Christoph Kausch

I am very thrilled to announce that we have recently participated in follow-on rounds of existing portfolio companies as well as backed two new exciting digital health companies: Doccla is the leading remote patient monitoring provider in Europe led by Dag Larsson and Martin Ratz. In their recent round led by Lakestar, and supported by Elaia and Optum Ventures we are excited to keep supporting their journey alongside General Catalyst, Giant Ventures, Speedinvest deepc, an orchestration platform for AI, starting with Radiology as the first vertical and led by Dr. Franz MJ Pfister, MD, MBA, where we followed-on alongside Sofinnova Partners with participation from new strategic investors KHP Ventures and SwissHealth Ventures who are supporting the market expansion Guardoc Health led by Hadassah Backman develops a compliance integrity platform to support understaffed and heavily overworked nursing staff with daily documentation, ensure compliance with regulations and improve the audit and billing process in care homes. We seeded the company together with our friends Pitango and the US investor Springbank among others Pi Health led by Geoffrey Kim and Bobby Reddy, MD has built an unique end-to-end software stack for clinical trials. Pi Health was recently spun out of BeiGene, and we invested in their series A together with AlleyCorp and Obvious Ventures    These investments take our Bertelsmann Investments Next growth program to yet another level.   We’re proud to backing the exceptional founders and their teams. We are fully convinced that these companies do make an important contribution to improving healthcare.   cc: Thorsten Wirkes Tim Schneider Agnes Eva Uhr, LL.M. Maximilian Boner #BertelsmannNext #VentureCapital #DigitalHealth #Growth #HealthcareInvestments https://lnkd.in/eDm4JXAh

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Swing and a miss for CVCA CEO at international LP meeting We were in London last week, meeting with co-investors & LPs as we work on the launch of our next fund after a busy year that has included 5 realizations, 1 IPO, 4 new investments & tons of financial, clinical, commercial and impact milestones for our companies As a past Chair of the CVCA I am always proud to advocate for our industry, and as such the LP/GP event organized by the Global Affairs CA Liaison to the CVCA & hosted by The Honourable Ralph Goodale at CA House, seemed like a fantastic opportunity to do just that Unfortunately the meeting was a bit of a miss because the CEO of the CVCA appeared unwilling or unable to advocate for the largest part of its membership Strike1 The CVCACEO failed to kick off the meeting with a thoughtfully prepared presentation highlighting the CDN VC story: its growth, VC-backed success stories, strong financial performance, how GPs have thrived despite the lack of domestic PP engagement, and why GPs like those in the room are tougher & more resilient because of it Strike2 Spending more than 1/3 of the meeting on a broad CA economic update when the event was about promoting the CDN VC opportunity & encouraging foreign investors to participate as co-investors and/or LPs Strike3 When a UK-based FO asked the elephant-in-the-room question “why given that CDN mega PP are splashing their cash everywhere in the world (PE, infra & real estate) are top CDN VCs, having to fundraise abroad”. The CVCACEO responded “The reason for the lack of engagement is because the Maple 8’s sole objective is performance,” leaving the audience to draw one, totally wrong conclusion - that performance is the core issue. Despite the damage having been done, the GPs in the room then offered the correct answer: 1) With 2 exceptions (OMERS & CDPQ) CDN mega PP have been largely disengaged from the VC asset class globally since the mid2000’s when they all transitioned to quasi-PE firms. 2) Since then they consistently articulated to foreign & domestic VC GPs that it was mostly about “cheque size & that even a $100M is simply too small.” and 3) they have not built teams with the experience to engage, particularly in the private part, of innovation economy, and so unlike with PE it is virtually impossible for them to get meaningful co-invest - with seems to drive a huge part of their model OMG. This event had 1 purpose, build engagement & attract foreign capital to CDN VC GPs & companies, & the CVCACEO just threw the entire sector under the bus.  As a trade association for VC/PE members the CVCA's fundamental role is to advocate for the CDN VC/PE sector and this means having a CEO who is passionate, high conviction and unfailingly willing to promote our sector to LPs everywhere by delivering the message that the CDN VC asset class can & should be accretive to their overall performance. If the CEO won’t do that for the majority of members then that is a problem

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This Series paper delves into the impact of digital tools on heart failure care, covering screening, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring, and their potential for research. The rapid evolution of technology, global connectivity, and the digital shift in healthcare favor their integration. Despite available therapies, challenges persist, especially in low-to-middle-income countries. Establishing global clinical frameworks for these tools is vital as they reshape patient care and research. #epeeps #AmericanHeartAssociation #HeartRhythmSociety #HeartFailureSocietyofAmerica American Heart Association Heart Rhythm Society American College of Cardiology

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To build a successful biotech company, you can’t do it alone. Curie.Bio provides you with instant access to the team and resources you need to get your drug to patients. Curie.Bio CSO Christoph Lengauer shares more about his background and Curie.Bio's unique approach to #FreeTheFounders in this recent episode of the Founders in Biotech podcast. Listen here and skip to 20:40 for the biotech-focused discussion. https://lnkd.in/eTJJYZWT

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I'm speaking at SuperVenture 2024 on the 5th of June in Berlin. The topic of the panel is emerging VC managers: time to shine or out of their depth? Are LPs fleeing to established names and those that cut their teeth during previous cycles? Or is now the time for emerging managers to bring something different to the table? Is volatility leading to true innovation and disruption? We’re on track to see approximately 44% of the total LP capital committed to US VC funds since the start of the year go to just two large established VC platforms, according to PitchBook data. While many established VCs maintain their allure, there is a subset of LPs who are making a deliberate choice to increase their allocations to specialist emerging VC managers - managers who have spun out from established funds and have an attributable track record, founders with deep operational experience turned funders or academics with deep domain expertise. There is non-trivial added complexity when it comes to emerging VC selection – given the large number of funds needed to be screened and the more complicated referencing and DD process. Data highlights how important it is for GPs to identify & back ‘big winners’ early on to drive fund returns. Typically, ~5% of invested capital in a few winners drives most of the return (>50%). The VC model is built around investing in early-stage companies each with the potential to more than return the whole fund. Who has the right to win? Who will the best founders (and LPs) decide to partner with? #SuperVenture #VC SuperReturn

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🚀 A Conversation on Enabling Healthcare Innovation with Venture Capital: I recently had the privilege to welcome Nicole Graner from the Süddeutsche Zeitung at our YZR Capital headquarters. Article in 1st comment. Tldr: 🔎 Critical need for venture capital in fostering healthcare innovation. 🔎 How our expertise-driven approach is making a difference. 🔎 My journey as a physician, entrepreneur and investor, always deeply intertwined with my passion for #healthtech. 💡 That's why: alongside Markus Feuerecker I co-founded YZR Capital with a clear vision: to propel European healthtech startups into global leadership positions. 💡 We strongly believe that our team’s expertise in health is key to supporting founders who are dedicated to change the European healthtech ecosystem. ✔ Apparently our name is difficult to pronounce – for everyone who is still wondering, it’s “wise” with an R at the end ;) -> Thanks again to Nicole - it was a pleasure! And thanks to the fantastic team at YZR Capital - Christina Schmidt, Paul Epple, Urs Keller, Holger Ebersberger, Elmar Willebrand, Michael Dr. Bitzer. #HealthTech #VentureCapital #Innovation

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The health and care industry is facing major challenges due to increasing cost pressure and a shortage of skilled workers. In this article, Dr Anja Konhäuser, Partner and Co-founder of the digitalisation consultancy, OMMAX, discusses the future viability of companies increasingly depends on their digital infrastructure, especially in the area of personnel search, where digital processes already play a key role. Access full article below: #IntelligentHealthTech #Healthcare #HealthcareWorkers #Digitalisation #SkilledWorkers #DigitalProcess #DigitalTransformation #AI #DigitalProcesses #HealthcareIndustry

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🌍 An Overlooked Asset in Biotech Startups (and in many other companies as well) 🌍 When we talk about diversity and inclusion, most of us think of gender, race, and cultural representation – all crucial, of course. But there's another aspect that often flies under the radar: awareness and respect for different professional backgrounds and expertise. In early-stage biotech companies especially, this can be a game-changer. In my experience, biotech startups thrive when they integrate three key perspectives: the scientist (or group of scientists), who brings the innovation and discovery; the drug development expert, who knows how to translate that science into a viable therapy; and the business-oriented professional, who drives the company’s vision toward a market-relevant product that truly addresses patient needs. Each of these perspectives is essential, creating a balanced foundation for growth. And as the company advances toward clinical stages, even more roles become indispensable. Here’s where inclusion goes beyond representation – it’s about truly listening to and respecting these different professional voices. There’s no reason to argue over which role is more important; what matters is that there is genuine respect for what each can bring to the table. In my experience, startups that foster this type of inclusion – giving equal weight to diverse expertise – make smarter decisions, innovate faster, and are more resilient. To my fellow founders and teams: embracing diversity means opening doors not only to different cultures but to diverse perspectives and professional backgrounds. That’s how we build well-rounded companies that make a real difference. As someone passionate about improving systems and process efficiencies, and always striving to raise the bar, I hope we can create environments where all expertise is valued, respected, and recognized as integral to success. #biotechinnovation #diversityandincludion #nextgenbiotech

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𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬: 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐬 Partners for a long time … My son Remy and I have joined Venture University and our associated VC Fund (VU Venture Partners) as Partners in opening the European business. Here are a few of my early key learnings about working well with family partners: 1. 𝗜𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 Launching Venture University is the absolute number one top priority for both Remy and me. Our future is truly tied to making this a success together, and when it succeeds it will be a game changer for both of us. 2. 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 Venture University has over 850 graduates, primarily based in the US and Asia, and has a 20-year goal to revolutionize investor education. Both Remy and I are proud to be part of this great team and believe that the key to having great startups in Europe is to have great investors. 3. 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 Remy and I signed our agreement of partnership on February 5, 2023. Thereafter, he became Co-MD (Geschäftsführer) with me, and our futures are tied together based on personal and legal commitment – we are fully in this together. 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙚’𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙗𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨!

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Always a pleasure to chat to Peter Angelini, Managing Director at Stannards, one of Australia's leading boutique professional services firms. Read below for insights on Peter's journey to Managing Director, what makes Stannards stand out for clients and employees, and the steps we are taking to prepare for the next phase of growth 🚀

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Come join us for the exciting launch of The Vagina Business: The Innovative Breakthroughs that Could Change Everything in Women's Health! The book, written by our member Marina Gerner, has already been getting attention, Kirkus Reviews has called it "energetic, thoroughly engaging reading" and emphasised its potential to improve health outcomes for women worldwide. Get ready for an evening filled with insightful chats, book signings, drinks, snacks and a speech or two. This in-person event is a must-attend for femtech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, investors, and those interested in empowering reads. Don't miss out on the chance to celebrate this groundbreaking book with the author. See you there! Pre-order the book here - https://buff.ly/4cDlsTO, and sign up for Marina's newsletter on women's health innovation here - https://buff.ly/3Z0SNVs https://buff.ly/3Z0SOsu #womenshealth #femtech #healthtech #digitalhealth #healthcare #healthcareinnovation #startups #innovation #health #medtech #healthcareresearch #femalehealth #genderhealthgap #reproductivehealth #venturecapital #vc #funding #investment #grants #maternalhealth #periods #menstruation #sexualhealth #sextech #menopause #fertility #pregnancy #postpartum #eggfreezing #IVF #healthequity #pelvicfloor #pelvicfloorhealth #hormonehealth

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Welcome to this week’s #FridayRoundup! This week, we dive into the latest #deeptech investment insights, #healthcare innovations, and #technology breakthroughs. 🚀 APEX VENTURES at The Venture Capital Forum General Partner Wolfgang Neubert joined industry experts to discuss managing uncertainties in Deep Tech development at #VCF24  hosted by Invest Europe Key takeaways: 💡#deeptech offers higher returns and greater capital efficiency than traditional tech, making it an attractive sector for LPs. 💡Deep tech carries different risks—like high capital needs and tech risks—but strong IP protection and collaboration help mitigate these. 💡Europe offers attractive entry valuations, strong universities, and a skilled talent pool, positioning it well in the global deep tech market. 🚀 Phantasma Labs Expands with New Funding Congratulations, Phantasma Labs, for securing a seven-figure investment to fuel its expansion into the US and Nordic markets! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ejw4gaDN 🌐 ImageBiopsy Lab Fights Against Osteoarthritis With over 240 million cases of osteoarthritis globally, ImageBiopsy Lab's latest study introduces a novel deep-learning algorithm to predict leg malalignment from knee X-rays. Discover more: https://lnkd.in/eVMZ4VtK 🔬 planqc’s Quantum Computing Breakthrough planqc, in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute, has achieved a major milestone in scaling quantum computing with neutral atoms. Read more about this exciting news: https://lnkd.in/epiY_N9S   🚨 Lyfegen discusses Pharma Market Access Lyfegen’s latest blog highlights 2024 pharma market access challenges, focusing on regulatory pressures, the importance of real-world evidence (RWE), and digital solutions for value-based contracting. https://lnkd.in/eHNhkU2K 👩‍🔬 SENISCA Welcomes new VP of Oligo Therapeutics Development Dr Alice Ghidini brings over 13 years of RNA therapeutics expertise. Read more: https://lnkd.in/efafMAQV    🤖 Spleenlab GmbH Enhances AI Safety Spleenlab GmbH’s Sanket Shah explains how using RUST boosts AI software safety and performance in critical systems. Full interview here: https://lnkd.in/ePSNxWne Join us next Friday for more industry insights and innovation highlights! #deeptech #innovation #tech #healthcare #automation #ai Photo Credit (Invest Europe)

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Private capital has huge potential to help develop a local ecosystem. It is the fuel for the local engine (startups and founders) to work. However, in biotech, local ecosystem dont thrive isolated but connected to the larger ones. Florian Schuster and Christopher Trummer seems to be doing this at Venga Ventures. From the little I have seen here, the idea is to connect Austria to the larger biotech league. If successful, the value created by these companies is spreaded between all engaged countries. If I understood this correctly, I share the excitement of this strategy and believe there is great technology to be developed outside of the larger biotech places of the world (think Boston, San Francisco, New York, San Diego and London), but that do not have a fighting chance if not connected to them somehow. Some local VCs in Brazil and Latan are doing this too like Vesper Biotechnologies and Zentynel Frontier Investments but there is room for more. Looking forward to hear from Venga Ventures and its companies in the future. Congrats and good luck!

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Have you designed, developed and launched a femtech or womens’ health business idea which you now want to take to the next level? Interested in learning more about investment options? Are you solution focused and comfortable with taking risks? Then we want to hear from you. We’re looking for founders who have: Femtech or womens’ healthtech businesses that take a new approach to solving problems including long-acting reversible contraception, menopause, cancer detection, access to primary and community care and innovations that can safeguard women and girls from violence, among others. New products or services which tackle health challenges. Groundbreaking ideas that impact society on a large scale. Developed a new product, service or  process which adds value to an existing solution, or to consumers. There will be a focus on applications from female founded or co-founded businesses although the programme is open to applications from all genders. Being a part of this accelerator will help you to:  Develop your brand and gain support in addressing key issues  Develop a roadmap to gain access to funding  Design a plan for how to grow your idea or business to the next level  Understand the investment landscape  Build a bespoke investment plan  Make connections with investors Connect with a network of supporters, founders and mentors who specialise in this sector   Delivered by Lifted Ventures and Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria, the programme aims to unlock business potential and increase the profile of business opportunities ready for early stage investment, connecting and broadening the early stage innovation ecosystem for those businesses taking part. Join the accelerator and learn how to take your business to the next level helping you to take your business on to the global stage while improving the health of women and girls. If you are interested in learning more, we’re opening applications on 24 September for founders across the UK with an online event so you can hear all about it. If you are interested in learning more, we’re opening applications on 24 September for founders across the UK with an online event so you can hear all about it. Sign up using this link. https://lnkd.in/eyCYsxc2 #healthtech #femtech #startups #accelerator #angelinvestors #accesstofinance #investmentreadiness #earlystagefunding #earlystageinvestment #innovationfinance #innovation #inclusion  #investment #startupsuccess  #LiftedVentures  Jordan Dargue Helen Oldham Kirstie Taylor Nicola Hutchinson Jem Henderson Roseanna Tanner ACIM Rebecca Beeby

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🚨🚨 Congratulations to our portfolio company, Predium, which has closed a EUR 13 million Series A led by Norrsken VC with our continuing participation as well as UVC Partners, Mutschler Ventures AG and REIMANN INVESTORS! Predium offers an intelligent platform for the decarbonization of real estate, enabling quick and easy calculation of #ESG assessments for buildings as well as renovation roadmaps for CO2 reduction, including investment calculations. The real estate industry is entering a challenging environment, driven by new regulatory and market pressures, from the EU’s push for climate-neutrality by 2050 and to shifting interest rates. Predium reads existing data -- such as from energy performance certificates and invoices -- and automatically enriches missing information using AI, satellite images and 3D models. Predium users receive all key ESG figures, stranding risks and financial indicators at a glance. Their Real Estate Intelligence Platform enables portfolio owners, banks, insurance companies, investors and housing companies to identify ESG risks and prioritize renovation actions based on costs, savings potential and subsidies -- both for individual buildings or their entire portfolio, serving notable clients, including Deutsche Investment Group, Colliers, Soravia, and Baloise. The team built by Jens Thumm, Mohamed Ali Razouane and Maximilian Körner has done an amazing job since Predium’s founding in 2021, and we are more than thrilled to be their partner on their journey from the beginning! cc Johanna Junkermann Jochen Gutbrod Agate S. Freimane Dr. Maximilian Engelken Alexander Kiltz Marc Alexander Kühn Predium is also hiring! More information on careers at Predium in the comments section below.

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According to Pitchbook data only 2% of VC funding goes to all-female-founded teams 🧐 … and that this has consistently been the case for about five years. Sophie Winwood, co-founder & CEO of WVC:E, discussed this statistic (and more) about why we need more diversity in venture capital on the EUVC podcast this week. 🫱🏾‍🫲🏻 With VC and startups being male-dominated industries, Sophie shares how we can diversify the industry, make it more inclusive, and encourage women to remain in VC. One improvement she comments on is that VCs need to introduce a parental leave policy, making it simpler for women to return to work after maternity leave. Last year Sifted reported on impact fund AENU’s survey that found of the 63 VC funds queried, only 50% had parental leave policies in place. WVC:E has also been shortlisted for the EUVC Awards for Achievement of the Year due to its work promoting inclusion, empowerment and integration of VC. The winner will be announced at SuperVenture in Berlin on 4th June. To check out the full episode, click here: https://lnkd.in/gjFjd73t #WomeninVC #Podcast #FemaleFounders #WVC

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Are you interested to #invest in #fungi #startups? Get in touch! We are working on two startup cases now and will coordinate an investment syndicate. So if you are an angel investor or family office, reach out if interest to hear more. #fungi #biotechnology #microbiology #futurefit #startups

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Network VC Group invites you to join 🌍 VC House Davos 2025 at the World Economic Forum in Davos! 🚀 From January 20 to January 24, 2025, VC House will bring together investors, startups, tech leaders, and potential sponsors and partners for an exceptional event in Davos. We’re creating a unique platform for presentations, discussions, and high-impact networking to shape the future of venture capital and innovation. This is your chance to elevate your brand and gain global exposure! Why Partner with VC House Davos 2025? 🔹 Maximum Visibility: Gain exposure to top investors, global leaders, and startups. Your brand will be featured across all our event platforms, materials, and social media channels. 🔹 Exclusive Networking Opportunities: Access private meetings with key players and investors, opening doors to powerful partnerships and potential deals. 🔹 A Platform for Thought Leadership: Sponsors will have the opportunity to speak on stage, join panel discussions, and contribute to the future of venture capital. Join us in Davos and become a sponsor or partner of VC House Davos 2025! Message me directly if you’re interested in partnership opportunities! #VC_House #Davos2025 #InnovationWeek #VentureCapital #Networking #SponsorshipOpportunity #Investing

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✍ 📝 #ESOP here, #ESOP there. This is the 3rd part of the newest edition of the educational series on ESOP by Jaroslav Baier and Josef Bouchal from HAVEL & PARTNERS, this time focused on Virtual ESOP in venture capital 💲 Deep dive here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eyQqdjDX

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