What is MaRS Innovation?
MaRS Innovation operates as a pivotal entity in the commercialization landscape, providing essential services such as early-stage funding, deal-brokering with industry and private investors, and comprehensive commercialization support. As a member-based organization comprising 14 member institutions, its core mandate is to accelerate the market readiness of their most promising research discoveries. The organization actively manages a portfolio of over 40 early-stage assets and companies, leveraging deep expertise to mature these ventures through strategic global partnerships. This strategic approach has resulted in a portfolio that has collectively raised over $200 million from international backers and has been instrumental in creating more than 400 direct jobs, solidifying MaRS Innovation's leadership in the field.
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 OICR, Horizons Ventures, and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd.
Key Investors in MaRS Innovation
OICR
The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) is a collaborative research institute established in 2005, dedicated to high-impact transnational cancer research. OICR is based in Canada.
Horizons Ventures
Horizons Ventures is an investment firm with partners who have over 20 years of experience in helping entrepreneurs transform startup ventures into successful companies, focusing on compelling and pragmatic visions.
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.
What's next for MaRS Innovation?
With a substantial enterprise-level funding history and a recent major strategic investment, MaRS Innovation is well-positioned for continued growth and expansion. The influx of capital is expected to fuel further maturation of its diverse portfolio of early-stage companies and research assets. This strategic backing will likely enable MaRS Innovation to deepen its industry partnerships, enhance its deal-brokering capabilities, and potentially explore new avenues for commercializing cutting-edge research. The focus on strategic investments suggests a trajectory aimed at scaling its impact and solidifying its role as a key driver of innovation within its member institutions and the broader scientific community.
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