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BioAdvance
BioAdvance is an evergreen fund that invests in early-stage life-science companies with the potential to enhance human well-being and quality of life.
Overview
BioAdvance is an evergreen fund that invests in early-stage life-science companies with the potential to enhance human well-being and quality of life. It partners with entrepreneurs to build transformational companies in the Mid-Atlantic region focused on improving human health, supporting therapeutics, medical devices, digital health, diagnostics, and research tools. The firm provides seed and Series A funding and reports that its portfolio has attracted over $4.4B in follow-on funding.
General information
Firm type
Private Equity
Year founded
2002
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
Conshohocken
Corporate office
Conshohocken, PA, United States
Principals
Shahram Hejazi
Ph.D. — Managing Director & CEO
Gregory Harriman
M.D. — Partner
David Shin
M.D. — Partner
Rick Jones
M.D., MBA — Advisory Partner
Robert Driscoll
M.S. — Director of Finance
Marnie McCoy
M.A. — Program Director
Gayle Mineo — Office Management
Jeff Edelson
M.D., FRCPC, MHSc — Entrepreneur-in-Residence
Adam Glasofer
M.D. — Entrepreneur-in-Residence
Michael Lark
Ph.D. — Entrepreneur-in-Residence
Marie Lindner
M.D. — Entrepreneur-in-Residence
Barbara Schilberg — Advisor & Former CEO
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
What investment stages does BioAdvance target?
BioAdvance concentrates on early-stage companies, primarily at the seed and start-up phases. The firm's capital is designed to bridge the transition from academic research to initial commercial operations. It also has the capacity for later expansion and recapitalization rounds for its existing portfolio companies.
Is BioAdvance geographically restricted in its investments?
Yes. The firm was established with an explicit geographic focus on Pennsylvania and the surrounding Mid-Atlantic region. Its strategy centers on commercializing life-sciences research originating from the state's universities and health systems. It does not operate as a nationally diversified venture fund.
Which sectors does BioAdvance specifically target?
BioAdvance invests across the life sciences spectrum, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. The firm's mandate covers therapeutic and diagnostic platforms emerging from academic bench science. It does not extend to general healthcare services or health IT unless they are directly linked to a novel biological or device innovation.
How does BioAdvance source its deals?
BioAdvance sources its pipeline through deep relationships with the academic and research institutions in its mandated geography, such as the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. Its Conshohocken location places it within the Greater Philadelphia innovation corridor. The firm relies on this regional network to identify and invest in companies before they seek broader, national venture capital.
What is BioAdvance's known posture on co-investments alongside external GPs?
BioAdvance often operates as a lead or co-lead investor in seed-stage financings for its portfolio companies. Its regional mandate means it frequently syndicates with other local or life-science-focused venture firms. Specific co-investors and fund structures are not disclosed in public materials.
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