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GBS Ventures

Oceania, Victoria, Australia, Melbourne

Description

GBS Venture Partners (GBS) is a prominent Australian venture capital firm specializing in the life sciences sector. Based in Melbourne, GBS has established itself as a significant investor in early-stage and growth companies within biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and diagnostics. With a track record spanning over 25 years, the firm has successfully raised more than A$450 million across six dedicated funds, demonstrating substantial capital commitment to the sector.

GBS is known for its hands-on approach, often taking board positions and actively supporting its portfolio companies through their development cycles. The firm's investment strategy focuses on identifying innovative technologies and companies with the potential for global impact. They typically invest in companies that are developing novel therapies, diagnostics, or medical technologies, aiming to support them from initial development through to commercialization or exit.

While GBS states its typical investment range is A$5 million to A$15 million per company over the life of the investment, their initial cheques for new portfolio companies generally fall within a more specific range. Based on their historical investments, including a notable A$10 million Series A investment in Starpharma, GBS's typical first cheque size can range from approximately A$5 million to A$10 million. This initial commitment is often part of a larger, staged investment designed to support the company's long-term growth and milestones.

The firm's portfolio includes a diverse array of companies that have achieved significant clinical and commercial milestones, with several successful exits through IPOs and trade sales. GBS's deep industry expertise and extensive network within the life sciences community position it as a key partner for Australian and international life science ventures seeking capital and strategic guidance.

Investor Profile

GBS Ventures has backed more than 41 startups, with 1 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 5 rounds, about 12% of its total and boasts 13 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series B, Series A, Series D rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, Australia, United Kingdom.
  • Strong thematic focus on Health Care, Biotechnology, Medical Device.
  • Typical check size: $3.3M – $6.6M.

Stage Focus

  • Series B (27%)
  • Series A (20%)
  • Series D (17%)
  • Series C (15%)
  • Series Unknown (15%)
  • Series E (5%)
  • Private Equity (2%)

Country Focus

  • United States (90%)
  • Australia (7%)
  • United Kingdom (2%)

Industry Focus

  • Health Care
  • Biotechnology
  • Medical Device
  • Medical
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Manufacturing
  • Service Industry
  • Health Diagnostics
  • Therapeutics
  • Biopharma
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does GBS Ventures frequently co-invest with?

ONSET Ventures
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 6
Sofinnova Investments
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 6
Novartis Venture Fund
Europe, Basel-Stadt, Switzerland, Basel
Co-Investments: 6
New Enterprise Associates
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 8
MPM Capital
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston
Co-Investments: 5
Alloy Ventures
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Co-Investments: 8
Delphi Ventures
North America, California, United States, San Mateo
Co-Investments: 8
Morgenthaler Ventures
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 5
Affinity Capital Management
North America, Minnesota, United States, Minneapolis
Co-Investments: 6
Gilde Healthcare
Europe, Utrecht, The Netherlands, Utrecht
Co-Investments: 5

Which angels does GBS Ventures often collaborate with?

TJ
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Cambridge
Shared Deals: 2

What are some of recent deals done by GBS Ventures?

Moximed

Hayward, California, United States

Moximed develops innovative therapies for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

BiotechnologyHealth CareMedical Device
Series DAug 13, 2024
Amount Raised: $61,000,000
Moximed

Hayward, California, United States

Moximed develops innovative therapies for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

BiotechnologyHealth CareMedical Device
Series CAug 16, 2022
Amount Raised: $40,000,000
Moximed

Hayward, California, United States

Moximed develops innovative therapies for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

BiotechnologyHealth CareMedical Device
Series CMar 17, 2017
Amount Raised: $50,000,000
Moximed

Hayward, California, United States

Moximed develops innovative therapies for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

BiotechnologyHealth CareMedical Device
Series BJan 27, 2016
Amount Raised: $12,617,182
Elastagen

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Elastagen provides products that repair and augment skin by using elastin to maintain the skin’s elasticity and supple properties.

BiotechnologyClinical TrialsMedicalMedical Device
Series BJan 7, 2016
Amount Raised: $9,120,842
Moximed

Hayward, California, United States

Moximed develops innovative therapies for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

BiotechnologyHealth CareMedical Device
Series BMay 7, 2015
Amount Raised: $33,000,000
Ivantis

Irvine, California, United States

Ivantis is focused on developing an innovative treatment for glaucoma which includes eye drops, laser therapy, and surgery.

BiotechnologyHealth CareHealth DiagnosticsMedical Device
Series BSep 23, 2014
Amount Raised: $25,000,000
AirXpanders

Mountain View, California, United States

AirXpanders provides medical equipment manufacturing services.

Health CareManufacturingMedical DeviceService Industry
Series ESep 3, 2014
Amount Raised: $1,000,000
Spinifex Pharmaceuticals

Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom

Spinifex Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in the development of products for the treatment of pain.

BiotechnologyHealth CarePharmaceutical
Series CApr 10, 2014
Amount Raised: $45,000,000
Neurovance

Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

Neurovance is a clinical-stage neuroscience company that discovered and developed centanafadine (CTN) to help adults and children with ADHD.

BiotechnologyClinical TrialsHealth CareNeuroscience
Series AApr 3, 2014
Amount Raised: $6,300,000