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On June 28, 2024, AsiaTechDaily hosted an exclusive session of our Innovation Exchange Program with Dr. Poh Hui Chia, Associate Director at Vickers Venture Partners, who was named Investor of the Month. The event focused on “Navigating Early Stage Investments in Biotech and Healthcare” and provided valuable insights for startups and entrepreneurs in these dynamic sectors.
The session began with a formal interview, where Dr. Chia shared her expertise on early stage investments, particularly in the biotechnology and healthcare sector. She emphasized that breakthrough technologies are key in driving significant advances in medical treatments and patient care. “We look for breakthrough technologies that will bring about significant advances in medical treatments and patient care, or in treating diseases that currently have no cure,” she said, emphasizing that the venture capital firm focuses on innovative solutions with high impact.
Dr Chia also spoke about the key factors Vickers Venture Partners considers when evaluating potential investments. “We want to invest in teams with relevant knowledge and capabilities – if they have previous startup experience, even better,” she said. However, she acknowledges the challenges faced by first-time founders, especially in Asia’s emerging startup ecosystem, where they may not have the same level of experience as in the US or Europe. This candid insight provided a realistic perspective for aspiring entrepreneurs and highlighted the need for resilience and adaptability.
The session moved to the “Behind the Investments” segment, where Dr. Chia shared untold stories from his portfolio companies. Dr. Po Hui Chia shared compelling insights into five of his portfolio companies, highlighting their innovative approaches and breakthrough technologies. He detailed AWAK Technologies, which offers dialysis solutions with ultra-portable equipment and remote patient management; Aardvark Therapeutics, which advances gut-brain interaction treatments for metabolic and inflammatory diseases; Emergex Vaccines, which develops long-lasting T cell-adapted vaccines for various infectious diseases; Sisaf, which enhances RNA delivery for rare genetic diseases; and Biosplice, which develops pioneering therapies utilizing alternative splicing for conditions such as osteoarthritis and cancer. Each company’s unique contributions and future potential were showcased, providing a glimpse into the transformative impact these investments will have on healthcare and biotechnology.
She spoke about the journeys, challenges and successes of various startups, providing a unique perspective on what makes these ventures stand out. Her talk highlighted the importance of perseverance, innovation and strategic thinking to succeed in the competitive biotech and healthcare market.
An interactive Q&A session allowed participants to ask Dr. Chia questions directly. The discussion covered a range of topics, from the importance of scientific validation and proof-of-concept to strategies for navigating regulatory environments in different regions. Dr. Chia’s answers were insightful and practical, providing participants with actionable advice to navigate their startup journey.
The event ended with a reaffirmation of the crucial role that strong networks and connections within the biotech and healthcare industry play in startup success, with Dr. Chia highlighting how Vickers Venture Partners supports startups not only during the fundraising process but also post-investment, helping them scale and succeed in the long term.
AsiaTechDaily thanks Dr. Poh Hui Chia for his insights and the active participation of the participants. We will soon publish a detailed article covering the highlights of this session. Also, the video recording of the event will be available by next week. Please stay tuned for further updates.
We thank you for your continued support and participation in the Innovation Exchange program, and we look forward to bringing you even more engaging and insightful sessions in the future.
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