It is an interesting deal for Stefan Gabriel, CEO of Hitachi Ventures and GCV Powerlist 100 winner last month. Typically, the $150m Hitachi Ventures programme has targeted early-stage deals in Europe and the US.
Founded in 2011, Sophia is no longer truly early-stage as it has developed a clinical genomics analytics platform intended to help healthcare professionals diagnose and treat patients for cancer and hereditary disorders by more thoroughly analysing genomic and radiomic data. It also provides a network that enables users to share genomic data. But it fits nicely with Hitachi’s work around data and improving people’s quality of life.
Keiji Kojima, executive vice president and general manager of Hitachi’s Smart Life business division, said: “Over the years, Sophia Genetics has emerged as a leader in data-driven medicine and we look forward to supporting the company expand its footprint in the Japanese market and beyond.”
It is an interesting example of joining capital with strategic contributions and a sign of the increased focus on strategic corporate venturing underway (as witnessed by Merck’s hosting of a private roundtable on the topic at the GCV Digital Forum this week).
Gabriel is looking for further insights for his PhD on the topic at Huddersfield University: “What different objectives add value to corporates by CVC activities?” Those who like to contribute (publication is anonymously) please send email to: gabriel.newventures@gmail.com for more information.
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