GeneChem

GeneChem was a prominent Canadian venture capital firm based in Montreal, established in 1997. The firm specialized in early-stage and growth-stage investments within the life sciences sector, with a particular focus on biotechnology, genomics, and pharmaceuticals. Over its active investment period, GeneChem successfully raised and managed two dedicated funds: GeneChem I, with $50 million in capital, and GeneChem II, which secured $100 million. This brought their total capital under management to over $150 million, positioning them as a significant player in the Canadian biotech investment landscape during the late 1990s and 2000s.

The firm's investment strategy aimed to support innovative companies developing novel therapeutic approaches and technologies. According to Crunchbase, GeneChem invested in approximately 37 companies throughout its history, primarily in Canada and the United States. Notable portfolio companies included Theratechnologies and BioAxone BioSciences, among others, demonstrating their commitment to fostering growth in the biotech ecosystem. The principals' decision to raise their second fund, GeneChem II, was influenced by the evolving landscape of the genomics industry, highlighting their strategic adaptability.

However, public records and recent activity suggest that GeneChem is no longer actively making new investments. Their official website appears to be defunct, and their LinkedIn profile shows no updates since 2014. The last reported funding rounds for their portfolio companies date back to the early 2010s. Consequently, while GeneChem played a significant historical role in Canadian life sciences venture capital, current typical first cheque sizes cannot be reliably determined as the firm is not actively deploying new capital into startups.