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Sanderling Ventures is one of the oldest venture capital firms in North America, founded in 1979 by Robert McNeil. The firm is headquartered in San Mateo, California, with an additional office in Montreal, Quebec. Sanderling Ventures specializes exclusively in biomedical investing, having supported over 90 biomedical companies throughout its history. The firm has established a reputation for its hands-on approach, providing not only capital but also management leadership, technical and regulatory expertise, and a long-term commitment to its portfolio companies.
Over the decades, Sanderling Ventures has built a strong track record, consistently achieving high rates of return with multiple top-quartile funds. The firm emphasizes active management and long-term partnerships with entrepreneurs, which has allowed it to navigate the complexities of early-stage biomedical development effectively. Sanderling Ventures has a diverse LP base and has raised multiple funds, including the recently confirmed Fund VII, which includes a Canadian LP vehicle.
Sanderling Ventures invests in early-stage biomedical companies, focusing on sectors such as small molecule therapeutics, biologics and vaccines, drug delivery, platform technologies, medical devices, diagnostics, and digital/eHealth. The firm targets investments at the angel, pre-seed, and seed stages, providing capital to promising technologies and patents early in their development. Sanderling Ventures emphasizes active management and long-term partnerships with entrepreneurs to drive significant growth.
The firm looks for founders who demonstrate a strong vision and commitment to their projects. Sanderling Ventures prefers to engage deeply with its portfolio companies, contributing management team members and serving as directors. This hands-on approach allows the firm to provide operational involvement, technical and regulatory expertise, and cost-control strategies to extend the financial runway of its investments.
Sanderling Ventures has supported over 90 biomedical companies since its inception. Notable companies in their portfolio include:
Additionally, Sanderling Ventures has notable exits including Actimis (acquired by Boehringer Ingelheim), Aderis (acquired by Schwarz Pharma), Advanced Cardiovascular (acquired by Guidant Corp.), Altor BioScience (acquired by ImmunityBio, Inc.), Dynavax (listed on NASDAQ), and Dendreon (listed on NASDAQ). These exits highlight the firm's successful track record in the biomedical sector.
Fred Middleton, M.B.A. - Managing Director. Fred has extensive experience in venture capital and has led numerous successful investments in the biomedical sector.
Timothy Mills, Ph.D. - Managing Director. Timothy brings a strong scientific background and has been instrumental in guiding portfolio companies through technical challenges.
Michael Dixon, C.P.A. - Principal. Michael specializes in financial management and has a track record of supporting startups in their financial strategies.
Timothy Wollaeger, M.B.A. - Managing Director Emeritus. Timothy has a wealth of experience in venture capital and has contributed to the firm’s long-term strategy.
Pierre Beauparlant - Venture Partner. Pierre has a strong background in business development and has worked with various startups in the biomedical field.
Peter McWilliams, Ph.D. & M.B.A. - Venture Partner. Peter combines scientific expertise with business acumen, providing valuable insights to portfolio companies.
Benjamin McGraw III, Pharm.D. - Venture Partner. Benjamin has a deep understanding of pharmaceuticals and healthcare, enhancing the firm’s investment strategy.
Paulette Taylor, J.D. - General Counsel & Principal. Paulette oversees legal matters and ensures compliance within the firm’s operations.
Robert G. McNeil, Ph.D. - Founding Partner. Robert has been a key figure in establishing Sanderling Ventures and has a long history of successful investments in the biomedical sector.
To pitch Sanderling Ventures, founders should use the contact information provided on their website. A well-structured pitch deck is essential, including details about the business model, market analysis, and the founding team’s qualifications. The firm appreciates thoroughness and clarity in presentations.
Response times can vary, but founders should expect to hear back within a few weeks. Sanderling Ventures prefers warm introductions, so leveraging connections within the biomedical community can enhance the chances of securing a meeting.
In 2023, Sanderling Ventures confirmed the launch of Fund VII, which includes a Canadian LP vehicle, expanding its investment capabilities in North America. The firm continues to support its portfolio of over 90 biomedical companies, focusing on early-stage financing and active management.
Notable recent activities include ongoing support for companies like Chimerix and CalciMedica, both of which have made significant strides in their respective fields. Sanderling Ventures remains committed to its hands-on approach, ensuring that its portfolio companies receive the necessary guidance and resources to thrive.
What are Sanderling Ventures' investment criteria?
Sanderling Ventures focuses on early-stage biomedical companies, particularly in sectors such as small molecule therapeutics, biologics, drug delivery, and medical devices. The firm invests at the angel, pre-seed, and seed stages, looking for innovative technologies and strong founding teams.
How can I apply or pitch to Sanderling Ventures?
Founders can pitch to Sanderling Ventures through their website at sanderling.com. It is advisable to include a detailed business plan, market analysis, and information about the founding team in the pitch deck.
What makes Sanderling Ventures different from other VCs?
Sanderling Ventures distinguishes itself through its long history in biomedical investing and its hands-on management approach. The firm actively participates in the operational aspects of its portfolio companies, providing not just capital but also management leadership and technical expertise.
What is the geographic scope of Sanderling Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in the United States but also has a presence in Canada, as indicated by its Fund VII, which includes a Canadian LP vehicle.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Sanderling Ventures typically invests at the seed and early stages, with check sizes varying based on the specific needs of the company and the stage of development. The firm emphasizes long-term partnerships and may provide follow-on investments as companies grow.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Sanderling Ventures have?
Sanderling Ventures maintains a high level of post-investment involvement, often placing management team members in portfolio companies and serving as directors. This active engagement helps ensure that companies receive the necessary support to navigate challenges and achieve growth.
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