Managers

VC-backed Relay Therapeutics adds three to staff

Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Relay Therapeutics, a biotech company, has named Dr. Don Bergstrom as executive vice president, head of research and development; Brian Adams as general counsel; and Tom Catinazzo as vice president of finance. Relay Therapeutics' backers include BVF Partners, GV, Casdin Capital, EcoR1 Capital, Section 32, Third Rock Ventures and Alexandria Venture Investments.

VC-backed Roche Holdings buys Inception 5 program

Roche Holdings, which is backed by Versant Ventures, has acquired the Inception 5 program. No financial terms were disclosed. Inception is focused on regenerative therapies for multiple sclerosis.

Sofinnova Partners collects $340 mln for initial healthcare crossover fund

Sofinnova Partners, a European life sciences-focused venture firm, has raised $340 million for its inaugural healthcare crossover fund. Sofinnova Crossover I will invest in the biopharmaceutical and medical device sectors. The fund's limited partners include sovereign funds, insurance companies, corporations and family offices. Triago was the placement agent for the fund while Clifford Chance provided legal counsel.

Welltok racks up $75 mln

Welltok, a consumer health enterprise software-as-a-service company, has secured $75 million in Series E2 funding. The investors included Future Fund Management Agency, Ziff Davis, NF Trinity Capital (Hong Kong) Limited, ITOCHU Corporation, New Enterprise Associates, Bessemer Venture Partners and Georgian Partners.

Mor Assia of iAngels on blockchain and the regulatory landscape in Israel

Norwest, General Catalyst, Battery lead strong Q1 fundraising effort

VC-backed M&A declines in Q1, while time to exit shrinks

The number of mergers and acquisitions of U.S.-based companies dropped in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the same period in the two years before, while their total disclosed value jumped, according to data from Thomson Reuters.

Allogene Therapeutics grabs funding from Vida Ventures

South San Francisco-based Allogene Therapeutics, a biotech company focused on cancer treatment, has secured an undisclosed amount of funding. The investor was Vida Ventures.

Axonics picks up $40.1 mln

Irvine, California-based Axonics Modulation Technologies Inc, a developer of the first rechargeable sacral neuromodulation system for the treatment of urinary and fecal dysfunction, has closed $40.1 million in financing. The transaction includes $20.1 million in equity and a $20 million credit facility. Longitude Capital led the equity round that included participation from return backer Gilde Healthcare. Silicon Valley Bank provided the secured credit facility. Concurrent with the financing, Juliet Bakker, co-founder and managing director of Longitude, will join the Axonics' board of directors.

ADFG agrees to strategic investment in 500 Startups

Abu Dhabi-based investment group ADFG has made a strategic investment in the worldwide seed-stage firm 500 Startups. The amount of the investment is undisclosed. 500 Startups said the investment will help it scale faster, enter new markets and anchor future global funds. As part of the investment, ADFG will join 500's board.