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Merck Global Health Innovation Fund

North America, New Jersey, United States, Whitehouse Station

Description

Merck Global Health Innovation Fund (Merck GHI) operates as the strategic corporate venture capital arm of Merck & Co., Inc., a leading global pharmaceutical company. Established to identify and invest in groundbreaking healthcare technology and digital health solutions, Merck GHI's primary objective is to foster innovation that aligns with and complements Merck's broader mission of improving human health. The fund seeks out companies developing advanced solutions in areas such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, digital therapeutics, remote patient monitoring, and patient engagement platforms, aiming to enhance healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

Unlike traditional financial VCs, Merck GHI emphasizes strategic partnerships and collaborations with its portfolio companies. Beyond capital infusion, the fund offers access to Merck's extensive industry expertise, global network, regulatory insights, and research and development capabilities. This collaborative approach is designed to accelerate the growth and market adoption of innovative technologies, creating synergistic value for both the startups and Merck's core business. Since its inception, Merck GHI has built a robust portfolio, having made over 70 investments in various healthcare technology companies globally, demonstrating its commitment to shaping the future of health.

Merck GHI typically targets early to growth-stage companies, often participating in Series A and B funding rounds. While specific check sizes can vary based on the opportunity and strategic fit, their initial investments generally range from approximately $2 million to $15 million. This allows them to take meaningful stakes in promising ventures while leaving room for follow-on investments as companies mature. The fund's long-term vision is to contribute to the evolution of the healthcare ecosystem by supporting disruptive technologies that have the potential for significant impact on global health.

Investor Profile

Merck Global Health Innovation Fund has backed more than 99 startups, with 5 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 47 rounds, about 47% of its total and boasts 26 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series B, Series Unknown, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, Canada, United Kingdom.
  • Strong thematic focus on Health Care, Biotechnology, Medical.
  • Led 3 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $2M – $15M.

Stage Focus

  • Series B (26%)
  • Series Unknown (25%)
  • Series A (12%)
  • Series C (11%)
  • Series D (10%)
  • Post Ipo Equity (4%)
  • Series E (3%)
  • Private Equity (3%)
  • Seed (2%)
  • Series F (1%)

Country Focus

  • United States (88%)
  • Canada (4%)
  • United Kingdom (3%)
  • Denmark (2%)
  • India (1%)
  • Hungary (1%)

Industry Focus

  • Health Care
  • Biotechnology
  • Medical
  • Information Technology
  • Software
  • Health Diagnostics
  • Medical Device
  • Analytics
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Big Data
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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 Merck Global Health Innovation Fund frequently co-invest with?

Amgen Ventures
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 4
LabCorp
North America, North Carolina, United States, Burlington
Co-Investments: 4
Kleiner Perkins
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 4
General Catalyst
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Cambridge
Co-Investments: 7
Safeguard Scientifics
North America, Pennsylvania, United States, Radnor
Co-Investments: 6
7wire Ventures
North America, Illinois, United States, Chicago
Co-Investments: 9
Excel Venture Management
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston
Co-Investments: 7
McKesson Ventures
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 5
Kinnevik
Europe, Stockholms Lan, Sweden, Stockholm
Co-Investments: 4
Threshold
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 7

Which angels does Merck Global Health Innovation Fund often collaborate with?

PZ
North America, United States
Shared Deals: 1
MA
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
SD
North America, United States
Shared Deals: 1
Shared Deals: 1
BB
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Merck Global Health Innovation Fund?

PreciseDx

New York, New York, United States

PreciseDx is the only Cancer Risk Stratification company to provide patient-specific risk information through the analysis of morphology.

Health Care
Series BJun 5, 2025
Amount Raised: $11,230,074
Redica Systems

Pleasanton, California, United States

Redica Systems uses AI and machine learning to provide Quality and Regulatory Intelligence (QRI) solutions to life sciences companies.

AnalyticsArtificial Intelligence (AI)Big DataInformation ServicesLife ScienceMachine Learning
Series UnknownMay 9, 2025
Amount Raised: $5,000,000
Variational AI

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Generative AI for drug discovery

Artificial Intelligence (AI)BiotechnologyGenerative AIMachine Learning
SeedFeb 20, 2025
Amount Raised: $5,500,000
Evaxion Biotech

Copenhagen, Hovedstaden, Denmark

Evaxion Biotech is devoted to the discovery and development of vaccines against cancer and infectious diseases.

Biotechnology
Post Ipo EquityJan 30, 2025
Amount Raised: $10,800,000
Ash

New York, New York, United States

At-home health testing solutions tailored to reach your unique population.

Health CareHealth DiagnosticsmHealthWellness
Series UnknownOct 16, 2024
Amount Raised: $10,000,000
Qure AI

Andheri, Maharashtra, India

Qure AI is a healthcare technology company that provides automated interpretation of radiology exams and ultrasounds scans.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Health CareHealth DiagnosticsMachine LearningMedical Device
Series DJun 25, 2024
CargoSense

Reston, Virginia, United States

CargoSense provides data driven logistics to the healthcare industry utilizing a disruptive business model.

AnalyticsBig DataCloud ComputingHealth CareInternet of ThingsLogisticsSaaS
Series AJun 12, 2024
Amount Raised: $8,000,000
Atropos Health

Palo Alto, California, United States

Atropos Health develops a clinical analytics platform that specializes in evidence-based healthcare.

Clinical TrialsHealth CareInformation TechnologyMedical
Series BMay 23, 2024
Amount Raised: $33,000,000
N-Power Medicine

Redwood City, California, United States

N-Power Medicine specializes in drug development and clinical research.

BiotechnologyClinical TrialsPharmaceutical
Series BMay 21, 2024
Transcarent

Denver, Colorado, United States

Transcarent is a provider of a healthcare platform that facilitates improved outcomes and cost-effective decisions.

Health CarePersonal HealthSoftware
Series DMay 2, 2024
Amount Raised: $126,000,000