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SYNthesis BioVentures is a registered Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnership (ESVCLP) fund based in Parkville, Victoria, Australia. Founded in 2022, the organization is dedicated to advancing early-stage therapeutics, particularly in small molecule therapeutics, biologics, and cell and gene therapies. The fund aims to address significant unmet medical needs by investing in projects from discovery through preclinical proof of concept and IND-enabling studies.
The fund has a target size of AUD $75 million and has raised over AUD $25 million to date, deploying approximately AUD $15 million across four preclinical ventures. The team consists of experienced professionals with deep scientific expertise, enabling them to effectively evaluate and support preclinical assets. Their office is located at the Bio21 Institute, 30 Flemington Road, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia.
SYNthesis BioVentures invests in therapeutics across various modalities, focusing on small molecules, biologics, and cell and gene therapies. Their investment strategy is tiered, with investments ranging from AUD $1 million for early-stage projects to AUD $5 million for late preclinical and early clinical programs. The fund is agnostic regarding modality and indication, allowing for a broad approach to addressing medical needs.
The firm specifically targets significant unmet medical needs in areas such as cancer immunology, cardiovascular disease, and neuroinflammation. Their investment criteria emphasize projects that are in the discovery phase through to preclinical proof of concept and IND-enabling studies. This focus allows them to engage with innovative therapeutic solutions that have the potential to make a substantial impact on patient care.
SYNthesis BioVentures has a focused portfolio that includes four notable companies:
Prof. Andrew F. Wilks: Managing Director. Andrew is a co-inventor of Ojjaara (momelotinib), an FDA-approved treatment for myelofibrosis, with a peak commercial value of USD $1.9 billion. His extensive experience in drug development provides a strong foundation for the firm.
Fabio Turatti, PhD: Managing Director. Fabio brings a wealth of knowledge in biotechnology and has been involved in various successful ventures in the sector.
Amir Zalcenstein, PhD: Managing Director. Amir has a strong background in drug discovery and development, contributing to the firm’s scientific rigor and investment strategy.
To pitch SYNthesis BioVentures, founders should use the contact form available on their website at synthesisbioventures.com. It is recommended to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the project’s therapeutic approach, market analysis, and team qualifications. The firm prefers detailed information on the development stage and any existing data that supports the project.
Response times can vary, but founders should expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions through industry contacts can enhance the chances of a successful pitch.
In recent months, SYNthesis BioVentures has published four newsletters detailing their investments in portfolio companies. These newsletters highlight their ongoing engagement with the therapeutic landscape and provide updates on companies such as Anaxis Pharma, Aculeus Therapeutics, Skin2Neuron, and Qubigen.
As of April 2026, the firm has successfully deployed approximately AUD $15 million across its four preclinical ventures, demonstrating active participation in the biotech sector. The upcoming first-in-human trials for Anaxis Pharma in 2025 represent a significant milestone for the fund.
What are SYNthesis BioVentures' investment criteria?
SYNthesis BioVentures focuses on early-stage therapeutics, investing in projects from discovery through preclinical proof of concept and IND-enabling studies. They target small molecules, biologics, and cell and gene therapies, with check sizes ranging from AUD $1 million to AUD $5 million.
How can I apply or pitch to SYNthesis BioVentures?
Founders can pitch their projects through the firm's website at synthesisbioventures.com. It is advisable to include detailed information about the therapeutic approach, market potential, and team expertise in the pitch deck.
What makes SYNthesis BioVentures different from other VCs?
The firm has a strong scientific foundation, led by professionals with extensive experience in drug development. This expertise allows them to evaluate preclinical assets more effectively than generalist VCs.
What is the geographic focus of SYNthesis BioVentures?
SYNthesis BioVentures primarily invests in the Oceania region, particularly Australia, while also considering global opportunities in the pharmaceutical sector.
What is the typical post-investment involvement of SYNthesis BioVentures?
The firm actively supports its portfolio companies through mentorship, operational guidance, and leveraging industry connections to enhance the development of therapeutic solutions.
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