VP Venture Partners

VP Venture Partners is a private, Zurich-based venture capital firm dedicated to supporting early-stage life science companies across Europe. The firm focuses on deep tech life science ventures at either pre-seed or seed stage, specifically in human life science areas such as medical devices, digital health, and diagnostics, while explicitly excluding therapeutics and drug development. They prioritize investments in areas of unmet medical need with high potential for patient impact, seeking out dedicated, motivated, and skilled teams passionate about bringing their products to market.

VP Venture Partners was founded in 2020 by Dr. Valentin Piëch. The firm was established with a mission to make a significant impact on the European life science ecosystem, bringing together a team of scientists and entrepreneurs to build, coach, and finance startups from their early stages through to exit. The firm emphasizes a hands-on investment philosophy, providing intensive support and guidance to its portfolio companies. The office operations are managed by Vendy Zgraggen.

The firm boasts a diverse portfolio of innovative life science companies. Notable investments include Hemotune, which develops a disruptive blood purification platform; Xeltis, focused on artificial blood vessels and valves; eMurmur®, an AI-powered auscultation platform; BC Platforms, a leading real-world data solutions provider; Luciole Medical, specializing in brain function monitoring; Simulatory, reimagining surgical training through advanced simulation; Recovery.cat, developing digital therapy support for mental illness; ONWARD Medical, pioneering therapies for spinal cord injury; and Diamens, which uses menstrual blood to detect female-specific diseases.

The team at VP Venture Partners comprises experienced scientists and entrepreneurs who act as hands-on investors. They provide comprehensive support, including deep due diligence, challenge retreats designed to build strong relationships and refine strategies, and active coaching. Key team members include Dr. Annick Bay (Investment Manager), Dr. Ruth Ketley (Associate), Dr. Julia Flötotto (Venture Partner), and Dr. Hans Maria Heÿn (Venture Partner). Leveraging their operational, entrepreneurial, financial, and scientific expertise, they can also take interim C-level or board positions to guide and advise companies towards success.