Venture capital interest in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and other medtech sectors remained high over the past 12 months, despite a marked shift towards investment in clean and green technologies.
"Venture firms still favoured the life sciences over all other industries," says Sarit Bailey, director of research for the just published 2010 mid-year edition of The Biomoney Directory. "While investment was down from previous levels in the life sciences, industries such as communications, information technology and semiconductors bore more of the brunt of the shift into clean technology investing."
Within the life sciences, the outlook for the remainder of 2010 favours medical technology investments over biotech or pharma investments.
According to Bailey, most funds are seeking more rapid exits than previously, which can be better provided by companies in the medical technology space.
Where there is interest in drug development, venture firms are generally tending towards companies in or about to enter into clinical trials. Early research stage companies continue to face significant challenges in raising venture capital.
The Biomoney Directory provides sources of equity capital for life science firms seeking equity capital. Published by Maxivest since 2003, the 2010 mid-year PDF edition identifies hundreds of life sciences investors including venture capital firms, corporate investors and angel networks and provides specific contact information.