Angels for Life Sciences network launches in UK
Aims to secure investment of £2m per life science company
The Angels for Life Sciences (A4LS) network has been launched to bring together sector-experienced ‘angels’ and generalist angels to invest in high quality life science companies.
A4LS will create a forum in which angels can discuss, debate and invest in pre-selected, high-quality life science businesses.
The network will be led by Simon Kerry and Will West, life science entrepreneurs both with 20 years’ experience including in early-stage life science companies, and Eileen Modral, investor development manager at Oxford Investment Opportunity Network (OION). The network is supported by the BIA, Fasken Martineau, Nesta, OION and Wellcome Trust.
Kerry, A4LS network manager, said: ‘The Angels for Life Sciences network will address the need for a UK-wide angel investment network to provide angels with the opportunity to invest in high-quality, emerging life science businesses and provide these businesses with an important funding channel.
‘The importance of the life sciences sector to the UK economy has been reinforced by the government's support for the sector, including its Strategy for UK Life Sciences and the Biomedical Catalyst. This support has helped create an environment where angel investors can make a positive return on life sciences investments.’
The first A4LS meeting will be held in London next month and life science companies are invited to apply for an opportunity to present.
A4LS aims to secure investments of up to £2m per company.
Steve Bates, BIA chief executive, said: ‘Access to finance is the key challenge for life science companies and I am delighted that the A4LS network provides a new opportunity for start-up companies to access capital.’
A4LS was launched at the BioIndustry Association’s recent Bioscience Forum.
