INITIATE Ventures, a female-led venture capital firm, has successfully closed its $45 million debut fund alongside an affiliated company creation platform. The firm is set to revolutionise the healthcare, life sciences, and technology sectors by building and investing in companies at their intersection.
A Team with Proven Expertise
The firm is spearheaded by General Partners Jessica Owens and Iana Dimkova, both accomplished investors and founders with a wealth of experience in healthcare and technology.
Jessica Owens: Owens co-founded GRAIL, a company that transformed early cancer detection and was acquired by Illumina, Inc. for $8 billion in 2021. She also served as a partner at Kleiner Perkins, bringing extensive venture capital expertise to INITIATE.
Iana Dimkova: Dimkova previously worked as a director in GE Ventures’ healthcare technology investing group and played a pivotal role in developing a U.S. radiation therapy centre network that raised over $700 million.
The partners bring deep industry insight and hands-on experience, positioning INITIATE as a transformative force in early-stage healthcare and life sciences entrepreneurship.
A New Model for Venture Capital and Company Creation
INITIATE Ventures adopts a dual-pronged approach: investing in promising early-stage companies and co-creating startups through its in-house studio.
Investment Focus: The firm targets Seed to Series A rounds for health tech and life sciences companies, particularly in sectors such as biopharma tech, precision medicine, R&D tools, and health technology.
Startup Studio: Entrepreneurs benefit from operational and strategic support, including guidance on business development, talent acquisition, and fundraising. This hands-on model ensures founders have the resources to succeed.
Jessica Owens highlighted the importance of this approach, stating, “Exceptional founders are looking for investors who bring more than just capital and domain expertise; they are seeking true partners who have walked in their shoes. After years spent founding, operating, and investing in these sectors, we’re now building a home for the next generation of world-class entrepreneurs, clinicians, and scientists.”
Empowering Innovation and Lasting Impact
INITIATE’s first portfolio of investments reflects its commitment to impactful innovation:
Cornerstone AI: Co-founded by INITIATE, this company develops AI software to streamline healthcare data preparation.
Delfi Diagnostics: Focused on accessible blood tests for early cancer detection.
Macro Trials: A precision research clinical platform co-created by INITIATE.
Persana: A luxury aesthetic health concierge also co-founded by INITIATE.
Iana Dimkova emphasised the significance of their mission, stating, “Technology innovation in healthcare and life sciences is creating an unparalleled opportunity to revolutionise human health. We’ve developed a best-in-class model for company creation that empowers exceptional entrepreneurs to build companies with the potential to deliver lasting impact and drive outsized returns.”
Looking Ahead
With its $45 million fund and a commitment to collaboration, INITIATE Ventures is poised to redefine the healthcare and life sciences landscape. By fostering innovation and empowering founders, the firm is paving the way for breakthroughs that promise not only financial success but transformative advancements in human health.
This marks a significant step forward for female leadership in venture capital and highlights the growing synergy between healthcare, life sciences, and technology.
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