Versant Ventures
ONTARIO been very surprised we exceeded our expectations. We’ll continue to use Canada to build our portfolio…In the next quarter, we will be announcing the launch of our second Montreal startup that will be in the cancer field.
There are not that many life sciences venture capital companies in Canada, particularly in the early stage. So we have to partner with large pharmaceutical firms as we did with BlueRock – and we have been successful at this.
vestors…at the end of the day, we succeed through collaboration. Historically the shortcoming in Canadian bio has been a shortage of capital. Most projects require $100 million to get past liquidity.
Q: In what areas is Canada leading?
Q: What are the challenges faced by venture cap firms in Canada?
Q: What do you think of the federal
When one builds a company, it’s not just about finding a great technology and IP. It’s about building a great team, a great financing strategy, great operating business model. In Canada, when it comes to building a great team, it’s difficult. There are not that many experienced entrepreneurs that have been there and done it before. We often have to bring in a first-time CEO and mentor them. Mentoring takes time. The second challenge is finding co-in-
I think Canada has one of the most supportive governments when it comes to helping the venture capital industry. In fact, very little public funding goes to ventures in Europe and the U.S. The Canadian government is very impressive.
Work going on in the U of T network in CCRM is world class. John Bell’s work in oncolytic in Ottawa is world class. Oncology and regenerative medicine.
Q: Where is the country lagging? Scientifically, Canada has always been strong. I think it’s in the translation piece that there is some challenge. We’re off to a great start, but at the end of the day, we have to take these companies to the finish line.
CCAB:
government?
To see this story online visit http://biotechnologyfocus.ca/ qa-with-brian-bolzon-of-versantventures/
By: Christine Misquitta
Translating Early Stage Biologics Into Your Products The CCAB translates early stage biologics into high-value assets and products. We have an extensive portfolio of fullyhuman antibodies, discovered by the University of Toronto’s antibody R&D engine: the Toronto Recombinant Antibody Centre (TRAC). Work with us to access world-class expertise in synthetic antibody discovery, state-of-the-art phage displayed libraries, and proprietary screening technologies. The CCAB is strengthening the Canadian drug development landscape by accelerating academic research and, together with investors or partners, further developing select therapeutic programs toward the clinic. In addition, we also offer a number of antibody reagents, tools and technologies for licensing. Talk to our Business Development team to see how CCAB can find a custom solution to your company’s antibody needs.
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Biotechnology Focus / June/July 2017
Christine Misquitta leads the general administration and communications activities for CCAB. This includes coordinating outreach events and media on behalf of CCAB for both the scientific community and general public as well as the writing of large scale funding proposals and their management once awarded. In this role, she is also the primary liaison with government, industry, partners, and other academic organizations. Christine has a background in molecular biology and obtained her PhD at McMaster University in Hamilton.
