Octopus Ventures intends to launch a £100m global institutional fund for early-stage health tech companies.
It aims to take advantage of opportunities from the health tech market, especially to transform public healthcare systems across Europe and the emerging markets.
Octopus is joined by a new team from TenX Health. The team of three – Joe Stringer, Dr Pooja Sikka and Shamik Parekh – who will build on Octopus’ existing expertise.
The team will manage the proposed fund, which is targeting £100m to invest in early-stage health tech businesses. This fund aims to accelerate healthcare technology into global health systems and directly to consumers that need access to better care. It will focus on Series A, reserving capital to follow on through the growth rounds. Initial investments are expected to sit between £1m and £5m. Octopus will act as a cornerstone investor, bringing its knowledge and experience to the table.
There isn’t a formal application process, but if you think that this sounds like a funding opportunity that’ll suit your business, get in touch with the Octopus team.
Commenting on the news, Alliott Cole, co-CEO of Octopus Ventures, said: “Covid-19 has doubled the pace of growth in healthcare technology.
“We now have one of the largest teams backing those entrepreneurs that are radically rethinking how healthcare can be delivered – across Europe as well as expanding our footprint into emerging markets. We are delighted to cornerstone this new fund and look forward to providing investors with an opportunity to access this global growth market.”
Dr Pooja Sikka added: “Combined with the growth potential in technology and the positive social impact of the sector, digital health has swung sharply into the spotlight.
“There is a massive opportunity to back businesses that can really make a difference to the way healthcare is delivered to the benefit of patients across Europe and the emerging markets. We are looking forward to unlocking this potential with our new fund, building on Octopus’ reputation as one of Europe’s leading VCs and its mission to achieve impact at scale and pace.”
Recent announcements signal Octopus’ intention to step up its investment activity, particularly in high impact sectors, even with market uncertainty caused by Covid-19. In fact, it creates opportunities for investors to back pioneering entrepreneurs, accessing the growth potential that these firms offer.
Read more
