From Innovation to Investment: Dr. Poh Hui Chia’s Guide for Biotech Startups

On June 28, 2024, AsiaTechDaily hosted an exclusive session of the Innovation Exchange Program featuring Dr. Poh Hui Chia, Associate Director of Vickers Venture Partners, who has been named Investor of the Month. The event focused on “Navigating Early-Stage Investments in Biotech and Healthcare” and offered invaluable insights for startups and entrepreneurs in these dynamic sectors.

The session commenced with a formal interview where Dr. Chia shared her expertise on early-stage investments, particularly in the biotech and healthcare sectors. She emphasized the importance of groundbreaking technologies in driving significant medical treatments and patient care advancements. “We are looking for breakthrough technologies that will lead to significant advancements in medical treatment and patient care or even treatments for diseases where there are currently no available treatments,” she stated, highlighting the venture capital firm’s focus on innovative solutions with substantial impact potential.

Dr. Chia also discussed the critical factors Vickers Venture Partners considers when evaluating potential investments. “We want to invest in teams with the relevant knowledge and capabilities. If they have previous startup experiences, maybe even better,” she mentioned. However, she acknowledged the challenges first-time founders face, particularly in Asia’s nascent startup ecosystem, which may not have the same level of experience as those in the US or Europe. This candid insight provided a realistic perspective for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need for resilience and adaptability.

The session moved on to the “Behind the Investment” segment, where Dr. Chia shared untold stories from her portfolio companies. Dr. Poh Hui Chia shared compelling insights into five of her standout portfolio companies, highlighting their innovative approaches and groundbreaking technologies. She delved into AWAK Technologies, which offers solutions for dialysis with ultra-portable machines and remote patient management; Aardvark Therapeutics, advancing gut-brain interaction treatments for metabolic and inflammatory diseases; Emergex Vaccines, developing long-lasting T-cell adaptive vaccines for various infectious diseases; Sisaf, enhancing RNA delivery for rare genetic disorders; and Biosplice, pioneering therapies that harness alternative splicing for conditions like osteoarthritis and cancer. Each company’s unique contributions and future potential were showcased, offering a glimpse into the transformative impact of these investments on healthcare and biotech.

She discussed the journeys, challenges, and successes of various startups, offering a unique glimpse into what makes these ventures stand out. Her stories underscored the importance of perseverance, innovation, and strategic thinking in achieving success in the competitive biotech and healthcare markets.

In the interactive Q&A session, attendees could ask Dr. Chia questions directly. The discussion covered various topics, from the importance of scientific validation and proof-of-concept to the strategies for navigating regulatory environments in different regions. Dr. Chia’s responses were insightful and practical, providing attendees with actionable advice to help them navigate their startup journeys.

The event concluded with a reminder of the significant role that strong networks and connections within the biotech and healthcare industries play in startups’ success. Dr. Chia emphasized how Vickers Venture Partners supports startups not only during the funding process but also after the investment, helping them to scale and succeed in the long term.

We at AsiaTechDaily are grateful for Dr. Poh Hui Chia’s insights and the active participation of our attendees. We will soon publish an in-depth article covering the highlights of this session. Additionally, the video recording of the event will be available by next week. Stay tuned for more updates!

Thank you for your continued support and participation in the Innovation Exchange Program. We look forward to bringing you more engaging and insightful sessions.

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