The ‘o2h Ventures Human Health Knowledge Intensive fund’ is the only HMRC approved fund in the world that is singularly focused on investing into British early stage biotech therapeutics.
When Rishi Sunak, the Right Honorable Chancellor delivered his budget speech he referred to Britain’s aspiration to be a ‘Scientific Superpower’. At o2h Ventures we have reviewed and evaluated a significant number of innovative businesses over the last 2 years and we have made investments into around 35 companies*. We can concur that Britain has the potential to be a ‘Scientific Superpower’; we have world-class scientists and infrastructure along with strong academic grass roots. With the appropriate government intervention through further tax incentives, amending IPO listing rules in London, unlocking pensions for investing, and management training for our scientists, will only go to further make this a more attractive sector for investments. Mr Sunak announced a review today and judging by his tone and ambition the changes will only be positive for the Biotech sector; we are already excited given the tailwind that we have had during the pandemic.
Our Flagship ‘Human Health KI Fund’ will close on March 31st 2021 and can provide significant tax benefits**, which can be carried back to the 2019/21 tax year, due to our HMRC approved status. Please register at www.o2hventures.com for further information and/or download the Hardman & Co independent report at https://o2hventures.com/download-o2hventures-hardman-co-rep
We believe our investment focus has allowed us to access, understand (through a deepdive technical due diligence) and invest tax efficiently via EIS into some very exciting companies.
Exonate, A Nottingham University spinout developing a drug for wAMD/Macular Degenerative Disease – announced a significant collaboration with Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) and are now dosing their first patients in Australia. Having invested into this company and holding the Chair position, we are very excited to see the results!
https://www.exonate.com
Small Pharma, developing a Psychedelic drug as a novel depression treatment. Phase I/IIa clinical trials are approved. The company announced plans to go public through a reverse merger with Capital Pool Company, Unilock, aiming to enter Canada’s TSXV exchange. The price per share planned is a significant uplift on our investment and should complete early April 2021.
https://www.smallpharma.co.uk
Oxford Drug Design, developing an antibiotic, received ~$11M of non-dilutive funds (milestone based). Driving from the Board, o2hVentures has supported the company through the ‘academic’ phase and now the company has appointed a CEO to lead the company through the next phase.
https://oxforddrugdesign.com
Turbine, An AI platform for cancer drugs targeting the DNA Damage Response pathway. Post our Seed investment, the company has announced a further USD 6.85m, in investment. The transatlantic round was led by new investor Accel and included XTX Ventures and Boston Millennia Partners. https://turbine.ai
In4Derm, recent investment into a University of Dundee spin-out, developing both topical and oral therapies for Psoriasis and other inflammatory conditions. Within a few months of o2h leading and completing the investment, the company has experienced significant real commercial interest in a collaboration.
https://www.in4derm.co.uk
Metrion Biosciences, a Cambridge based service company with deep expertise in ion- channels. Prior to the previous o2h Ventures led round the company was unprofitable and now despite Covid disruptions in operations the company is EBITDA positive. The company is in the final stages of a further sizable investment from an established VCT.
https://www.metrionbiosciences.com
AIVIVO – utilises its AI platform and suggested potential therapies for COVID-19.
http://www.aivivo.co
Our full portfolio of investments can be seen at https://o2hventures.com/portfolio.
If we can provide you with any further detail or information please email us at invest@o2h.com
The Team at o2h Ventures
* These investments are from Prashant and Sunil as Business Angels earlier and more recently from the o2h Ventures fund.
**Please refer to the Information memorandum for more details on tax relief and the conditions for claiming the tax relief that depends on individual circumstances. Capital at risk.
