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.
Varia Ventures, founded in 2019 by Scott Friedman and Andrea Vossler, is a venture capital firm based in Buffalo, New York. Both founders are experienced venture attorneys with a strong background in healthcare, which informs their investment strategy. The firm partners with professional, membership-based organizations to provide their members with access to venture investing opportunities in innovations relevant to their fields of expertise.
Varia Ventures aims to create a curated portfolio of peer-reviewed investment opportunities for its partners and investors. The firm has established several specialized funds, including the AGA Fund, Dendrite Fund, SINC Fund, and Varia Fund, each targeting different sectors within healthcare. As of now, Varia Ventures has built a reputation for its unique approach to venture capital, focusing on collaboration with globally recognized medical and surgical societies.
Varia Ventures primarily invests in healthcare companies, covering stages from Seed to pre-IPO, depending on the specific fund. The firm has developed multiple funds tailored to specific healthcare sectors. The AGA Fund focuses on investments related to digestive diseases, while the Dendrite Fund concentrates on neuroscience. The SINC Fund targets endoscopy and gastrointestinal investments, and the Varia Fund invests in a broader range of healthcare deals.
The organization collaborates with prestigious medical and surgical societies to enhance its investment opportunities, ensuring that its portfolio is aligned with the latest advancements in healthcare. Varia Ventures seeks to partner with physician-investors from these societies, creating a membership model that allows for curated, peer-reviewed deal flow. This approach not only strengthens their investment strategy but also provides valuable insights from industry experts.
Varia Ventures manages several funds, each with a distinct focus:
Notable portfolio companies include:
Scott Friedman - Co-founder and Managing Director. Scott has extensive experience as a venture attorney, focusing on healthcare clients. He has a strong network within the medical community, which aids in identifying investment opportunities.
Andrea Vossler - Co-founder and Managing Director. Andrea is also a venture attorney with a background in healthcare, bringing valuable insights into the investment process.
Chris Schuler - Venture Partner, Business Development. Chris has a background in business development and is responsible for identifying new investment opportunities.
Eliza Shea, J.D. - Venture Partner, General Counsel. Eliza provides legal expertise and guidance on regulatory matters related to healthcare investments.
Lisa Friedman - Venture Partner, Strategic Initiatives. Lisa focuses on strategic partnerships and initiatives that align with Varia's investment goals.
Kate Huber - Tech Lead. Kate oversees technology-related investments and ensures that the firm stays ahead of trends in healthcare technology.
To pitch Varia Ventures, founders should send an email to info@varia.com with a comprehensive pitch deck. The deck should include details about the business model, market opportunity, competitive landscape, and team qualifications. Varia Ventures appreciates well-structured presentations that clearly articulate the startup's vision and potential.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions through mutual connections in the healthcare sector can enhance the chances of a favorable response.
In recent months, Varia Ventures has made several notable investments, including:
These activities highlight Varia Ventures' commitment to advancing healthcare innovations through strategic investments.
What are Varia Ventures' investment criteria?
Varia Ventures invests in healthcare companies at various stages, from Seed to pre-IPO. The firm focuses on specialized sectors within healthcare, leveraging partnerships with medical societies to identify promising investment opportunities.
How can I pitch to Varia Ventures?
Founders can reach out via email at info@varia.com. It is recommended to include a detailed pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes Varia Ventures different from other VCs?
Varia Ventures distinguishes itself through its partnerships with professional medical societies, which provide access to curated, peer-reviewed investment opportunities. This model allows for a unique deal flow that is informed by industry experts.
What is the geographic focus of Varia Ventures?
The firm primarily focuses on investments within North America, targeting healthcare innovations that align with its specialized funds.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Varia Ventures typically invests between $250,000 and $2 million, depending on the specific fund and stage of the company.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Varia Ventures have?
Varia Ventures maintains active involvement with its portfolio companies, often providing strategic guidance and leveraging its network of medical professionals to support growth and development.
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.