Comprehensive Global Investment Programme for the Australian Life Sciences Sector - companies, investors and researchers
Upscaling and enhancing our long-standing AusBiotech investment programme, we led the Comprehensive Global Investment Programme for the Australian Life Sciences Sector - companies, investors and researchers project, to continue improving management and workforce skills within the life sciences sector. To enhance the capability of the sector when engaging with international markets and accessing global supply chains, we worked with consortium partners - all of which bring extensive insight and experience in the life sciences. Thank you to the ASX, Dentons, WE Buchan and KPMG,
Resources
Two publications have been developed for this project: a Guide to Life Sciences Investing, and a Roadmap to preparing for a successful IPO for life sciences companies.
Guide to Life Sciences Investing
There has been an increase in investment into life sciences companies and technologies in recent years. Yet investor hesitancy remains, as information regarding the sector is often highly complex, unconsolidated and difficult to access.
This Guide (first edition, 2018) improves understanding of the unique life sciences sector to increase quantity and quality of investment in life sciences companies.
Roadmap to preparing for a successful IPO for life sciences companies
The Roadmap (first edition, 2017) prepares life sciences companies for initial public offerings (IPOs), providing independent expert information that is specific to the life sciences sector.
While listing on Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) is a common pathway for life sciences companies, long-term strategy and risk must be considered prior to pursuing an IPO. The Roadmap aims to provide life sciences companies with independent, non-proprietary information about becoming an ASX–listed company.
Events
Training sessions were held across Australia and were designed to increase both investors’ knowledge, as well as those seeking investment. Participants were also given an opportunity to participate in the investor meetings at AusBiotech 2018, Australia Biotech Invest and Partnering 2017 and 2018, and the AusBiotech Asian Investment Series 2018 and 2019.
Training was offered in three areas:
- Guide to Life Sciences Investing – targeted to investors
The Guide was accompanied by complementary panel sessions, equipping potential investors with knowledge of the basic operations and products of life sciences companies as well as the risks and rewards. - Roadmap to a successful IPO – targeted to SMEs
The Roadmap was accompanied by complementary seminars, assisting life sciences companies in deciding whether an IPO pathway is a suitable option. It raised awareness, educated and informed life sciences companies about the key considerations to becoming IPO-ready. - Pitching to Investors – targeted to spin-offs and start-ups
To compete in a crowded space and attract funding and investment, CEOs must effectively communicate the potential economic value of their products, needs and commercialisation strategy. This Masterclass will provide training and resource materials to advance pitching skills and the tools to develop an effective investment strategy.
Capitalising on the strengths of the Australian bio-economy
AusBiotech was invited to host a 45-minute presentation highlighting Australia's cross border relationships, investment opportunities, and research capabilities as an official partner of Biotech Showcase, run alongside JP Morgan. The standing-room-only presentation provided a great platform to showcase Australian life science companies, whose representatives were in attendance. AusBiotech then co-hosted an International Delegation networking event, illustrating the globally-recognised strength of the Australian life sciences sector. It was an important opportunity to engage with global life science decision makers, for collaboration and partnerships, and to further investment discussions.
AusBiotech Investment Series
The AusBiotech Investment Series of events continues to be held every year as part of AusBiotech’s calendar of events. Driving investment into life sciences companies in Australia is an integral part of the services we offer to member organisations and, therefore, we continue to support and promote such activities.
The series helps Australian life sciences companies connect with global capital markets and empowers them to be competitive on a global scale by:
- Leading Australian life sciences companies to major investment hubs around the world including Australia, Hong Kong, China, and the US.
- Arranging access to opportunities for collaboration, partnerships and alternative funding.
- Providing investor support and education both domestically and internationally.
The Comprehensive Global Investment Programme for the Australian Life Sciences Sector - companies, investors and researchers project ran from February 2017 – January 2019, and was funded through the MTPConnect Project Fund Programme: a dollar-for-dollar matched programme investing in big, bold ideas to improve the productivity, competitiveness and innovative capacity of Australia’s medical technology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector, supported by the Australian Government Industry Growth Centres Initiative.