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Pontem Capital is a healthcare venture capital firm founded in 2021 and based in the Midwest, specifically Columbus, Ohio. The firm is notable for being woman-owned and operated, with a mission to address the commercialization gaps in healthcare innovation. Pontem Capital focuses on leveraging access to global healthcare institutes and the venture capital community to source deal flow, invest alongside experts, and produce returns for investors while advancing human health.
Since its inception, Pontem Capital has aimed to capitalize on the dynamics of the healthcare market, which continues to see record funding levels. The firm is particularly focused on opportunities in the Midwest, where significant medical research exists but is often underfunded compared to national benchmarks. This strategic focus positions Pontem Capital as a key player in bridging the gap between innovative healthcare research and the necessary venture funding to bring these innovations to market.
Pontem Capital primarily invests in the healthcare sector, with a strong emphasis on life sciences. The firm targets early-stage investments, including pre-seed, seed, Series A, and Series B rounds. Geographic focus is on North America, specifically the Midwest United States, where there is a notable amount of medical research and a significant underinvestment in venture funding.
The firm seeks to capitalize on the dynamics of the healthcare market, which continues to experience record funding levels. Pontem Capital aims to leverage its relationships with healthcare institutes and venture investors to identify high-potential healthcare inventions. The firm is particularly interested in addressing the commercialization gaps in healthcare innovation, making it a valuable partner for founders in the life sciences sector.
Severina 'Sevy' Kraner – Co-Founder & Managing Partner. Sevy has over 20 years of experience in healthcare investment and industry. She previously served as Managing Director of Healthcare at JobsOhio, where she managed a $100 million AUM venture arm. Her background includes roles at Cardinal Health, Forest Laboratories, and Jefferies.
Aaron Pitts – Co-Founder & Managing Partner. Aaron brings over 30 years of healthcare investment and leadership experience. He spent 8 years at JobsOhio, where he developed a $500 million innovation strategy and managed a $100 million Growth Capital Fund. As of June 2024, he has taken a role as Chief Commercial Officer at Pennsylvania's Department of Community and Economic Development.
To pitch Pontem Capital, founders should reach out via email to either Severina Kraner at sevy@pontemcapital.vc or Aaron Pitts at aaron@pontemcapital.vc. A detailed pitch deck is recommended, including information about the business model, market opportunity, and team background. Founders should expect a response time that may vary based on the firm's current activity and workload.
As of June 2024, Aaron Pitts transitioned from his role at Pontem Capital to become the Chief Commercial Officer at Pennsylvania's Department of Community and Economic Development. This change raises questions about the current operational status of Pontem Capital, as no recent investments or portfolio updates have been publicly announced since the firm's founding in 2021.
There have been no verified active portfolio companies or recent investment announcements found, indicating a potential stagnation in the firm's activity. Founders should seek direct confirmation from current representatives regarding Pontem Capital's investment status.
What are Pontem Capital's investment criteria?
Pontem Capital invests in the healthcare sector, particularly in life sciences, focusing on early-stage companies in pre-seed, seed, Series A, and Series B rounds. The firm emphasizes opportunities in the Midwest, where there is significant medical research and underinvestment in venture funding.
How can founders pitch to Pontem Capital?
Founders can pitch to Pontem Capital by reaching out via email at sevy@pontemcapital.vc or aaron@pontemcapital.vc. It is advisable to include a detailed pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes Pontem Capital different from other VC firms?
Pontem Capital is distinguished by its woman-owned and operated status and its specific focus on bridging the commercialization gaps in healthcare innovation in the Midwest. The firm leverages its extensive network within the healthcare sector to enhance the commercialization of healthcare innovations.
What is Pontem Capital's geographic focus?
The firm primarily focuses on the Midwest United States, particularly Ohio and surrounding areas, where it aims to address the underfunding of healthcare innovations.
What type of support does Pontem Capital provide to portfolio companies?
Pontem Capital provides strategic support by leveraging its network within the healthcare sector, facilitating connections with experts and institutions that can enhance the commercialization of healthcare innovations.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Specific check sizes are not disclosed, but Pontem Capital focuses on early-stage investments, which typically range from pre-seed to Series B funding rounds.
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