About...
Rockport Venture Partners
Rockport Venture Partners is a unique private placement firm that specializes in raising private equity from a global network of European, Asian and U.S. institutional private equity, cross-over and hedge funds. Rockport clients are venture stage or publicly traded life science companies seeking to leverage the strategic value of a globally diversified shareholder base.
Through Rockport, companies can gain access to institutional investors that are focused on the life science sector and that can provide resources complementary to those of an existing shareholder base.
Rockport was established in 2001. Over the last five years, and in over 20 deals, the Principals have raised over $225 million for late stage transactions totaling $500+ million.
Rockport Venture Partners
As the largest health care market in the world, the United States serves as an incubator and launching pad for leading-edge health care technology, attracting top engineering and management talent. Private equity investment from around the world continues to boost the US biopharmaceutical sector as investors worldwide seek financial rewards from the development of next-generation therapeutics here in the US. Cross-border interest is not exclusively held by global investment firms, however. US companies also recognize the benefits of a globally minded strategy, including the importance of relationships with European corporate, market, and financial leaders. The ability to approach the FDA with clinical data from European early adopters or to gain early feedback from a limited commercial launch in Europe may help position a US commercial launch. Successful biopharmaceutical companies approaching significant clinical- or revenue-generating milestones and positioning for a liquidity event also benefit from Euro-American relationships.
The current financial environment, including the weak dollar and closed IPO window in the United States, is also creating a highly favorable environment for private equity investment in late-stage venture financings. Firstly, European and Asian investors can take advantage of the favorable exchange rates to get more value for their dollar. Secondly, venture-backed companies that reach a stage of development at which, in prior years, an IPO would have been feasible are excellent private equity investment opportunities. Because they are at a later stage, such companies have minimized many typical investment risks, such as those related to product development, clinical success, and commercialization hurdles. As such, later-stage firms can be more selective regarding which investors they approach to raise capital and accept onto their board of directors. Successful firms benefit from diversifying their shareholder base with new institutional shareholders that can provide global visibility and credibility among corporate leaders and in the financial markets.
Matching European/Asian investors with US companies
Boston-based Rockport Venture Partners specializes in matching European and Asian institutional and corporate investors that would like to participate in the innovation and prosperity of the US health care market. Many US biopharmaceutical and medical device companies would like to diversify their shareholder base and thereby diversify clinical and market resources to support their growth. Institutional funds in Europe and Asia, as in the United States, are managed by individuals with local operating expertise, corporate contacts, and scientific backgrounds. Rockport has found that, by tapping into international investors' relationships with such individuals, US companies that are conducting clinical trials in Europe, planning for a product launch outside of the US, or seeking global partnering opportunities can gain valuable access to clinical experts, local market players, distribution partners, and corporate leaders worldwide.
Thanks to a globally established reputation for representing leading-edge life science companies, Rockport has access to a network of institutional venture, corporate, hedge and cross-over investor resources worldwide. With longer-term investment horizons and experience in developing life science companies, venture funds in Rockport's network also provide a highly attractive financing resource for public companies.
Given the current exchange rates, the prevalence of late-stage private companies seeking capital, and the continuing pace of innovation in the United States, the largest health care market in the world, this is a great time to consider an investment in private equity.
To contact Jennifer R. Landis, Principal at Rockport Venture Partners please use the link below.