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XGEN Venture is an Italian alternative investment fund manager (SGR) established in 2021 by the former Genextra team, which has nearly two decades of experience in life sciences investing. The firm focuses on early-stage investments in private research and development companies, specifically targeting high unmet medical needs in the life sciences sector. XGEN Venture is currently deploying capital from its inaugural fund, the XGEN Venture Life Science Fund, which launched at the end of 2022 with a total fund size of approximately $190 million.
Headquartered in Milan, Italy, XGEN Venture aims to build a portfolio of up to 15 companies, having already invested in 6 as of the final close. The firm’s team includes seasoned professionals with extensive backgrounds in life sciences, providing a strong foundation for identifying and supporting innovative startups. Notable milestones include the successful first close of €160 million in May 2024 and the final close of €180 million in December 2024.
XGEN Venture specializes in early-stage investments, primarily in the pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages, focusing on private research and development companies within the life sciences sector. The firm targets companies that address significant unmet medical needs, particularly in therapeutics, MedTech, diagnostics, and digital health. Their investment strategy emphasizes translating high-level scientific research into practical solutions for patients.
The firm seeks to partner with entrepreneurs who are developing innovative therapies and technologies that can significantly impact healthcare. XGEN Venture provides operational support through a network of venture partners, scientists, and entrepreneurs, enhancing the potential for success in their portfolio companies. Their approach includes active engagement in the development process, ensuring that investments align with their mission to address critical medical challenges.
XGEN Venture's portfolio includes notable companies that are making strides in the life sciences sector. The following companies are part of their current investments:
Paolo Fundarò – Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder. He has extensive experience in life sciences investing and previously worked at Genextra, where he was involved in building and investing in innovative startups.
Federica Draghi – Co-Founder and Managing Partner. She brings a wealth of knowledge in operational support and strategic guidance for life sciences companies, having worked alongside Paolo Fundarò at Genextra.
Daniele Scarinci – Co-Founder and Managing Partner. He has a strong background in venture capital and life sciences, contributing to the firm's investment strategy and portfolio management.
Prof. Carlo Marchetti – Independent Chairman. He provides oversight and strategic direction for the firm, leveraging his academic and industry expertise.
Carlo Michero – Independent Board Member. He contributes to the governance and strategic decision-making processes at XGEN Venture.
To pitch XGEN Venture, founders should visit their website at xgenventure.com. The pitch deck should include a concise overview of the business, market opportunity, and team background. XGEN Venture prefers to receive pitches through their online platform and values warm introductions, although they do accept direct submissions.
Response times can vary, but founders can generally expect feedback within a few weeks of submission. It is advisable to follow up if no response is received after this period.
In December 2024, XGEN Venture announced the final closing of its inaugural fund, the XGEN Venture Life Science Fund, at €180 million (approximately $190 million). This fund is focused on early-stage investments in life sciences companies.
In recent months, XGEN Venture has highlighted significant funding rounds for its portfolio companies, including Epilepsy GTx's $33 million Series A funding and AAVantgarde's $141 million Series B financing, both aimed at advancing innovative therapies in their respective fields.
What are XGEN Venture's investment criteria?
XGEN Venture focuses on early-stage investments in private life sciences companies that address high unmet medical needs. They target sectors such as therapeutics, MedTech, diagnostics, and digital health.
How can startups apply or pitch to XGEN Venture?
Startups can pitch to XGEN Venture through their website at xgenventure.com. They recommend including a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and the team’s background in the pitch deck.
What makes XGEN Venture different from other investors?
XGEN Venture distinguishes itself through its focus on early-stage life sciences investments and its operational support model. The firm leverages a network of venture partners and industry experts to assist portfolio companies in navigating the complexities of the life sciences sector.
What is the geographic scope of XGEN Venture's investments?
XGEN Venture primarily invests in companies based in Europe, with a focus on those developing innovative healthcare solutions.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not publicly disclosed, XGEN Venture typically invests in the pre-seed to seed stages, which generally involves smaller initial investments that can scale as companies progress.
What kind of post-investment involvement does XGEN Venture have?
XGEN Venture provides operational support and strategic guidance to its portfolio companies, often involving venture partners who have extensive experience in the life sciences sector. This support can include mentorship, access to networks, and assistance in navigating regulatory challenges.
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