Olympus Corporation (Tokyo: 7733), a global leader in medical technology, has announced the establishment of Olympus
Innovation Ventures to invest in pioneering startups with innovative technologies that improve clinical outcomes, reduce
healthcare costs and enhance the quality of life for patients.
Olympus Innovation Ventures, a fully-owned subsidiary of Olympus Corporation of the Americas, is a venture capital fund
focused on startups poised to improve patient outcomes, radically advance the detection and treatment of disease, and
transform the surgery suite. The new fund expands upon Olympus' strategy to strengthen endoscopy and pioneer
next-generation tools and procedures for minimally invasive surgery.
Olympus' venture fund is stage-agnostic, prioritizing early- and growth-stage companies globally with solutions in
therapeutic areas including gastroenterology, respiratory, and urology. Olympus has allocated $50 million for initial
commitments and follow-on investments in portfolio companies. In addition to capital, Olympus will help its portfolio
companies succeed by contributing its clinical and technical expertise, access to healthcare professionals and
hospitals, and ability to launch and scale innovative solutions in the global market.
Olympus has been a leader in optical and medical innovation for over 100 years, introducing a mass-produced microscope
to Japan in 1919 and the world's first gastrocamera for practical use in 1950. Olympus' tools have aided the minimally
invasive surgery revolution and have evolved to detect and treat disease. Yasuo Takeuchi, CEO of Olympus Corporation,
says "Our investment underscores our commitment to make people's lives safer, healthier, and more fulfilling. Our goal
is for this fund to continue our history of innovation and support our long-term growth and transformation."
Touchdown Ventures, a firm specializing in corporate venture capital, will help manage the Olympus Innovation Ventures
fund. Touchdown will work closely with senior executives of Olympus in all aspects of operating the fund.
"We are excited about what Olympus can bring to entrepreneurs through the company's technical strengths, industry
relationships, vast distribution, and deep subject matter expertise," noted Scott Lenet, co-founder and President of
Touchdown Ventures. "The entire Olympus Innovation Ventures team is working to be the partner of choice for innovators
and create a competitive advantage for their startups."
Nacho Abia, Chief Operating Officer of Olympus Corporation, said "This effort is another way Olympus is demonstrating
its commitment to excellence and creating tangible value for providers and patients. We believe we will play a
meaningful role in the advancement of minimally invasive care and new ways to detect, monitor and treat conditions and
diseases."