Coming from a background in biophysics, Tiba Aynechi now applies her comprehensive life sciences knowledge to pinpointing good opportunities in the sector for Novo Ventures, the investment unit of Denmark-listed pharmaceutical firm Novo.
Since joining Novo Ventures in 2010, Aynechi has worked on a number of deals, including cardiac monitoring firm iRhythm’s 2014 series E round for $17m, 2011’s $12m series B for breast brachytherapy firm Cianna Medical, and participation in molecular technology company HTG Molecular Diagnostics’ $16.2m series D in 2011 and $7.5m series E in 2014 ahead of its successful IPO in 2015 worth $50m. Since launching in 1999, the corporate venturing unit has invested $800m across 80 companies and had 30 successful exits.
Before moving into finance, Aynechi picked up two degrees from the University of California and held research jobs at its campuses at Irvine and San Francisco. In 2006, she joined venture firm Burrill & Company and was made a director within five months. She remained there until joining Novo.