The National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) has released second quarter investment numbers, and once again the life sciences sector (biotechnology and medical device industries combined) leads the pack. As in Q1, biotech received the highest level of funding, rising 59 percent in dollars and 34 percent in deal volume in the second quarter with $1.3 billion going into 139 deals. Overall, life sciences investing jumped 52 percent in dollars and 36 percent in deals over Q1 levels. Seed and early stage deals surged in Q2, while biotech, software and industrial/energy industries received the highest level of first-time dollars.
NVCA President Mark Heesen notes that the end of the biotech IPO drought contributed significantly to the rebound in Q2 VC investments. "As the exit market begins to show signs of life, venture capitalists are now able to look increasingly at new investments outside their existing portfolio. This dynamic translates into momentum in the seed and early stage sectors where valuations remain reasonable and opportunities are great."
- check out the NVCA release for more
- click here to see our biotech venture capital archive