What is MaRS Innovation?
MaRS Innovation operates as a premier entity for commercialization services, providing early-stage funding and facilitating deal-brokering with both industry partners and private investors. As a member-based organization comprising 14 distinct institutions, its core mandate is to accelerate the commercialization of high-potential research breakthroughs originating from its member institutions. The company actively manages a portfolio of over 40 early-stage assets and companies, leveraging deep expertise to mature these ventures through strategic global partnerships. With a track record of more than 400 direct job creations and over $200 million raised by its portfolio companies from international financiers, MaRS Innovation stands as a recognized leader in the field of research commercialization.
How much funding has MaRS Innovation raised?
MaRS Innovation has raised a total of $1.5M across 1 funding round:
Series A
$1.5M
Series A (2012): $1.5M with participation from Horizons Ventures, OICR, and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd.
Key Investors in MaRS Innovation
Horizons Ventures
Horizons Ventures is a venture capital firm with over 20 years of experience supporting entrepreneurs in transforming startup ventures into successful companies, known for its active involvement alongside equity financing.
OICR
The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) is a collaborative research institute established in 2005, dedicated to conducting and enabling high-impact transnational cancer research within Canada.
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd.
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, founded in 1781, is a global pharmaceutical leader engaged in the research, development, manufacturing, and marketing of a wide range of pharmaceutical and healthcare products, with a focus on gastroenterology, oncology, neuroscience, and rare diseases.
What's next for MaRS Innovation?
The recent major strategic investment into MaRS Innovation signals a pivotal phase for the organization, likely focused on scaling its commercialization infrastructure and expanding its reach into new research domains. This capital infusion is expected to fuel further development of its portfolio companies, enhance its deal-brokering capabilities, and solidify strategic alliances with global entities. The company's established success in driving research to market suggests a continued emphasis on fostering innovation and generating economic impact through its unique member-based model.
See full MaRS Innovation company page