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.
SCI Ventures is a philanthropic investment fund established in 2024, dedicated to developing innovative cures for paralysis. The fund catalyzes an investment market aimed at reversing paralysis and is backed by five leading spinal cord injury foundations from the US and Europe, including the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and Wings for Life. Operating with the rigor of a venture capital fund, SCI Ventures invests in early-stage companies focused on therapies for spinal cord injuries and related conditions.
Launched with $27 million in commitments, SCI Ventures aims to reach a target of $40 million. The fund focuses on seed and Series A financing, planning to support up to 20 companies. A unique aspect of SCI Ventures is its venture philanthropy structure, where 100% of investment gains are redeployed into additional mission-aligned companies, ensuring a continuous cycle of funding for innovative solutions.
Headquartered in London, UK, SCI Ventures collaborates with a network of scientific advisors and industry experts to guide its investment decisions. The fund's mission-driven approach distinguishes it from traditional venture capital firms, emphasizing both clinical impact and potential financial returns.
SCI Ventures invests in companies that are advancing cures for paralysis-related challenges, with a strong emphasis on both long-term neural pathway restoration and immediate clinical impact. The fund typically targets early-stage investments at the Seed and Series A stages, focusing on technologies that address spinal cord injury and adjacent neurological conditions. The investment strategy is guided by community priorities and scientific rigor, ensuring that selected companies demonstrate clinical impact, scientific maturity, and the potential for financial return.
Investment criteria include a focus on innovative therapies that can bridge the 'valley of death' from lab research to clinical application. SCI Ventures seeks to support companies that are not only scientifically sound but also aligned with the mission of improving the lives of individuals affected by paralysis. The fund's commitment to reinvesting gains into further mission-aligned ventures underscores its dedication to advancing the field of spinal cord injury treatment.
SCI Ventures has built a notable portfolio of companies focused on innovative solutions for spinal cord injuries and related conditions. Key portfolio companies include:
Adrien Cohen: Founding Managing Director, with a background as a tech entrepreneur and investor. He co-founded Tractable and Lazada, both achieving unicorn status with valuations over $1 billion. Cohen directs investments in consultation with neuroscientists worldwide.
Roman Rothaermel, PhD: Investment Principal, bringing expertise in scientific research and investment strategy.
Karen Chan, PhD: Senior Investment Associate, with a focus on evaluating potential investments in the biotech sector.
Ian Curtis: Board Member, affiliated with the International Spinal Research Trust and the Reeve Foundation, and Chairman of HPC plc.
Tom Londres: Board Member of the Reeve Foundation and CEO of Metro Commercial, Inc., contributing extensive commercial experience.
Deborah Backus, PhD: Vice President of Research & Innovation at Shepherd Center, providing insights into rehabilitation and clinical practices.
Peter Luckeneder: Global CFO of Wings for Life, overseeing financial strategies and operations.
Additionally, the Scientific Advisory Council includes notable figures such as Murray Blackmore, PhD, Rob Brownstone, MD, PhD, and Edelle Field-Fote, PT, PhD, FAPTA, FASIA, among others, who guide the fund's scientific direction.
To pitch to SCI Ventures, founders should send an email to info@sciventures.com. A well-structured pitch deck is essential, detailing the technology, team, market opportunity, and financial projections. While specific response times are not guaranteed, founders can expect a timely review of their submissions. Warm introductions are beneficial but not mandatory.
SCI Ventures launched in mid-2024 with $27 million in commitments, aiming for a target of $40 million. The fund's establishment marks the first-ever collaboration of five leading spinal cord injury foundations across the US, UK, and EU.
In recent developments, SCI Ventures announced a partnership with Precision Neuroscience, which focuses on brain-computer interfaces to restore interaction with the environment. This partnership was highlighted in coverage by Fierce Biotech.
As of now, SCI Ventures is actively deploying capital across seed and Series A investments in companies focused on spinal cord injury solutions, with plans to support up to 20 innovative ventures.
What are SCI Ventures' investment criteria?
SCI Ventures invests in early-stage companies focused on developing therapies for spinal cord injuries and related neurological conditions. The fund emphasizes clinical impact, scientific maturity, and potential for financial return.
How can startups apply or pitch to SCI Ventures?
Startups can reach out to SCI Ventures via email at info@sciventures.com to discuss potential investment opportunities. A detailed pitch deck outlining the technology, team, and market potential is recommended.
What makes SCI Ventures different from traditional venture capital firms?
SCI Ventures operates as a venture philanthropy fund, meaning that 100% of investment gains are reinvested into additional mission-aligned companies. This model prioritizes social impact alongside financial returns.
What is the geographic scope of SCI Ventures' investments?
SCI Ventures invests globally, with a particular focus on North America and Europe, targeting companies that are developing innovative solutions for paralysis.
What is the typical check size for investments?
SCI Ventures typically invests at the Seed and Series A stages, although specific check sizes are not publicly disclosed. The fund aims to support up to 20 companies with its total capital commitments.
What kind of post-investment involvement does SCI Ventures have?
SCI Ventures maintains active involvement with its portfolio companies, providing strategic guidance and access to a network of scientific advisors and industry experts to help advance their missions.
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.