H Venture Partners is launching a venture studio with a focus on sourcing microbiome technologies and materials for startups.
The firm, backed by the recently announced $10 million investment from the State of Ohio, aims to address health issues such as depression, cancer, eczema, and neurodegenerative diseases. Fund II, now oversubscribed with $24 million, will support this expansion.
Elizabeth Edwards, founder and managing partner, stated, “We are addressing the top threats to humanity, focusing on preventing antibiotic resistance and combating climate change and petrol-based plastics.”
The goal is to invest in at least 13 early-stage companies with check sizes from $500,000 to $1 million, adding to their existing portfolio that includes Felix Health and Parsley Health, managing over $40 million in assets.
In the pharma and bio sector, companies with at least one woman founder raised over $2 billion in funding, significantly contributing to the industry’s growth.
Founded by Elizabeth Edwards in 2017, H Ventures remains female-led and aims to support marginalized founders in the biological sciences. The firm invests over 90% of its portfolio in underrepresented groups, emphasizing inclusivity and diversity in the industry.
“Investing in women is key to unlocking the best opportunities worldwide,” Edwards emphasized, promoting excellence through inclusivity within the firm’s investment strategy.
