Venture Capital Industry Focus on Biotechnology

Find firms that provide biotech venture capital for startups
By Sharon Cullars, Freelance Writer Venture capital industry focus on biotechnology is booming as market trends diversify into high-profile global arenas, including industrial, environmental, health care and agricultural. Although the issue of stem-cell research remains a political and ethical hot button, the controversy has not slowed down venture capital interest. Universities and biotech companies, both well-established and fledgling ones, vie for funding, while venture capital firms explore the viability of biotech startups and emerging trends.

If you are a startup company seeking biotech venture capital, present a strategy that shows your product is sustainable in a changing market. Also study the valuation and funding models that largely influence the venture capital selection process. Then you are ready to search the various biotechnology venture capital funds available to startups. Consider the following points in your search:

1. Find consultancy to help you prepare a successful business strategy to present to biotech venture capital firms.

2. Search biotech VC firms that provide capital to startups, especially those with a focus on early-stage technology.

3. Use forums and sites that match startups with biotech venture capital funds.

Consult experts who offer strategic planning to help you obtain biotech venture capital

A good business strategy is key to obtaining venture capital, especially in the area of biotechnology. Find a consultancy to help you prepare a successful business plan. Look for agencies with extensive experience in deal making as well as proven strategic and analytical capabilities.
Try:  PharmaVentures specializes in deal making for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. It offers a range of strategic and analytical services and a proprietary database of information assets. BioMed Capital Group offers expertise to biotech companies that includes well-developed planning methods, competitive advantages and strategic alternatives.

Find biotech venture capital firms that provide funding for early-stage technology

There are venture capital firms that fund various phases of technological development. Some firms specialize in early growth companies. Find a venture capital firm that focus on startups and early-stage biotech products to optimize your chances for funding.
Try:  AmeriFinancial invests in startup companies with a primary focus on early-stage tech, medical and consumer companies. It provides equity capital of up to $10 million to companies with potential of great returns and has invested in more than 50 companies. It also offers other services to ensure an optimal investment. ARCH Venture Partners is a leading provider of life science venture capital to companies with groundbreaking technologies. ARCH manages a portfolio nearing $1.5 billion and has invested in more than 120 companies.

Find sites that connect companies with biotech venture capitalists

Certain websites match up entrepreneurs and small business owners with angel investors. It's a simple process: Post your funding request, which is then exposed to thousands of potential venture capitalists. A match in criteria is followed by an email introducing the parties to a possible combined venture.
Try:  Go BIG Network offers small business owners and startups an opportunity to request funding from a select 4,000-plus investors. You can also search for investors by funding portfolios. Genesis Exchange finds medical and biotech investors for companies. With more than 1,000 listed investors, it has secured more than $400 million in term sheets for its clients. The company's search database provides full investor profiles and a chance to showcase your business. Membership is required.

• To gain further insight about venture capital industry focus on biotechnology, take advantage of free online white papers as well as biotech and finance blogs.