What They’re Saying

Entrepreneurs and venture capital experts from around the country have underscored the importance of the strategy of jumpstarting the growth of bioscience venture capital in Kansas:

Dr. Nicholas Franano, chief executive officer of Novita Therapeutics: “This new funding will provide Kansas businesses with much needed access to national and international networks of capital and investors and accelerate the growth of the biosciences industry and jobs in the state of Kansas. Once again, the Kansas Bioscience Authority has come through with a big win.”

Dan Berglund, president and CEO of the State Science & Technology Institute (SSTI): “The KBA is addressing a critical building block needed for a tech-based economy: capital for start-up companies. This is particularly critical now as venture capitalists make fewer, later-stage investments. Areas like Kansas that make these kinds of investments are going to be the ones that benefit in the future.”

Jim Jaffe, president and CEO of the National Association of Seed and Venture Funds (NASVF): “Access to capital for seed and early stage companies is an essential element in creating jobs and building world-class companies, especially in today’s venture environment when most funding is going to later stage opportunities. NASVF commends the Kansas Bioscience Authority for taking a leadership role in Kansas and being a catalyst for innovation and supporting the seed and early stage entrepreneur.”