Case study 19

Technology transfer office of University S was looking for investors for a portfolio of innovative early stage therapeutic ideas. However, the ideas were still at the hit-to-lead stage and venture capital firms found it too early-stage to commit their capital. The University commissioned a project to review potential business models to attract third party capital. Based on feedback from leading venture capitalists and pharmaceutical companies, the University decided to package the early discovery ideas into a portfolio and seek investment for the entire portfolio, as opposed to individual assets. In addition, the University gained support from strategic investors before going to the capital market.