The VDC turned 11 in May 2020, but there was no opportunity to celebrate in person as all of our community expect for the biotech and healthcare members were working remotely. I’ve tallied what’s been accomplished.
From July 1, 2019 to July 28, 2020, the 110 current and graduated VDC companies raised $354,900,000 and added 422 employees.
To date:
*$1.38B in investment raised by all companies
*3 acquisitions: S&P Global of Kensho for $550M; Amazon of PillPack for $1B; and acquisition of enEvolv by Zymergen
* IPO of SQZ Biotech
25 companies raised 95% of the funds. All but one are still active. 15 of the 25, or 60%, have a foreign (came to study in US and remained) founder or co-founder. 52% (13 of 25) of the companies are in biopharma or healthcare IT industries.
Over the 11 years, the VDC has engaged 2,392 faculty and students from many majors in projects, competitions, workshops, courses, seminars, internships and jobs.
Cheers to the VDC community! And looking forward to being back together physically for our weekly community lunches and the 12 year birthday celebration.
Belated Happy Birthday, VDC
