Australasia’s leading life sciences venture capital firm, Brandon Capital, has established a sixth fund with the support of superannuation companies and CSL.
The Brandon Capital Fund VI's initial close is $270 million (US$180 million). It will support the growth of Australian and New Zealand life sciences startups, invest in scale-ups, and expand Brandon Capital’s international presence, particularly in the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States.
HESTA is an Australian industry superannuation fund focused on people in the health and community service sectors. Its chief investment officer, Sonya Sawtell-Rickson, said, “This latest investment builds on a long-standing partnership that aims to provide strong long-term returns to members since our initial investment in Brandon Capital’s first fund in 2008.
“Through our life sciences investments, we’re supporting innovative Australian companies commercialise cutting-edge medical breakthroughs and improving health outcomes while helping create the jobs of the future in the industries where our members work.”
Brandon Capital has raised over $1 billion across five previous funds. It has completed over 60 investments in new therapeutic, medical device, and health technology companies.
Dr Chris Nave, the managing partner at Brandon Capital, said, “We are encouraged by positive late-stage clinical trial results across several of our portfolio companies, including Azura Ophthalmics, Certa Therapeutics, Catalym, EBR Systems, George Medicines and PolyActiva.”
London-based Brandon Capital partner Dr Jonathan Tobin said, “With the new Fund, we will continue to support and build our international portfolio. Brandon Capital has built several exciting European biotechs from our last Fund, including successful start-ups Myricx Bio, Pathios, NRG Therapeutics, and Pheon Therapeutics; and scale-up rounds including Catalym and Astronautx.”
“Australia ranks among the top 10 countries globally for the quality and output of its medical and clinical research. At Brandon, we partner with Australia’s brightest medical minds to translate biomedical discoveries into companies developing new drugs, vaccines, and medical devices,” added Dr Nave.
