also extensive management services, including entity formation, interim management, and fundraising strategy. This hands-on approach helps portfolio companies navigate the commercialization process effectively.
What is the geographic scope of Novatio Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in companies based in Canada, the U.S., China, South Korea, and other markets with high potential for life science innovations.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Novatio Ventures is known to provide seed funding to early-stage companies, which typically ranges from several hundred thousand to a few million dollars.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Novatio Ventures have?
Novatio Ventures is actively involved with its portfolio companies, offering support in management, commercialization strategies, and partnership development to help ensure their success.
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