Discover if this is a suitable investor for your startup. If they are we'll make a warm introduction for free. Otherwise, we'll connect you with matching investors.
Quark Venture is a prominent investment organization founded in 2016 and headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. It stands as one of Canada's largest dedicated venture capital funds focused on the biotech and health sciences sectors. The firm was established as a joint venture with GF Securities Company Limited, a major Chinese investment bank, creating a unique bridge between Chinese capital and global biotech opportunities.
As of now, Quark Venture manages a total target fund size of $500 million, with a first close of $100 million. The firm has positioned itself to invest in early to growth-stage companies, emphasizing those that are developing breakthrough technologies and solutions. Quark Venture's strategic location in Vancouver allows it to tap into both North American and Asian markets, enhancing its investment reach.
Quark Venture's team comprises experienced professionals with deep expertise in technology, drug development, and commercialization. The firm is committed to supporting its portfolio companies not only with capital but also with valuable resources and industry connections, fostering long-term relationships that drive innovation and growth.
Quark Venture specializes in equity financing for early to growth-stage companies, primarily within the biotechnology and health sciences sectors. The firm invests across a range of stages, including pre-seed, seed, seed-plus, Series A, Series B, Series C, and growth equity. This broad investment strategy allows Quark to engage with companies at various points in their development, providing the necessary capital to fuel their growth.
The organization emphasizes investments in companies that are developing breakthrough technologies and solutions. Quark Venture seeks to support innovative firms that are poised to make significant impacts in their respective fields. The firm aims to foster long-term relationships with its portfolio companies, offering not just financial backing but also developmental resources and expertise that can help accelerate their success.
Quark Venture has built a diverse portfolio that includes notable companies in the biotechnology and healthcare sectors. Among its investments is SQZ Biotech, which focuses on cell therapy technology that leverages the body's natural immune system. Quark Venture invested $4 million in SQZ Biotech in December 2016, participating in a total funding round of $24 million alongside co-investors such as GV (Google Ventures), NanoDimension, and Polaris Partners.
Another significant investment is in Sitka Biopharma, with an investment announced in October 2018. While specific details about additional portfolio companies were not provided, Quark Venture's focus on breakthrough technologies suggests a commitment to supporting firms that are at the forefront of innovation in the biotech and health sciences fields.
Dr. M. A. (Moe) K. K. - Co-Founder & Managing Partner. Dr. K. has extensive experience in the biotech sector, focusing on technology and drug development.
Dr. R. (Ravi) S. - Co-Founder & Managing Partner. Dr. S. brings a wealth of knowledge in health sciences and has been instrumental in establishing Quark Venture's investment strategy.
J. (John) D. - Partner. John D. has a strong background in venture capital and has played a key role in sourcing and managing investments within the firm's portfolio.
To pitch to Quark Venture, founders should visit their website at quarkventure.com for detailed information on the application process. The firm prefers pitches that include a comprehensive overview of the business model, market analysis, and the technology being developed.
While specific response time expectations are not disclosed, founders are encouraged to provide a clear and concise pitch deck that highlights the unique aspects of their startup. Warm introductions may enhance the chances of receiving a response, given the firm's emphasis on building long-term relationships.
In December 2016, Quark Venture made a notable investment of $4 million in SQZ Biotech, which focuses on cell therapy technology. This investment was part of a larger funding round totaling $24 million, co-led by GV (Google Ventures), NanoDimension, and Polaris Partners.
In October 2018, Quark Venture announced its investment in Sitka Biopharma, further expanding its portfolio in the biotechnology sector. These investments highlight Quark Venture's commitment to supporting innovative companies that are developing breakthrough technologies.
What are Quark Venture's investment criteria?
Quark Venture invests in early to growth-stage companies primarily in the biotechnology and health sciences sectors. The firm looks for companies developing breakthrough technologies and solutions that have the potential to make significant impacts in their fields.
How can I pitch to Quark Venture?
Founders interested in pitching to Quark Venture can visit their website at quarkventure.com for more information on the application process. Specific email addresses for pitches are not publicly available.
What makes Quark Venture different from other VC firms?
Quark Venture uniquely bridges Chinese capital with global biotech opportunities, leveraging its strategic location in Vancouver and its partnership with GF Securities Company Limited. This allows the firm to tap into both North American and Asian markets effectively.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Quark Venture invests across various stages, including pre-seed, seed, and growth equity, but specific check sizes are not disclosed. However, their investment in SQZ Biotech was $4 million, indicating a willingness to make substantial early-stage investments.
What is Quark Venture's post-investment involvement?
Quark Venture adds value to its portfolio companies by providing not only capital but also expertise in technology, drug development, and commercialization. The firm aims to foster long-term relationships with its portfolio companies, supporting them with developmental resources and industry connections.
What sectors does Quark Venture focus on?
Quark Venture primarily focuses on the biotechnology and health sciences sectors, investing in companies that are developing innovative technologies and solutions within these fields.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.