Despite the fact that venture capital is not going through its best moment, the Montana fund has been created in Barcelona, specializing in financing startups in the pediatric innovation sector. Behind the initiative is the manager Ship2B Ventures, which has partnered with the Sant Joan de Déu hospital to promote this initiative.
"We are looking to raise 30 million to launch this pioneering impact fund in Europe," says the general director, Marc Ramis, who adds that to date there were only philanthropic initiatives in Europe, unlike the United States, where the concept is already implemented. in the market.
The creation of such a specialized fund responds to the need to transfer technology that is developed in hospitals and research centers. “In general, there is already a problem of transferring science to the market, but in pediatrics it is more pronounced because the market is smaller compared to healthcare innovation for adults,” says Ramis, a serial entrepreneur in the biotech sector.
The vehicle, which is in the registration phase with the CNMV, was born precisely in order not to leave behind innovative projects that improve the health of minors who suffer from all kinds of diseases, especially cancer.
"The intention is to finance startups that address the prevention phase, treatments to combat diseases and solutions that improve the quality of life of chronic patients," adds Maite Fibla, manager of Ship2Ventures, which with this initiative will already manage three vehicles linked to the investing with social and sustainable impact.
Ramis and Fibla plan to start investing at the beginning of 2024 after having captured a part of the 30 million at the end of this year. "We are in conversations with public and private institutions but we still cannot reveal his identity," they point out.
Montana's goal is to invest a million euros or more in each startup. The focus is on initial phase companies, although the vehicle is also open to accompanying larger investments.
Montana will look for opportunities mainly in Barcelona – due to its strategic agreement with the Sant Joan de Déu hospital – although its ambition is to address the entire European market. In fact, the promoters assure that the fund has already created a council of experts from different global reference hospitals, among which the Boston Children's Hospital and the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London stand out.
