INITIATE Ventures has announced the close of a $45 million debut venture capital fund and affiliated company creation platform. The firm focuses on building and investing in companies at the intersection of healthcare, life sciences, and technology.
The firm is led by General Partners Jessica Owens and Iana Dimkova, both experienced founders and investors. Owens previously co-founded GRAIL, which Illumina, Inc. acquired for $8 billion in 2021, and was a partner at Kleiner Perkins. Dimkova served as a director in GE Ventures’ healthcare technology investing group and worked with a startup that raised over $700 million to build one of the largest networks of radiation therapy centers in the U.S.
“Exceptional founders are looking for investors who bring more than just capital and domain expertise; they are seeking true partners who have walked in their shoes,” said Jessica Owens, INITIATE General Partner. “After years spent founding, operating, and investing in these sectors, we’re now building a home for the next generation of world-class entrepreneurs, clinicians, and scientists.”
The firm targets early-stage health tech and life sciences companies raising Seed to Series A rounds. Through its startup studio, INITIATE also partners with entrepreneurs to co-create and launch new companies, providing operational and strategic support in areas including business development, talent acquisition, and fundraising.
“Technology innovation in healthcare and life sciences is creating an unparalleled opportunity to revolutionize human health,” said Iana Dimkova, INITIATE General Partner. “We’ve developed a best-in-class model for company creation that empowers exceptional entrepreneurs to build companies with the potential to deliver lasting impact and drive outsized returns.”
The firm’s initial investments include Cornerstone AI, which develops AI software for healthcare data preparation; Delfi Diagnostics, which creates accessible blood tests for early cancer detection; Macro Trials, a precision research clinical platform; and Persana, a luxury aesthetic health concierge. INITIATE co-founded Cornerstone AI, Macro Trials, and Persana.
The firm focuses on several sectors, including biopharma tech and services, precision medicine, R&D tools, and health tech.
