The Chiesi Group, a Parma, Italy-based research-focused international group which researches, develops and commercializes pharmaceutical solutions in the respiratory therapeutics and specialist medicine areas, has created its corporate venture capital fund.
Chiesi Ventures will complement the strategic interest of Chiesi in the area of rare diseases by investing in early stage opportunities and expanding the company’s network in the US among universities, venture capital investors, rare disease patient organizations and entrepreneurial companies developing treatments for rare diseases.
The investment focus is on:
– Traditional small molecules and biologics,
– Advanced therapies
– Reformulation technologies and devices
– Disease discovery, diagnosis and management.
It will back companies in mid-preclinical stage that already have some proof of concept covering seed to Series A rounds with equity investment of up to the $4-5M range and reserving a portion of the fund for future rounds. For larger investments, Chiesi Ventures may act as a lead investor.
Formed via a collaboration with A. M. Pappas & Associates, which is dedicated to the development of life science companies, products, technologies, and other entrepreneurial opportunities, the firm will operate as an independent investment vehicle while maintaining a strategic connection with the Chiesi Group.
It will have offices in Boston, MA, Research Triangle Park, NC and Parma, Italy and will focus on investment opportunities in the US and Europe.
Chiesi employs approximately 3,900 people, 480 of which are dedicated to R&D activities having focused centers in Parma (Italy), Paris (France), Rockville (USA), Chippenham (UK) and Denmark with the team of the recently acquired Zymenex.
FinSMEs
02/09/2014