After launching HERAN Partners and setting up HERAN HealthTech Fund I in 2020, we now look back on a year full of challenges and successes. We want to seize the occasion to answer some questions about HERAN HealthTech Fund I and how we see the future of healthcare.
What type of opportunities is HERAN searching for?
We invest in both hardware and software companies in the HealthTech and MedTech space in Europe. We always look for disruptive technology with the potential to have an impact on a global scale in combination with substantial clinical relevance.
In addition, a strong team with a down-to-earth attitude and profound knowledge of their industry is a must-have. In terms of fields of interest within HealthTech and MedTech, we are increasingly targeting deals in precision medicine, mental health, genomics and proteomics, often with a focus on data.
We always look for disruptive technology with the potential to have an impact on a global scale, in combination with substantial clinical relevance.
Katleen Vandersmissen - Managing Partner
What about the geographic scope of HERAN?
From an investment point of view, we initially focus on Europe as that is where we developed a network. At this point, we tend to shy away from direct US-based investments due to the wealth of opportunities that Europe offers. However, the portfolio companies target both the European and US market as the latter remains key in the commercial roll-out of disruptive healthcare technology.
For many companies, Asia – and China in particular –remains a blind spot, but simultaneously it represents a major market for healthcare because of the large population and the rapid transformation of the economic standards and lifestyle. We aim to guide our portfolio companies during the exploration of this market.
How does HERAN source and select future investments?
We source investment opportunities through conferences and a broad network of local and European (co-)investors & universities. We thoroughly assess each opportunity in line with our investment criteria. If there is a match between us and the Company, we engage in discussions to help shape the opportunity and take the Company to the next phase of its lifecycle.
In our experience, the human match proves to be instrumental in successfully bringing disruptive technology to the market.
What is the biggest risk and opportunity for HERAN HealthTech Fund I?
We aim to build companies beyond the EUR 100m threshold, but in order to do so, we require the right people with bold aspirations, in combination with favourable market conditions and supportive ecosystems. Today, many companies still compete with each other whilst joining forces would be more efficient by leveraging the forementioned buy-and-build partnerships.
TIMING: THREE SERIES DEEP DIVE 'ONE YEAR HHTFI'
1. Investment Strategy: July 8th
2. People & Network: August 4th
3. Looking ahead: September 1st
