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Image Credits:Ben Freeberg / Oncology Ventures
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Ben Freeberg was an familiar at venture firm Alpha Partners when he suddenly passed out in the middle of the day . He seek medical helper , and after running a few diagnostic tests , MD did n’t find anything amiss with him .
“ They told me I was overreacting , ” Freeberg told TechCrunch . But a small less than 12 months later , he was diagnosed with degree 3a Crab , and it became evident that the incident was the origin of the disease . “ If they detected my Crab earlier , I could have avoid multiple surgeries and maybe even a chemotherapy regimen . ”
Being a Cancer the Crab subsister shaped not only his life but also his life history . He set up his sights on launching a speculation fund commit to amend cancer guardianship and enquiry . Six and a half years after his diagnosis , Freeberg close up the inauguralOncology Venturesfund with $ 30 million in committed capital .
It ’s achallenging fundraising surroundings for emerging handler . But Freeberg ’s personal experience and his background as a vice president at United Health ’s VC arm Optum Ventures and at Thyme Care , a cancer care inauguration backed by Andreessen Horowitz and Bessemer , avail him . He attracted capital from large healthcare institutions including Cardinal Health , City of Hope and Moffitt Cancer Center .
Unlike other cancer - focused VC business firm , including Reed Jobs ’ Yosemite , which raised$200 millionfor its debut fund last year , Oncology Ventures does n’t invest in drug discovery . The firm is focused on startup that ameliorate concern with the assistance of data and harness challenges from early detection to choosing optimal handling plans .
“ Treating genus Cancer is employers ’ top health care toll now , ” Freeberg say , adding that invest in startup that help decrease expense and improve outcomes is a substantial chance .
The firm , which writes checks ranging from $ 250,000 to $ 1.5 million , has already backed seven startup , let in Gabbi , an early signal detection platform for breast cancer ; Reimagine Care , a provider of practical - first genus Cancer and recovery forethought ; and OncoveryCare , a teleclinic for genus Cancer survivors .
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Freeberg believes his own experience with Cancer the Crab helps him link with father and win free-enterprise deal .
“ I ’ve had founders tear up during meetings , ” he said . “ It was refreshing for them to address with me about their mission and what they are endeavor to achieve . ”
Freeberg , a solo GP , said he intends to finally bring on another partner .
The firm ’s advisory board includes Dr. Lee Newcomer , former chief medical officer of UnitedHealth Group , and Carolyn Starrett , CEO of Flatiron Health , an oncology entropy startup acquired by Roche fornearly $ 2 billion .
