TLDR:
Key Points:
- Canadian life-sciences venture capital firms are raising new funds despite the absence of investments from major pension plans.
- A number of firms, including Amplitude Ventures and Genesys Capital, are announcing new funds as the sector experiences strong returns.
Canada’s life-sciences sector has seen success with IPOs and buyouts, leading to optimism despite global biotech investor pullback.
While government funding has provided support, the lack of investment from major pension plans is limiting the growth of Canadian life-sciences VC firms.
There is a push for pension funds to invest more in VC and innovation in Canada, with potential solutions including funds-of-funds and collective pooling of funds.
ESG considerations and the societal impact of biotech investments are highlighted as reasons for pension funds to consider backing the sector.
