VC News | Vensana Innovation is launched
Origin Ventures has raised a new $140 million venture capital fund.
Vensana Capital:
Vensana Capital, a leading venture capital and growth equity investment firm dedicated to medical technology, has announced the launch of Vensana Innovation (VI), a medtech innovation engine newly established by the firm. VI will be led by Thomas Tu, MD, a highly respected clinician and seasoned medtech executive who has joined Vensana as a Venture Partner after years of close collaboration with the Vensana team during his tenure as Chief Medical Officer at Inari Medical.
Vensana Innovation’s mission is to identify, develop, and commercialize novel medical technologies that address significant unmet clinical needs. VI’s development model provides entrepreneurs and management teams with funding, resources, expertise, and guidance to transform breakthrough concepts into successful products and companies. Opportunities will span internally generated insights, physician- or inventor-led collaboration, emerging companies seeking a capital partner with the resources of a deeply experienced dedicated team, and large medical device companies considering creative paths to optimize product portfolios.
Vensana’s launch of VI and appointment of Dr. Tu underscore the firm’s commitment to advancing medical technology innovation across all stages of development. By combining a flexible investment approach with deep expertise and resources, Vensana is positioned to partner with entrepreneurs throughout their entire development journey, while bringing value beyond capital to each of the firm’s portfolio companies.
Origin Ventures:
Ventureburn reports that Chicago-based Origin Ventures has raised a new $140 million venture capital fund. This marks its sixth fund since the firm was founded 25 years ago. It is known for early bets on companies such as Grubhub, which went public before being acquired for $7.3 billion. Origin continues to position itself at the heart of early-stage innovation.
The fresh fund arrives four years after its previous $130 million raise. It also lands amid a slower fundraising climate, where many U.S. venture firms are struggling to attract new capital. Despite the tough environment, Origin has drawn strong support from long-time limited partners. This includes institutional investors, family offices, and corporate venture arms.
“We’re fortunate to have a strong base of limited partners that have been with us for a while,” said Alex Meyer, Managing Partner at Origin Ventures. Founded in 1999, Origin has long targeted software, e-commerce, and technology-enabled services.
With its new fund, Origin Ventures is taking what is described as “a sharper turn” toward artificial intelligence and frontier technologies.
Jefferson Life Sciences:
Jefferson River Capital has announced the launch of Jefferson Life Sciences, an early-stage life sciences investment firm investing at the frontier of human health.
The new fund focused on therapeutic platforms that harness rigorous science and cutting-edge technologies, with a clear line of sight to the clinic, a well-articulated development path, excellent leadership teams, and multiple opportunities for success as demonstrated by the firm’s initial investments, which include Character Biosciences and Juvena Therapeutics.
Dr. Laura Lande-Diner, veteran biotech entrepreneur and former President and Chief Business Officer of Satellite Bio, has been named as Managing Partner.
“Now more than ever, the biotech industry needs investors with a long-term view that can help turn bold scientific ideas into meaningful therapeutic solutions for patients in need,” said Lande-Diner. “At Jefferson Life Sciences, we know that rigorous science, coupled with the inevitable advancements in technology across relevant industries, have tremendous potential for benefiting the public good and generating significant financial returns. We are thrilled to bring our focus on future value and flexible investment structures to this industry during a time of deep need. We also hope this effort inspires others to follow suit.”
Like what you've read?
Forward to a friend!