December the 5^th saw a strong ‘thumbs-up’ for the investment opportunities presented on the life science specialised equity crowdfunding platform Capital Cell, with a double win for companies ORP and OvuSense at a pitching competition, independently judged by representatives from Johnson & Johnson Innovation and DNB, amongst others.

The two medtech companies won first and second place in the ‘Mature R&D Companies’ category of a competition held at Innovation Forum’s Leaders conference in Oxford. The companies were independently judged by Sonia Benhamida, Senior Vice President at DNB; Anna Williamson, Associate Director of Business Development at Genentech; Imelda Juniarsih, Investment Analyst at BioCity; and Ann Connolly, Senior Director of New Ventures and Transactions and Johnson & Johnson Innovation.

‘This is a huge encouragement for the Capital Cell team, and for our unique methods of performing due diligence on the life sciences and biotech companies we list’ says UK Director, Laura Ferguson. ‘Capital Cell due diligence includes in-house analysis, the requirement for a sophisticated lead investor, and crowdsourced assessment by the Capital Cell ‘BioExpert Network’- a community of nearly 1000 specialists in life science and life science commercialisation. BioExpert members are offered the opportunity to review all the companies being considered by Capital Cell, and give ‘fast market feedback’, which also helps the companies to support development of their business models. The fact that ORP and OvuSense won first and second place in this independently judged competition indicates that Capital Cell is able to identify investment opportunities which are of interest to other, highly experienced life science investors in both pharma and industry.’

Capital Cell started in Barcelona, Spain nearly 3 years ago where it has now funded 17 companies. The investment platform recently launched in the UK with backing from MedCity, the Scottish Life Sciences Association, and the BIA, amongst others. The UK company has funded two companies to date: an in-ear wearable biometric device, and a therapeutic for autoimmune conditions.

The two winning companies are currently live for investment on the Capital Cell UK platform: www.capitalcell.co.uk. Users must be registered to see full details of the opportunities.

Capital at risk. Investing in early stage companies involves risks, as well as potential rewards.

Capital Cell Ltd (FRN 774677) is an Appointed Representative of Larpent Newton & Co Ltd. Larpent Newton & Co Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN 141275.