Catalys Pacific to advance early-stage life sciences innovation

Catalys Pacific, a new venture capital firm in Japan built by a global team seasoned in life sciences investing, on 17 June 2019, Tokyo, announced the launch of its first fund. Leveraging its networks in academia, biotech, venture capital and the pharmaceutical industry, Catalys Pacific has assembled a group of Strategic and Preferred Partners with whom to create asset-centric global Bio venture companies.

Catalys Pacific begins operations as one of Japan's largest life sciences-focused investment firms. The firm's mission is to provide solutions to unmet medical needs for patients worldwide by creating and investing in companies that drive innovation in life sciences. Catalys Pacific maintains a strictly independent governance structure that ensures autonomous assessment and decision-making of its investments.

By aligning with Catalys Pacific, it’s Strategic Partners -- Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Eisai Co., Ltd., SoftBank Group Corp., Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited and Celgene Corporation -- have renewed and expanded their commitment to the advancement of assets in partnership with venture-backed companies. Working across oceans, Catalys Pacific seeks to collaborate with its Preferred Partners including Abingworth, Domain Associates, and Frazier Healthcare Partners for investment in new companies.

Catalys Pacific is led by BT Slingsby, Takeshi Takahashi, and Bill Watt, all of whom are bilingual, bicultural and bring decades of experience in life sciences investment and R&D. The firm maintains offices in Tokyo and Kanagawa (Shonan Health Innovation Park), Japan and in Seattle, Washington.

Dr BT Slingsby, Founder and Managing Partner of Catalys Pacific, said: "We are excited to take this first step to catalyze the creation of companies designed to advance life science innovation for patients worldwide. As one of the few firms focused on company creation and investment in early-stage life sciences in Japan, we look forward to working with our partners and collectively reaping the benefits of entrepreneurship, partnership, and honest science."