Top 50 Emerging Leaders 2022 (in alphabetical order by CVC unit): Marian Nakada, vice-president of venture investments, Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JJDC
Marian Nakada has been an investor for Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JJDC, the corporate venturing unit of US-based medical products group Johnson & Johnson, for nine years since 2013. She focuses on equity investments in companies based on the US east coast.
Regarding her role, Nakada said in 2019: “I work closely with our therapeutic area leads to evaluate opportunities. As a JJDC investor, I bring not only capital but added value to our portfolio companies, providing invaluable insights, advice, scientific expertise, and connections with Johnson & Johnson experts.
“Scientific innovation is what leads to breakthrough therapies, and it is essential for us to access the best approaches to be able to continue to deliver high-value solutions for patients. A great idea can come from anywhere, and corporate venture is an attractive way for larger organisations to contribute to the entrepreneurial ecosystem by identifying and investing in private companies with promising technologies and assets that can feed our pipelines.
“Being a corporate investor was also enticing because JJDC makes lasting commitments to its portfolio companies, ensuring stability, determination and ample support to help entrepreneurs and their companies achieve their greatest potential.”
Before joining JJDC, Nakada worked in research and development (R&D) and business development at Centocor R&D, Janssen R&D and Janssen Business Development. She is also on the board and is a client of InnerCity Weightlifting, an organisation that employs repeat offenders and makes them personal trainers.
