Eli Lilly

Eli Lilly, a global pharmaceutical giant, extends its reach into the innovation ecosystem through its dedicated corporate venture capital arm, Lilly Ventures. Established to identify and nurture promising early-stage life sciences companies, Lilly Ventures strategically invests in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and diagnostics firms that align with Eli Lilly's core research and development interests. The fund aims to foster groundbreaking science and technology that could potentially complement or expand Lilly's future therapeutic pipelines.

Lilly Ventures typically focuses on Seed, Series A, and Series B funding rounds, often participating in syndicates alongside traditional venture capital firms and other strategic investors. Their investment thesis is rooted in both financial returns and strategic alignment, seeking companies with strong scientific foundations, experienced management teams, and significant market potential. Over the years, Lilly Ventures has built a diverse portfolio, contributing to the growth of numerous innovative companies in the biotech landscape.

The firm's investment approach is characterized by a long-term perspective, providing not only capital but also access to Eli Lilly's deep industry expertise and scientific resources. While the exact initial check size can vary depending on the stage and specific needs of the company, Lilly Ventures generally provides first cheques ranging from approximately $2 million to $15 million. This flexibility allows them to engage with a broad spectrum of early-stage opportunities, from nascent startups to more developed companies seeking significant growth capital. With over 60 investments made to date, Lilly Ventures remains a significant player in the life sciences venture capital space, actively shaping the future of medicine.