• Spectra7 Microsystems

  Participated · Equity · Aug 2012

  Spectra7 Microsystems is a Toronto-based high performance analog semiconductor company. It focuses on delivering a new class of high speed analog semiconductors for the consumer and wireless infrastructure markets. The company intends to combine the high-speed signaling technology of RedMere with the small-signal RF capabilities of Fresco as part of an integrated product strategy. Spectra7 raised $11m in the first close of its latest funding. Backers named in the round include Celtic House Venture Partners, Ventures West Capital and EdgeStone Capital Partners. The company said it will use the funding for product development and for integration of its merger with Fresco Microchip, RedMere Technology and Chrysalis Capital VIII Corporation.

• Alder Biopharmaceuticals

  Participated · Series D · Apr 2012

  Alder BioPharmaceuticals is a Bothell, Washington-based developer and manufacturer of novel antibody therapeutics targeting cancer, pain, cardiovascular and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Its pipeline includes ALD403, an investigational monoclonal antibody that inhibits calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) to prevent migraine attacks, and ALD518, an investigational monoclonal antibody to the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6. The company intends to use the Series D funding to advance ALD403 into the clinic this quarter and to support ongoing Phase 2 studies of ALD518 in cancer-related indications. Alder is led by president and CEO Randall Schatzman, Ph.D. The company closed a $38M Series D financing to support these clinical development plans. Alder Biopharmaceuticals develops antibody-based drugs targeting inflammation and autoimmune disease, with a lead candidate ALD518 in clinical trials for rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. The company uses a yeast-based manufacturing platform to produce full-length functioning antibodies at industrial scale, which it says is faster and cheaper than mammalian-cell methods. Alder claims yeast production can shorten development timelines from years to months and avoid expensive patent licenses tied to traditional techniques. That platform is intended to allow evaluation of a wider range of antibody candidates. Financially, the company completed a third funding round that raised $40 million. The articles do not disclose revenue or other operating metrics.

• Celator Pharmaceuticals

  Participated · Equity · Dec 2011

  Celator Pharmaceuticals is developing CPX-351, a liposomal formulation of cytarabine:daunorubicin, as its lead investigational product for acute myeloid leukemia. The company’s CombiPlex platform locks synergistic molar drug ratios in nano-scale delivery vehicles and underpins a pipeline that includes CPX-1 (irinotecan:floxuridine) in colorectal cancer and preclinical CPX-571. Celator is conducting an enrolling Phase 3, 300-patient randomized study in 60–75 year-old patients with secondary AML with overall survival as the primary endpoint. The company completed a private placement of common stock and warrants that raised aggregate proceeds of $39.3 million (including $6.8 million from prior closings) and $32.5 million in the final close. Proceeds from the financing are expected to fully fund the currently enrolling Phase 3 clinical study. Celator has locations in Princeton, NJ and Vancouver, BC. Celator Pharmaceuticals develops liposome-based cancer therapies, with lead candidate CPX-351 for acute myeloid leukemia. CPX-351 has been granted orphan drug status by the U.S. FDA, providing seven years of U.S. market exclusivity and potential regulatory incentives. The company reported positive randomized phase 2b data showing a statistically significant overall survival benefit in first-relapse AML patients with an unfavorable risk profile. Its pipeline also includes CPX-1 for colorectal cancer (phase 2) and preclinical CPX-571 for small cell lung cancer. Celator’s nanoparticle delivery system was developed in conjunction with Princeton University and remains in early-stage research. The company has offices in Princeton, New Jersey, and Vancouver, British Columbia, and is balancing clinical development with ongoing fundraising. Celator Pharmaceuticals is developing new therapies to treat cancer, with a lead investigational product focused on acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Its lead product is CPX-351 (Cytarabine:Daunorubicin) Liposome Injection. CPX-351 is based on CombiPlex®, Celator’s proprietary drug ratio technology platform and has been granted orphan drug status by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The company said it will use new capital to support completion of ongoing clinical trials and activities related to advancing CPX-351. Celator is based in Princeton, NJ and also operates offices in Vancouver, BC. The company raised $20M in a Series D private equity financing to fund these activities. Celator Pharmaceuticals focuses on combining two existing chemotherapy drugs into single, fixed-ratio formulations intended to enhance tumor killing while minimizing overlapping toxicities. Its lead candidate, CPX-1 (a 1:1 molar combination of irinotecan and floxuridine), is in mid-stage human trials, and CPX-351 (cytarabine plus daunorubicin) is entering a phase I trial for acute myeloid leukemia. An earlier phase I test of CPX-1 in 26 patients produced 15 cases of tumor stabilization for at least two months and two instances of tumor shrinkage, but that trial was non-randomized, uncontrolled and not blinded. Coverage questioned the company’s framing of “clinical benefit,” noting 17/26 equals 65% and that three patients were unevaluated (one surviving less than two weeks). Financially, the company recently raised $10 million and previously completed a $40 million second funding in 2005. Investors named in coverage of the recent follow-on include Domain Associates, Quaker BioVentures, TL Ventures, Ventures West Management, GrowthWorks Capital, the Business Development Bank of Canada and Hearthstone Investment.

• Fresco Microchip

  Participated · Series C · Jun 2011

  Fresco Microchip is a fabless semiconductor company focused on RF, mixed-signal and digital signal processing IC architectures. It serves top-tier tuner manufacturers that supply consumer electronic brands for TVs, set-top boxes, DVD-Rs, DVRs and PCs. The company is led by CEO, president and co-founder Lance Greggain and is based in Markham, Canada, with design centers in Ottawa and Irvine, Calif. Fresco plans to use its new funding to commercialize an expanded product portfolio. It also intends to expand into emerging markets. The article does not disclose revenue or user metrics. Fresco Microchip Inc. develops signal processing integrated circuits (ICs), including demodulators and IF processors for television tuner manufacturers. Its products enable makers to build low-cost, ultra-thin tuners with improved picture quality. The company closed a C$10m financing round and will use the proceeds to expand commercial activities and bring new products to market. Fresco was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with design centers in Ottawa and Irvine, California. The financing was led by Celtic House Venture Partners and Ventures West.

• Aquinox Pharmaceuticals

  Led · Series B · Jun 2010

  Aquinox Pharmaceuticals, based in Vancouver, BC, Canada, develops small‑molecule therapeutics targeting inflammatory disease and cancer. The company closed a US$25M Series B financing to advance its programs. Proceeds will move its lead SH2‑containing inositol‑5′‑phosphatase (SHIP1) agonist candidate, AQX‑1125, into Phase I and Phase II clinical studies. Aquinox will also continue drug discovery to nominate a second clinical candidate and additional pipeline candidates from its SHIP1 program. The company’s work centers on its SHIP1 agonist platform and clinical development of AQX‑1125.

No current team members are available.