2Flo Ventures Company Profile

Background

2Flo Ventures, established in 2021 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is an early-stage venture capital firm and startup studio dedicated to accelerating equitable innovation in healthcare. The firm focuses on investing in African American-led companies within the healthcare sector, aiming to address significant health disparities and enhance representation in healthcare innovation. By combining a robust ecosystem with a targeted investment approach, 2Flo Ventures seeks to tackle the underrepresentation of African Americans in leadership roles within venture capital-backed healthcare startups. The firm is committed to fostering innovations that positively impact disenfranchised communities while providing attractive returns to its investors.

Key Strategic Focus

2Flo Ventures' strategic focus encompasses:

• Investment in Diverse Healthcare Entrepreneurs: Prioritizing support for African American-led companies to enhance representation and address health disparities.

• Advancement of Health Equity: Concentrating on innovations that close gaps in health outcomes for underserved communities.

• Sector Specialization: Investing across biotechnology, medical devices, and digital health sectors.

• Startup Studio Model: Building and supporting companies from inception to commercialization, providing strategic guidance and resources.

Financials and Funding

Since its inception, 2Flo Ventures has:

• Invested in Nine Companies: These portfolio companies collectively employ over 100 individuals.

• Facilitated Capital Raising: Portfolio companies have collectively raised over $85 million to date.

Pipeline Development

2Flo Ventures' portfolio includes companies at various stages of development:

• Vivacelle Bio: Developing phospholipid nanoparticles for treating hypovolemia due to septic or hemorrhagic shock.

• Temprian Therapeutics: Focused on developing treatments for vitiligo.

• Delphian Therapeutics: Pioneering cannabinoid-based pain relief for musculoskeletal and neurological conditions.

• ResQ Pharma: Seeking to improve access to antidotes for non-opiate drug overdoses.

• KeyCare: A virtual care platform integrated within Epic Systems to improve access to medical care.

• CancerIQ: A precision health platform empowering early cancer detection and prevention.

• Temprian Oncology: Developing targeted treatments for metastatic melanoma.

• Akan Biosciences: Focused on regenerative therapeutics for injuries and inflammatory diseases.

• 4D Healthware: A virtual healthcare service provider aiming to close care gaps for underserved communities.

Technological Platform and Innovation

2Flo Ventures distinguishes itself through:

• Proprietary Technologies: Supporting companies with unique solutions, such as Vivacelle Bio's phospholipid nanoparticles and Delphian Therapeutics' cannabinoid-based pain relief.

• Scientific Methodologies: Encouraging the use of advanced scientific methods, including machine learning algorithms in platforms like CancerIQ for early cancer detection.

• AI-Driven Capabilities: Investing in companies that leverage AI to enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes.

Leadership Team

• Paul Burton, JD, MBA: Managing Partner with over 20 years of experience in corporate finance and strategic advisory in Fortune 500 companies. He has held leadership roles in biotech startups and serves as an Entrepreneur in Residence at Northwestern University.

• Charlotte Jones-Burton, MD, MS: Partner with extensive experience in life sciences, focusing on product development and strategy.

• John Cunningham: Partner and CFO, founder of Plowshares Asset Management, with a focus on strategic investments in real estate and healthcare.

• Lyle Berkowitz, MD: Partner with over 25 years of experience as a primary care physician, informatician, healthcare innovator, and health tech entrepreneur.

• Ibraheem Alinur: Vice President, a serial entrepreneur with experience in research commercialization and innovation, passionate about tackling health disparities.

Leadership Changes

• Rodney Cotton, MBA, MSSM: Appointed as Venture Partner in December 2024. With over four decades in the pharmaceutical industry, including leadership roles at Roche, Baxter International, and GlaxoSmithKline, Mr. Cotton brings extensive experience in commercial and sales operations for medicines and diagnostics.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The healthcare venture capital market is experiencing significant growth, driven by technological advancements and a focus on health equity. The emphasis on supporting diverse entrepreneurs and addressing health disparities aligns with broader industry trends.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

• HealthX Ventures: A digital health-focused venture capital firm investing in early-stage companies.

• Amgen Ventures: The corporate venture capital arm of Amgen, investing in innovative healthcare solutions.

• Merck Global Health Innovation Fund: Investing in companies that align with Merck's strategic interests in healthcare innovation.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

2Flo Ventures has established significant collaborations:

• Sepsis Alliance: Named as the charity beneficiary for the 2024 Health Equity Investing Symposium, highlighting a commitment to addressing sepsis awareness and health equity.

• CancerIQ: Supported through Series A and B funding rounds to enhance cancer early detection and prevention technologies.

Operational Insights

2Flo Ventures' strategic considerations include:

• Focus on Health Equity: Differentiating itself by prioritizing investments that address health disparities.

• Support for Diverse Entrepreneurs: Enhancing representation in healthcare innovation by investing in African American-led companies.

• Comprehensive Support: Providing not only capital but also strategic guidance and resources through its startup studio model.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

2Flo Ventures aims to:

• Expand Portfolio: Continue investing in companies that align with its mission of advancing health equity.

• Enhance Support Mechanisms: Strengthen the startup studio model to provide comprehensive support to portfolio companies.

• Foster Collaborations: Build partnerships with organizations that share a commitment to health equity and innovation.

Contact Information

• Website: 2Flo Ventures

• LinkedIn: 2Flo Ventures LinkedIn

• Twitter: @2floventures