Apuri BioVenture has been launched to build and invest in startups exploiting research from academic labs in China, and is in the process of raising its first fund, according to BioCentury.
The firm has been co-founded by Jian Zhang, professor of stem cell biology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Fudan University, together with biotech executive Jun Bao and investor Frank Ye.
Apuri focuses on commercialising biotech research from Chinese universities, investing in areas such as epigenetics, regenerative medicine, and brown fat-targeting drugs.
The firm plans to avoid putting the inventors in charge of spinouts, instead matching their research with seasoned operators who can turn newcos into companies that attract international capital and expand globally.
Apuri will take a long-term view, building relationships with researchers early in their careers and staying engaged even if research is not ready to be spun out.
