Kurma Biofund, a recently launched fund, announces a new relationship with Imperial Innovations
Press Release Paris, 7th December, 2009
Kurma Biofund, a recently launched life science fund, announces a new relationship with Imperial Innovations plc (London). Kurma Biofund (Kurma) is a new venture capital fund based in Paris and dedicated to innovations in Life Sciences and Healthcare. Kurma has established strong strategic relationships with the Institut Pasteur and the Institut Curie in France which are the founding institutes of the fund. Kurma Biofund I recently announced the closing of a first round of financing of €50 million. An objective of the Fund is to extend selectively its relationships with leading institutions in other parts of Europe. Kurma is therefore pleased to announce that it has established a close working relationship with Imperial Innovations plc, which is responsible for the building and realisation of the value of intellectual assets emanating from Imperial College London. “We have sought to expand the Kurma network by working with a small number of eminent research institutes and sharing access to their technology transfer skills and scientific investment opportunities. Our goal is to build strong, competitive businesses that are based upon the very best in innovative sciences, and, where possible, to bring together a range of skills and intellectual property from different partners within our network”, said Alain Maiore joint Managing Partner of the fund. “We are delighted to be working with ThierryLaugel, Alain Maiore and their team at Kurma. At Imperial Innovations, we create, build and invest in ground-breaking companies addressing large international markets. We are currently reviewing several co-investment opportunities together with Thierry and Alain and their team, and look forward to concluding a number of deals with Kurma in due course”, said Susan Searle, CEO of Imperial Innovations. About Imperial Innovations plc Imperial Innovations is one of the UK's leading technology commercialization and investment companies. Founded in 1986 and admitted to the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange in 2006, Imperial Innovations' access to early stage technology and intellectual property is unparalleled. Imperial Innovations' integrated commercialization approach encompasses the identification of ideas, the protection of intellectual property, the development and licensing of technology and the formation, incubation and funding, through investment, of technology businesses. Based at Imperial College, London, Imperial Innovations' portfolio of equity holdings in more than 80 companies spans its three core areas of energy usage, healthcare and communications. www.imperialinnovations.co.uk About Kurma Biofund Kurma Biofund is a new venture capital fund based in Paris and dedicated to innovations in Life Sciences and Healthcare. The fund has a unique positioning based on financing assets with near term realizations (3 to 5 years) for both technology transfer projects and mature projects. Kurma relies on very high quality investment opportunities generated through a network of partnerships in France and abroad with leading research institutes and a strong experienced team combining managing partners, venture partners and a strong network of scientific experts. Kurma Biofund I has closed a first round of financing of 50 million euros on the 24th November 2009. http://www.kurmabiofund.com/ Contacts Natixis Private Equity Valérie Mathérion : +33(0) 1 58 19 20 53 valerie.matherion@natixis-pe.com Céline Malherbe : +33(0) 1 58 50 20 26 Celine.malherbe@natixis-pe.com Agence Shan Christine Moguerou : +33(0)1 44 50 51 73 Christine.moguerou@shan.fr Nathalie Tekadiomona : +33(0)1 42 86 82 43 nathalie.tekadiomona@shan.fr Publisher Contact Information:
Natixis Private Equity +33(0) 1 58 19 20 53 valerie.matherion@natixis-pe.comCompany profile of Touchstone Innovations (formerly Imperial Innovations) Past press releases of Touchstone Innovations (formerly Imperial Innovations).
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