Neo Kuma Ventures has invested in seven innovative healthcare companies. The initial investments have proved successful with three of the seven companies going public this year, yielding between +180% and +680% return on initial investment.
Following the launch of its fund in December 2020, Neo Kuma has invested more than £5 million across ATAI Life Sciences, Bright Minds Biosciences, Beckley Psytech, Small Pharma, Eleusis, Journey Clinical and Sana Health.
Neo Kuma is set to complete its fourth close on its fund, having raised in excess of £10 million of investment. The fund exceeded its fundraising targets within five months.
Neo Kuma’s fundraising follows increased scientific and public interest in psychedelic medicine for mental health treatment. Recent successes in scientific trials, combined with approval of previously outlawed drugs for medical purposes, is making psychedelics increasingly appealing for traditional investors.
In April, a study by Imperial College London’s Centre for Psychedelic Research found that psilocybin, found in magic mushrooms, is as good at reducing symptoms of depression as conventional treatment, and had a more powerful effect when it comes to actively improving people’s well-being and ability to feel pleasure.
Neo Kuma Ventures co-founder Clara Burtenshaw said: “The key to our strategy has been backing companies which have pharmaceutical backgrounds, are guided by science, and are passionate about solving problems and improving people’s lives. For us at Neo Kuma, the most important thing is to invest in companies that have real potential to move the standard of patient care forwards.”
