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Pharma Connect Capital is an early-stage life sciences investment fund based in Groningen, Netherlands. Founded to address the financing gap in early pharmaceutical innovation, the firm primarily invests in startups located in Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe. The fund has an initial size of €8 million and focuses on drug development, drug delivery technologies, biomarkers, and diagnostics. It particularly emphasizes academic concepts and innovative pharmaceutical ideas that require capital to reach proof of concept.
As of January 1, 2025, Pharma Connect Capital is closed for new investments and is concentrating on maturing its existing portfolio. The firm has established itself as a key player in the Northern Netherlands, leveraging its connections within the academic and life sciences infrastructure to support its portfolio companies. This strategic positioning allows Pharma Connect Capital to provide valuable insights and resources to startups in the life sciences sector.
Pharma Connect Capital specializes in very early-stage investments, primarily targeting drug development, drug delivery technologies, biomarkers, and diagnostics. The firm seeks to support academic and innovative pharmaceutical initiatives, particularly those emerging from the Northern Netherlands. The investment strategy is designed to close the financing gap left by larger pharmaceutical companies that have shifted more development risk to smaller entities.
The fund typically engages with startups that are in the high-throughput screening phase up to Phase 1, and occasionally Phase 2, focusing on projects that are nearing proof of concept. While specific check sizes are not disclosed, the emphasis is on providing capital to help startups navigate the complexities of early-stage drug development.
Pharma Connect Capital has invested in several notable companies within the life sciences sector:
These companies represent a diverse range of innovative approaches within the biotech and healthcare fields, aligning with Pharma Connect Capital's investment thesis focused on early-stage drug development and related technologies.
Jan Hendriks — Fund Manager. Jan has extensive experience as a pharma/life-science startup investor and operator. He is also the CEO of InnoCore Pharmaceuticals and has held various management roles in commercial and R&D sectors within pharmaceutical companies.
Dr. Ton Rijnders — Chairman, Investment Committee. Dr. Rijnders plays a crucial role in supporting investment assessments and has a strong background in the life sciences sector.
Prof. Dr. Pieter de Graeff — Member of the Investment Committee. Prof. de Graeff contributes his expertise in evaluating investment opportunities within the life sciences.
Mr. Edward van der Meer — Member of the Investment Committee. Edward is the managing director of Triade and is affiliated with UMCG. He has significant experience in the valorization, commercialization, foundation, and financing of startups.
Pharma Connect Capital is currently closed for new investments and is not accepting pitches at this time. However, interested parties can reach out via email at info@pharmaconnectcapital.com for any inquiries or future opportunities.
As of January 1, 2025, Pharma Connect Capital announced that it is closed for new investments and will focus on maturing its current portfolio. This decision marks a significant shift in the firm's operational strategy, emphasizing the importance of supporting existing investments rather than seeking new opportunities.
In January 2024, Pharma Connect Capital was the lead investor in a seed round for Sabiad, highlighting its ongoing commitment to supporting innovative startups within its portfolio.
What are Pharma Connect Capital's investment criteria?
Pharma Connect Capital focuses on very early-stage investments in the life sciences sector, particularly in drug development, drug delivery technologies, biomarkers, and diagnostics. The firm emphasizes supporting academic concepts and innovative pharmaceutical initiatives.
How can I pitch to Pharma Connect Capital?
Currently, Pharma Connect Capital is closed for new investments, and therefore, they are not accepting pitches. However, interested founders can reach out via email at info@pharmaconnectcapital.com for any inquiries.
What makes Pharma Connect Capital different from other investors?
Pharma Connect Capital is uniquely positioned within the Northern Netherlands, leveraging strong connections to local academic and life sciences infrastructure. This allows them to provide strategic support tailored to the needs of early-stage pharmaceutical startups.
What is the geographic focus of Pharma Connect Capital?
The firm primarily invests in startups located in Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe, emphasizing the Northern Netherlands region.
What is the fund size and stage focus?
Pharma Connect Capital has an initial fund size of €8 million and focuses on very early-stage investments, particularly those that are in the high-throughput screening phase up to Phase 1.
What type of support does Pharma Connect Capital provide to its portfolio companies?
The firm provides strategic support by leveraging its connections within the academic and life sciences infrastructure of the Northern Netherlands, aiding in development planning aligned with regulatory and quality standards.
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