Like many industries, private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) activity have suffered heavily from the global financial crisis, after peaking in 2007. PE has shown signs of a turnaround but the investments you see today are mainly from “dry powder” that needs to be spent. The VC sector, on the other hand, continues to face significant challenges as GFC-affected investors look elsewhere in quest of liquidity and stable returns. Of 30 VC firms operating in Australia, just 10 make new investments.
In the challenging environment, the life sciences sector has been a sole bright spot. Research investment in the life sciences continues to grow, and Australian VCs have supported many world-class companies including Cochlear, Resmed, Pharmaxis, Neuromonics, CathRx, Verva Pharmaceuticals and Chemgenex.
To read the full, original article click on this link: Life sciences sector shines but what after Innovation Investment Fund program ends? - Anthill Magazine
