The Minnesota-based medtech venture capital firm marks continued growth of its research-driven model leveraging deep industry expertise and an inclusive investment vehicle.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN / ACCESSWIRE / December 21, 2022 / Engage Venture Partners, a venture capital (VC) firm committed to building a funding community for early-stage medical technology companies and their investors, announces its investment in VOCxi Health. This marks the third investment for Engage since the firm's launch earlier this year and the first time it has led a funding round.
Engage was founded in July 2022 to provide clients access to extensively vetted investment opportunities in the medical device, digital health, and healthcare software sectors. The firm's Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) allow investors to choose the startups they wish to fund. This flexible, investor-friendly model also has lower fees than traditionally structured venture capital funds.
The most recent investment is a $1.6 million SAFE (simple agreement for future equity) seed round for VOCxi Health. This financing, raised from a group of 39 individual and institutional investors in 10 states, nearly doubled the firm's largest previous investment - a signal of successful growth for the well-established medtech venture partners. "Fundraising is one of the most important efforts for a startup, and I am so pleased with how Engage led our development funding round," said Ping Yeh, CEO VOCxi Health.
Minnesota-based VOCxi Health is a breath diagnostics company focused on accurate, non-invasive, mobile disease identification. Born out of years of research at the University of Minnesota and a global medical device leader, VOCxi's patented smart mask is designed to measure disease from thousands of volatile organic compounds in just one minute of breath, making late-stage diagnoses a thing of the past.
Engage Partner Morgan Evans will join VOCxi's board of directors, bringing her industry expertise to support the investment. Evans, a medtech founder and executive, brings extensive experience in regulatory pathways, FDA clearance, and commercialization. "After a months-long due diligence process, we had such confidence in the incredible team that VOCxi has assembled, paired with its breakthrough technology that has been years in the making, that we felt very confident taking the role of lead investor," said Evans.
"Engage's knowledge and thoughtful advice was extremely helpful as we approached our fundraising. Through their strong network of highly engaged investors, they contributed a significant portion of this first round," Yeh said, adding "We are also thrilled to have Morgan bring her substantial experience and expertise to our board of directors."
To learn more about Engage and investment opportunities, email [email protected].
About Engage Venture Partners
Minneapolis-based and Woman-Owned, Engage Venture Partners is a research-driven venture capital firm focused on early-stage medtech investments. With extensive healthcare and medical device industry knowledge, and decades of experience in investing and startup operations, Engage delivers a flexible and investor-friendly structure utilizing Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs). Accredited investors are invited to join the Engage Investor Network, which requires neither a fee to join nor a minimum investment commitment. Email [email protected] to learn more.
ENGAGE'S SERVICES, ENGAGE ADMINISTERED INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES, AND ENGAGE MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DO NOT CONSTITUTE INVESTMENT, LEGAL, OR TAX ADVICE. NOTHING PROVIDED BY ENGAGE CONSTITUTES A SOLICITATION, RECOMMENDATION, ENDORSEMENT, OR OFFER BY ANY ENGAGE PARTY, THE TARGET, OR ANY THIRD-PARTY SERVICE PROVIDER TO BUY OR SELL ANY SECURITIES OR OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS IN MINNESOTA OR IN IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH SOLICITATION OR OFFER WOULD BE UNLAWFUL UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION. THERE ARE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTING IN SECURITIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE RISK OF COMPLETELY LOSING ANY AND ALL INVESTED AMOUNTS.
Media Contact:
Liz Goar
[email protected]
SOURCE: Engage Venture Partners