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Life sciences

BACKGROUND

Known for its expertise, Québec’s life sciences industry is made up of companies of all sizes involved in the development and commercialization of drugs, diagnostic tools, and medical supplies and equipment. Boasting highly qualified workers, the industry is backed by a solid infrastructure comprising large universities, research centres, commercialization companies, incubators, biotech firms, large pharmas and service companies.

The industry is currently undergoing a transformation and consolidation around the world, mostly in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. However, this situation should not take anything away from its exceptional development potential, which is underpinned by growing demand fuelled by an aging population, a multitude of unmet medical needs and the need for pharmas to replenish their pipelines following the expiry of many patents, combined with low productivity.

INDUSTRY CHALLENGES

In order to ensure its long-term growth and to maintain its advantageous market position, the life sciences industry will have to address the following challenges:

  • Globalization of the industry;
  • Rapid development of emerging nations;
  • Increased pressure on medication prices around the world;
  • Limited seed and early-stage funding;
  • Changing business model for pharmaceutical firms;
  • Changes in the venture capital funding model.

WHERE THE FONDS FITS IN

The Fonds de solidarité FTQ leverages its expertise, capital and vast network to:

  • Provide financial and strategic support to companies seeking to maximize their growth;
  • Allow companies to capitalize on market opportunities to develop value-creating projects;
  • Help create and keep jobs in Québec.
INVESTMENT PRIORITIES
  • Services for the biopharmaceutical industry;
  • Nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals;
  • Diagnostics, and medical supplies and equipment;
  • Biopharmaceuticals and generic drugs;
  • Animal health.

FINANCING

The Fonds offers solutions tailored to your needs.

FINANCING SOLUTIONS

The Fonds tailors its offer to match the individual needs of its partner companies. We offer patient capital that takes into account the challenges businesses face and the time they need to see their projects to fruition. 

Our flexible financing options include:

  • Equity financing (common or preferred shares)
  • Unsecured debt, requiring no collateral (debenture)
FINANCING CRITERIA

The Fonds gives priority to businesses that satisfy, among others, the following criteria:

  • Competent, dynamic and credible teams with operating experience;
  • Shareholders and officers receptive to investors, alliances and partnerships; 
  • Sound business plans and concepts;
  • Innovative products that address unmet needs;
  • Promising market and profitability outlook;
  • Competitive advantages;
  • Preservation and creation of lasting jobs.

SPECIALIZED TEAM

There are many advantages to partnering with our team, including:

  • Solid expertise and involvement in the life sciences industry;
  • Financing tailored to your needs;
  • A multidisciplinary, seasoned and available team;
  • Strategic support in the short, medium and long terms;
  • Proactive and close by.

INVOLVEMENT IN THE INDUSTRY

The Fonds is actively involved in the life sciences industry.

SPECIALIZED FUNDS

The Fonds de solidarité FTQ has investments in:

  • AgeChem
  • Fonds CTI Sciences de la Vie
  • Fonds Bio-Innovation
  • Go Capital
  • iNovia Capital
  • Lumira Capital
  • Pappas Ventures
  • ProQuest Investments
  • Vimac Ventures
  • AmorChem
INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

The Fonds provides financial support to the following associations:

  • Bio Québec
  • Montréal InVivo

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