Sectors

Telecoms companies had 91 exits for their portfolio companies last year, with an estimated total value of $50bn.

Corporate investors shied away from big funding rounds for telecoms startups, with the value of deals down to $2.42bn in 2021 from $5.14bn the year before.

Pfizer Ventures has hired Irena Melnikova, formerly CFO of Umoja Biopharma and MD of SVB Leerink, as an executive director.

Next47 has participated in a $205m series D round for Verkada while UPMC Enterprises has co-led SparingVision’s $75m series B.

Pfizer Ventures has led a $102m series A for Capstan Therapeutics while Globis Capital Partners took part in an $85.4m round for Andpad.

Danilo Gaspar has been hired by the Brazilian medical education and digital health tool provider as head of corporate venture capital.

The Telstra-sponsored venture firm has already begun investing through its third fund, which has now achieved a $350m final close.

Spinouts working on ketamine-based therapeutics, regenerative medicines for dogs and better sleep are among those that caught our eye this month.

The global food system is creaking — creating an impetus for global agriculture companies to invest in new solutions. Corporates took part in agtech deals worth a record $18bn last year. But are they investing fast enough?

Access Industries, Pfizer and SR One were among the investors in a $125m round for Nimbus Therapeutics while Aerwins agreed a reverse takeover.

David Clouse, a GCV Emerging Leader this year while at BP Ventures, will lead EIC Rose Rock, a $50m fund backed by Devon Energy, Onoek and Williams.