Top 50 Biotech Startup Investors in Australia in December 2024

Uniseed was established in October 2000 as a $20 million joint venture between the University of Melbourne (UM) and the University of Queensland (UQ). This proof of concept fund (Fund-1) operated with significant input and support from the commercialization offices of the two universities (UniQuest and Melbourne Ventures Limited), with staff ofthese organizations making up the majority of the Investment Committee and leading due diligence and management of most investment opportunities. Over 20 investments, typically of $250,000 - $500,000 were made from this fund.A new $40 million venture fund (Fund-2) ran from 2005-15, with the addition of a third leading university, the University of New South Wales, and a major private institutional investor, the Westscheme superannuation fund. The founding universities (UQ & UM) also committed further funds. Australian Super took over Westscheme's essets and commitments in July 2011.With the start of Fund-2, an independent management team was established, consisting of the CEO and three Investment Managers; one at each university catchment. The Investment Committee was restructured, with dedicated committees established for biotechnology or other technologies. The nominal investment limit was increased to $2.5 million to allow participation in follow-on funding rounds so as to preserve Uniseed's equity position.On 1 November 2015, Uniseed started its third and largest fund (Fund-3) with the addition of the University of Sydney and the CSIRO to the Universities of Queensland, Melbourne and NSW. This followed three high profile exits in the preceding 14 months (Fibrotech; Spinifex & Hatchtech). Each of the five partners committed $10 million over 10 years to the new fund (total fund $50 million).Uniseed’s partner research organisations spent nearly $4 billion on research, making up over 40% of the total research spend at 67 research organisations in Australia. Together, these organisations accounted for nearly 500 invention disclosures (34% of total) and 500 new registered IP rights filed (45% of total) over the same period(2013 National Survey of Research Commercialisation). Unlike private venture capital funds, Uniseed is dedicated to the needs of its research partners, and committed to servicing them consistently over the long term, irrespective of the short term conditions in external capital markets. It works in very close partnership with the research partner commercialisation companies and staff, providing a valuable adjunct to the capabilities these companies and staff provide. They in turn provide a best-practice commercialisation service tailored to their respective organisations. These companies are able to leverage to great effect the scale of operation and expertise of the Uniseed network.The fund is run with commercial discipline, ensuring independence and financial rigor in its investment decision-making processes. Success is measured by a balance of return on investment (including the flow of funds for research to further the commercialisation of intellectual property generated within the research partner catchments), the establishment of viable start-up companies, the generation of research income for research partners and the improvement of partner commercialisation processes.

Uniseed was established in October 2000 as a $20 million joint venture between the University of Melbourne (UM) and the University of Queensland (UQ). This proof of concept fund (Fund-1) operated with significant input and support from the commercialization offices of the two universities (UniQuest and Melbourne Ventures Limited), with staff ofthese organizations making up the majority of the Investment Committee and leading due diligence and management of most investment opportunities. Over 20 investments, typically of $250,000 - $500,000 were made from this fund.A new $40 million venture fund (Fund-2) ran from 2005-15, with the addition of a third leading university, the University of New South Wales, and a major private institutional investor, the Westscheme superannuation fund. The founding universities (UQ & UM) also committed further funds. Australian Super took over Westscheme's essets and commitments in July 2011.With the start of Fund-2, an independent management team was established, consisting of the CEO and three Investment Managers; one at each university catchment. The Investment Committee was restructured, with dedicated committees established for biotechnology or other technologies. The nominal investment limit was increased to $2.5 million to allow participation in follow-on funding rounds so as to preserve Uniseed's equity position.On 1 November 2015, Uniseed started its third and largest fund (Fund-3) with the addition of the University of Sydney and the CSIRO to the Universities of Queensland, Melbourne and NSW. This followed three high profile exits in the preceding 14 months (Fibrotech; Spinifex & Hatchtech). Each of the five partners committed $10 million over 10 years to the new fund (total fund $50 million).Uniseed’s partner research organisations spent nearly $4 billion on research, making up over 40% of the total research spend at 67 research organisations in Australia. Together, these organisations accounted for nearly 500 invention disclosures (34% of total) and 500 new registered IP rights filed (45% of total) over the same period(2013 National Survey of Research Commercialisation). Unlike private venture capital funds, Uniseed is dedicated to the needs of its research partners, and committed to servicing them consistently over the long term, irrespective of the short term conditions in external capital markets. It works in very close partnership with the research partner commercialisation companies and staff, providing a valuable adjunct to the capabilities these companies and staff provide. They in turn provide a best-practice commercialisation service tailored to their respective organisations. These companies are able to leverage to great effect the scale of operation and expertise of the Uniseed network.The fund is run with commercial discipline, ensuring independence and financial rigor in its investment decision-making processes. Success is measured by a balance of return on investment (including the flow of funds for research to further the commercialisation of intellectual property generated within the research partner catchments), the establishment of viable start-up companies, the generation of research income for research partners and the improvement of partner commercialisation processes.

Brandon Capital invests in the most promising biomedical opportunities that have the potential to improve the lives of patients.

Medical Research Commercialisation Fund (MRCF) provides dedicated, investment funding to support the commercialisation of early-stage medical research discoveries that originate from its member institutes. The collaborative nature of the MRCF seeks to foster best practice in the commercialisation of medical innovations.

Stoic VC is an early-stage venture fund backing founders at the forefront of University Innovation. We partner with Uniseed to accelerate the commercialisation of university research across the ANZ.

We work with inventors who are building something hard from their unique expertise in science. These inventors are building the industries that will thrive for the decades to come. We have a unique working model to accelerate a company's pathway to scale.

OneVentures is one of Australia’s leading venture capital firms, with over $330M in funds under management. But they do more than invest. They take companies to that all important next stage, by actively shaping their future. They apply their years of international experience, operational and executional expertise to accelerate the growth of theirportfolio companies. A global growth focus drives their investment selection with their current portfolio including companies with truly innovative products tackling multi-billion-dollar problems, from needle-free vaccinations to virtual communications to adaptive e-learning.

Melbourne Angels was formed in Melbourne, Australia in early 2007. Melbourne Angels is the leading group of private investors in Victoria who actively invest in early stage and growth technology companies.The group has a strong and experienced core of members that generate deal flow, are experienced in evaluation of business propositions and actas mentors for the other members and the entrepreneurs. The members vary in age, gender, ethnicity, profession and type of experience. All members have experience of success at being entrepreneurial.This award winning group is consistently one of the most active startup investors in the country.

Artesian Capital Management is an alternative investments management company, which was spun out of ANZ Banking Group's capital markets business in 2004, with backing from ANZ Private Equity. Artesian's founding partners, purchased ANZ's stake in 2005. The company has subsequently been fully owned by partners and staff. Since 2004,Artesian has managed specialised funds focused on credit arbitrage and relative-value strategies across global financial markets. In 2008, while continuing to manage credit relative value investment strategies from its New York, London and Singapore offices, Artesian began to make principal investments in seed/early-stage ventures from its offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Shanghai. In 2011, Artesian launched the first of its early stage venture capital funds and now manages AUD +255m. Artesian's VC strategy is to partner with best of breed accelerators, incubators, angel groups and university programs. In 2017, Artesian launched its China VC Fund with a USD 50m cornerstone investment industry super fund Hostplus. Artesian will soon launch a Southeast Asia VC Fund.

Formed in late 2006, the Brisbane Angels Pty Ltd is a large group of private investors who actively invest in early stage technology companies, usually in South East Queensland, Australia. The members are typically active or semi-retired former senior business executives, who apart from financial input can provide much needed value adding toinvestee companies through hands-on management experience and high level business networks.

Investing in the deep science and technology that can propel humanity towards a radically better future.

The Clean Energy Finance Corporation invests using a commercial approach to overcome market barriers and mobilize investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low emissions technologies. They seek to catalyze and leverage private sector funding for the commercialization and deployment of clean energy technologies necessary for thetransition to a carbon-constrained economy.

Yuuwa Capital is a $40M early-stage venture capital firm based in Perth, Western Australia. They are actively seeking outstanding investment opportunities where Yuuwa can provide both capital and expertise to help founders, management and early investors to turn good ideas into great companies.

Founded in 1996, GBS invests in young businesses developing and commercialising products which, when combined with the right management and finance, will make a significant difference to patients' lives and deliver financial returns for their investors. Their areas of particular interest and expertise include human healthcare, biotechnologyproduct development and life science start-ups. In particular, recent investments have included biological or small molecule therapeutics, medical devices and diagnostics.GBS invests in private or public companies whether at start-up or later stages of company development. Their investors include major Australian superannuation funds.

Starfish Ventures is an Australian venture capital firm focused on information technology, life sciences, and clean technology companies.

QIC BioVentures, previously known as Queensland BioCapital Funds, was established by the Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC) in October 2002 as its venture capital arm specialising in biotechnology. Like any other QIC Fund, QBF's purpose is to maximize investment returns for QIC's clients. QBF does not provide grants or other formsof assistance.

From idea to impact.

Vectr is a venture firm based in Hong Kong. They combine investment, creation and growth to deliver game-changing impact to teams ready to tackle global issues, transform industries and improve the lives of millions.That combines capital, creation and partnership to deliver game-changing impact. We strive to be the ideal partner for founders thatare building transformation products and looking to expand their businesses into asia.

The Global Health Investment Fund (GHIF) is a $108 million social impact investment fund designed to provide financing to advance the development of drugs, vaccines, diagnostics and other interventions against diseases that disproportionately burden low- and middle-income countries. GHIF supports late-stage innovations for public health challengessuch as malaria, pre-eclampsia, cholera, HIV and river blindness, with an emphasis on infectious diseases and maternal/infant health issues that cause significant morbidity and mortality in resource-limited settings. GHIF may also make investments that improve or expand access to existing products—such as developing pediatric formulations of approved therapeutics or improving the stability of widely-used global health vaccines.As an investment fund with a limited time-horizon, GHIF seeks opportunities that have a high probability of successful commercialization within two or three years. Products with “dual market” potential are of greatest interest; i.e., those that will have a clear impact on public health in developing countries but also have value in high-income countries. High-volume / low-margin products, such as essential vaccines, are also of significant interest.GHIF employs a range of investment structures including mezzanine debt, convertible debt, preferred equity and project financing with an average investment target of approximately $10 million per project. Each GHIF project must advance the Fund’s social impact objectives and demonstrate the ability to achieve commercial success.

Investible is an early-stage venture capital firm backing the visionaries advancing humanity through technology in Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia and globally.

Tin Alley Ventures collaborates with companies and researchers in the University of Melbourne's ecosystem to invest in & support world-changing businesses.

We Invest in the Circular Economy, a New Economic Model Focused on a Profitable and Sustainable Future.

Sydney Angels is a not-for-profit angel investment membership organisation. Since our establishment in 2008, they have stayed true to our mission of supporting the early-stage ecosystem by running processes and events that connect our investing members with promising early-stage companiesThey believe that encouraging smart investment in startupcompanies will benefit both our members’ portfolios and Australia’s emergent innovation economy.They see this as the ultimate win-win situation. Sydney Angels is led by an elected committee of ten volunteers who meet weekly. It is supported by an operations manager and alliance partners.

Queensland Investment Corporation is an investment company.

The BridgeLane Group is a privately-owned asset management firm specialising in the agricultural, real estate and innovation sectors. A significant global player in agriculture with a multi-decade record in large scale farming, the Group has a proud history in residential property development, comme

SOSV is a global, deep tech venture capital firm that operates the HAX and IndieBio startup development programs focused on human and planetary health. SOSV invests $500,000 in startups at their inception as they onboard either HAX or IndieBio for a 4-6 month period designed to accelerate the raise of their next institutional round. SOSV joins thelater rounds of HAX and IndieBio graduates. HAX, based in a 35,000 sq ft facility in Newark, NJ, is equipped with machine tools, 3D printers, chemical, electrical and mechanical engineering labs, as well as on-staff engineering and design experts. SOSV's IndieBio has locations in NYC and San Francisco, both of which offer extensive services and facilities to founders including on-site BSL-2 labs, well equipped lab benches and hoods, and advanced lab equipment, such as chromatography equipment.

Tenacious Ventures - Australia's first and only dedicated agrifood tech VC firm.

Folklore is a team of investors, founders, and builders committed to supporting Australian and New Zealand tech founders. We are a first cheque to forever investment firm, and we believe in the power of founder vision and the potential of teams, right from the start.

Medical Angels is the premier medical and health-specific angel investment syndicate, comprised of over 1,000 clinicians from across Australia.

Empath Ventures is a venture capital firm that mainly invests in psychedelic medicine companies. The firm specializes in the fields of investment financial services, finance, and venture capital. It was founded in 2021 and headquartered in Los Angeles California.

Allan Moss acts an adviser to Anchorage’s Investment Committee. Currently Principal of Allan Moss Investments, a private investment company, Allan retired from the role of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Macquarie Group in May 2008. He was with Macquarie Group for 31 years and served as CEO from 1993 to his retirement in2008. He was also a non- executive director of CSR Ltd from 1996 to 2001.Allan graduated from Sydney University in Arts with a major in Economics and in Laws with Honours. He is also a graduate of Harvard University with a Masters Degree in Business Administration with High Distinction. Allan has received numerous industry awards and recognitions. He was twice named by Barron’s Magazine as one of the 30 most respected CEOs in the world (2006, 2007). He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2005.

Lowercarbon Capital backs kickass companies slashing CO2 emissions, sucking carbon out of the sky, and buying us time to unf**k the planet.

Mike Wallas - Advisory Board @ Optifire Pty Ltd

The George Institute for Global Health is an independent medical research institute that helps to improve the health of millions of people worldwide. With projects in more than 50 countries, it has raised over 500 million dollars for global health research since 1999, and it has been ranked among the top 10 research institutions in the world forscientific impact by the SCImago Institution Rankings World Report in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014.The George Institute for Global Health’s work includes preventing heart disease in India, improving healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, closing healthcare gaps in China, making roads safer around the world, preventing the complications of diabetes, changing decades old thinking about intensive care, improving outcomes among stroke survivors, using mobile technology to make healthcare accessible worldwide, and developing tools to empower people to improve their own health.The George Institute for Global Health was founded in 1999 and is based in Sydney.

Possible Ventures backs ambitious teams building frontier technology to positively impact society. We invest globally in the early stages, actively supporting founders via our collective of global entrepreneurs.

Backing a better tomorrow

Acequia Capital advises early founders passionate about the power of software to grow broad, durable value. We assist founders developing their idea and forming the team through their journey. We provide seed capital, help to organize initial investors, secure bridge funding when appropriate, and lead or take part in rounds beyond Series A. Andwe can facilitate a market for founders, employees, and other investors via secondary sales. In select cases, we can provide alternative financing options.

The inaugural fund will seek to identify and invest in opportunities to supplement growth in the core business and advance the development of adjacent technologies for the future.

Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation is one of Australia's most important research infrastructures. Thousands of scientists in industry and academia gain access to state-of-the-art instruments every year. ANSTO operates much of Australia's landmark infrastructure, including OPAL, one of the world's most advancednuclear reactors; the Australian Synchrotron; the National Imaging Facility Research Cyclotron; and the Centre for Accelerator Science.

An Australian venture capital firm building global technology businesses

HealthCare Ventures is a leading life science venture capital firm investing in pre-clinical or early clinical stage, focused companies with potential to transform patient care.

Daniel Petre is the Founder of StartGiving. He was a Founding Chairman and Board Member at Ninemsn. He attended the University of Sydney.

Angeloop provides a social and business intelligence platform for Startups and Investors to leverage those networks to their full extent.

Southern Cross Venture Partners was launched in 2006 by veteran venture capitalists who have managed and operated companies themselves. Southern Cross Venture Partners assist early stage technology companies that demonstrate the potential for exceptional growth and market leadership build significant businesses. The founding principle of SouthernCross is partnership -- they are passionately committed to doing everything they can to help their portfolio companies succeed. Their team has a strong record of utilizing their start-up and management experience, industry knowledge, network of business/customer relationships, and recruiting skills to assist in building significant shareholder value.Southern Cross is currently investing in companies that fit their investment criteria. They prefer to act as lead or co-lead in the early stages where they have experience that can help build value rapidly. They do not have a minimum investment amount, however, a typical initial investment will be $2 million to $5 million with an ability to invest more money in later rounds.

Ellerston Capital is a specialist investment manager with a distinctive approach to portfolio construction and investment selection.

Virtus Health is a healthcare services company that provides assisted reproductive services, specialized diagnostics and day hospitals.The company brings together leading clinicians, scientists, researchers and support staff to provide the very best in fertility care, IVF and related services. Its medical teams are highly regarded and ourfertility treatment programs are considered some of the safest and most successful in the world.

Gaingels is a leading venture investment syndicate in support of diversity, inclusive of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies in the venture capital space.

Lionheart Ventures is a global, seed-stage venture capital firm investing in companies that make humanity more resilient.

Giant Leap is Australia's first venture capital fund to be 100% dedicated to investing in exceptional, rapidly scalable impact businesses.

Catherine Lacavera is the VP, Legal at Google.