
Lightstone Ventures
Description
Lightstone Ventures (LSV) is a prominent venture capital firm specializing in the life sciences sector, with a primary focus on biopharmaceutical and medical device companies. Established in 2012 as a spin-out from two well-regarded firms, Advanced Technology Ventures (ATV) and Morgenthaler Ventures, LSV quickly established itself as a significant player in the biotech investment landscape. The firm operates with offices in Menlo Park, California, and Boston, Massachusetts, strategically positioning itself within key innovation hubs for the life sciences. LSV's investment strategy spans from early-stage to growth-stage companies, targeting those with groundbreaking technologies and strong potential for developing personalized medicines and targeted therapeutics.
The firm's investment approach is characterized by a deep scientific and operational expertise within its team, enabling them to identify and nurture companies with high-impact potential. Lightstone Ventures has consistently raised substantial capital, demonstrating investor confidence in their strategy and execution. Their latest fund, Lightstone Ventures IV, successfully closed in 2021 with commitments totaling $300 million, bringing their total assets under management to over $1 billion across four dedicated funds. This significant capital base allows LSV to provide robust financial backing to its portfolio companies, often participating in multi-million dollar financing rounds.
LSV typically seeks to be a lead or significant investor in its portfolio companies, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance and access to a vast network within the healthcare industry. Their portfolio includes companies developing novel therapies for various diseases, as well as innovative medical technologies aimed at improving patient care. While initial check sizes can vary based on the stage and capital requirements of the company, Lightstone Ventures is known for making substantial early-stage investments, often in the range of $5 million to $20 million, with significant reserves for follow-on rounds to support portfolio companies through critical development milestones. Their commitment to long-term partnerships underscores their dedication to fostering the growth of transformative life science ventures.
Investor Profile
Lightstone Ventures has backed more than 66 startups, with 4 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 15 rounds, about 23% of its total and boasts 12 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Series B, Series A, Series C rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in United States, Ireland, United Kingdom.
- Strong thematic focus on Biotechnology, Health Care, Therapeutics.
- Led 1 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $5M – $20M.
Stage Focus
- Series B (29%)
- Series A (24%)
- Series C (20%)
- Series Unknown (9%)
- Series D (5%)
- Series E (5%)
- Post Ipo Equity (2%)
- Private Equity (2%)
- Seed (2%)
- Convertible Note (2%)
Country Focus
- United States (77%)
- Ireland (12%)
- United Kingdom (3%)
- China (2%)
- Singapore (2%)
- India (2%)
- France (2%)
- The Netherlands (2%)
Industry Focus
- Biotechnology
- Health Care
- Therapeutics
- Medical
- Medical Device
- Biopharma
- Life Science
- Pharmaceutical
- Health Diagnostics
- Wearables
Frequently Asked Questions
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