"This is a time for great opportunities to develop novel diagnostic tools, therapeutic agents and medical devices for unmet patients' needs, and that a diversified, multidisciplinary team is a must to develop these opportunities."

In the past 12 months, corporate venturing units have been involved in more than $3bn of investment rounds for nearly 200 healthcare companies around the world.

These syndicates, estimated to involve about $1bn of corporate cash, have been more than paid for by just the top 10 takeovers of existing portfolio companies, which have a headline value of just over $6bn, according to Global Corporate Venturing research.

The trade sales include Plexxikon to Japan-based Daiichi Sankyo for $935m and Avid…