Successful financing round: Interview with Vincent Forster, Versantis co-founder

Why did you choose the entrepreneurial path? 
It is the fastest track to change the world (laughs). We had an unconventional innovation at hand that had the potential to make the world a better place; starting Versantis was the obvious avenue in which to devote my energy! Three years ago, I seized this opportunity knowing that I would be pushed outside my comfort zone in all directions. Today, I don’t regret a minute of this adventure; I am passionate about constantly learning new things, and solving daily challenges gets me out of bed every morning.
 

From left to right: Vincent Forster (CEO), Meriam Kabbaj (COO) and Prof. Dr. Jean-Christophe Leroux, Member of the Scientific Advisory Board.

What needs does Versantis fill, and how are you different than your competitors?
Versantis is developing a pipeline of products for the treatment of liver diseases. The aim being to revolutionize the care of patients, starting with a lifesaving therapy for the acute cases towards a support and prevention perspective with our second product. This robust pipeline provides help to a full range of patients for which the current standards of care are either ineffective, risky, or associated with strong side effects.

You won the final of Venture Kick in 2015: What did the program bring to you and to Versantis?
Venture Kick was the first to believe in our technology and has been a huge supporter since the very beginning. Besides the funding, Venture Kick provided us with crucial guidance to the translation of our project towards a promising pharmaceutical company. The access to Venture Kick’s local and national network was an excellent opportunity to continually challenge our strategy, help us to look ahead, and fortify our foundations in all the directions critical to our future growth.

You were a venture leader Life Science in 2014, too: Can you tell us about the best highlights of the investors’ roadshow in the Boston area?
I flew to Boston at the very beginning of our adventure. This early trip was and excellent opportunity to dive into the thrilling entrepreneurial world and measure ourselves to young companies from oversees. The intense pitching and networking programs were the real highlights; I came back with a New York Yankees jersey awarded for the Best Swiss Pitch, and a strong network of Swiss entrepreneurs on which I can still count!

Now you just raised funds to develop your business further. Tell us a little bit about how you experienced the process of raising your first substantial funds. 
This Series A was also a big learning experience. We started without a real action plan, but rapidly understood that strategizing fundraising with consistency, planning, and foresight was the only way to be efficient in the process. Meeting after meeting, we also refined our communication strategy to ensure that investors understand fully and rapidly why our company matters and how it will impact patients, physicians, and healthcare systems on a global level. Finally, timing was key. Admittedly, securing funds took longer than we initially planned; reaching development and regulatory successes definitely helped.
 
What are the next steps for Versantis now?
Raising money is only the beginning, now the clock starts ticking (laughs). The proceeds of this Series A will support the remaining regulatory preclinical development as well as the large-scale manufacturing in view of a first-in-human investigation in a year from now. It is a very exciting time for Versantis and its investors and we look forward to bringing our product through these achievements together. 
 

About Versantis
Versantis is developing breakthrough liver disease medicines and diagnostics addressing high unmet medical needs. Its lead candidate, VS-01, is currently at preclinical stage and has the potential to be the first drug for acute liver disease simultaneously supporting multiple failing organs. 

The Zurich-based pharmaceutical company was part of the Swiss National Life Science Team in 2014, and flew to Boston to meet potential investors and partners. Versantis also won the final of Venture Kick in 2015. It is among Switzerland's best startups, at rank Nr. 36.