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Varia Ventures, established in 2019, is a venture capital firm located in Buffalo, New York. The firm was co-founded by Scott Friedman and Andrea Vossler, both of whom are seasoned venture attorneys with extensive backgrounds in healthcare. Varia Ventures aims to bridge the gap between professional, membership-based organizations and venture investing opportunities, specifically in healthcare innovations relevant to their fields. The firm has developed a unique model that allows physician-investors to access curated, peer-reviewed investment opportunities.
Currently, Varia Ventures manages multiple funds, including the AGA Fund, Dendrite Fund, SINC Fund, and Varia Fund, each targeting specific sectors within healthcare. The firm has established partnerships with globally recognized medical and surgical societies, enhancing its investment opportunities and providing a strong foundation for its curated portfolio. Varia Ventures has quickly gained recognition, being listed among Buffalo's best venture capital firms and featured in various industry publications.
Varia Ventures primarily invests in healthcare companies, focusing on stages from Seed to pre-IPO. The firm has developed several specialized funds to address various sectors within healthcare. The AGA Fund targets investments related to digestive diseases, while the Dendrite Fund concentrates on neuroscience. The SINC Fund is dedicated to endoscopy and gastrointestinal investments, and the Varia Fund encompasses a broader range of healthcare deals. This multi-fund approach allows Varia Ventures to tailor its investments to specific healthcare needs and innovations.
The firm collaborates with prestigious medical societies, such as the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), to enhance its investment opportunities. Varia Ventures seeks to create a curated portfolio of peer-reviewed investment opportunities, ensuring that its physician-investors have access to high-quality deals. The firm typically invests between $250,000 and $2 million per deal, depending on the specific fund and stage of investment.
Varia Ventures manages several funds, each focusing on different aspects of healthcare:
Notable portfolio companies include:
Scott Friedman - Co-founder and Managing Director. Scott has a background as a venture attorney and works closely with physician clients in the healthcare sector.
Andrea Vossler - Co-founder and Managing Director. Andrea is also a venture attorney with extensive experience in healthcare investments.
Chris Schuler - Venture Partner, Business Development. Chris brings expertise in business development and strategic partnerships.
Eliza Shea, J.D. - Venture Partner, General Counsel. Eliza provides legal guidance and oversight for the firm's investments.
Lisa Friedman - Venture Partner, Strategic Initiatives. Lisa focuses on strategic initiatives and partnerships within the firm.
Kate Huber - Tech Lead. Kate oversees technology-related investments and initiatives.
To pitch Varia Ventures, founders should send an email to info@varia.com. It is essential to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team qualifications. The firm prefers detailed presentations that clearly articulate the innovation's value proposition and potential impact in the healthcare sector. Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks.
In recent months, Varia Ventures has made several notable investments, including:
What are Varia Ventures' investment criteria?
Varia Ventures primarily invests in healthcare companies at various stages, from Seed to pre-IPO. The firm focuses on specialized sectors within healthcare, including digestive diseases, neuroscience, and endoscopy.
How can I apply or pitch to Varia Ventures?
Founders can pitch to Varia Ventures by sending an email to info@varia.com. It is recommended to include a detailed pitch deck outlining the business model, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes Varia Ventures different from other venture capital firms?
Varia Ventures distinguishes itself by partnering with professional medical societies to provide curated, peer-reviewed investment opportunities specifically for physician-investors. This model enhances the quality of deal flow and aligns investments with the expertise of its partners.
What is the geographic scope of Varia Ventures?
The firm focuses on investments primarily within North America, leveraging its local expertise and connections in the healthcare sector.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Varia Ventures typically invests between $250,000 and $2 million per deal, depending on the specific fund and stage of investment.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Varia Ventures have?
Varia Ventures maintains active involvement with its portfolio companies, often providing operational support and strategic guidance through its network of physician-investors and industry experts.
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