We are observing two trends in the start-up scene that encourage us and concern us, respectively. On the one hand, start-ups are gaining momentum and are now on par with licensing - as a vehicle for technology transfer and a source of proceeds. On the other hand, it is becoming increasingly difficult to reconcile the interests of the various parties involved in the start-up process, resulting in huge delays. Together with the LifeScience Foundation and a number of leading research organizations we therefore propose a framework for licensing and equity conditions to accelerate the founding process. You will find the details in our annual report, together with key figures and success stories from knowledge and technology transfer. Here the key points:
- At the end of 2019 Ascenion managed a portfolio of 23 shareholdings. There were two new participations, and three successful exits.
- Three portfolio companies reached clinical milestones, all of them in the field of cardiac diseases.
- One series B financing was closed totalling EUR 11 million.
- 173 agreements relating to the commercial exploitation of IP were closed between Ascenion’s partners and industry, 36 thereof are revenue-carrying agreements.
- Over EUR 7 million in proceeds were generated from licensing and equity deals, about EUR 4.5 million were directly transferred to Ascenion’s partners, about EUR 2.2 million were distributed to the LifeScience Foundation.
- 40 translation projects were intensively accompanied, over EUR 10 million in funding was acquired for translation.
- 107 invention disclosures were evaluated, 48 patent applications managed.
- 25 long-term partners were supported, including research institutes, universities and university hospitals.
Take a look at the details, enjoy our partners’ success stories and read our joint proposal for simplifying the start-up process: