KELES, a new venture capital firm, is set to reshape the digital health landscape in Europe by investing in growth-stage companies that demonstrate profitability and readiness for international expansion. Founded by David Buller and Laurent van Lerberghe, KELES aims to address healthcare challenges through strategic funding and innovation. The firm plans to bridge the gap between innovative startups and global impact, leveraging the extensive experience and networks of its founders to make informed investment decisions.
In recent years, the digital health sector has emerged as a crucial area for investment, driven by the urgent need for healthcare innovations. Numerous venture capital firms have entered the market, but KELES distinguishes itself through its targeted focus on Europe and its commitment to backing companies with proven solutions. This approach highlights the potential for significant growth in the region’s healthtech companies, which have historically faced challenges in scaling globally due to limited access to capital.
Why Focus on Europe?
Europe is a hub of innovation, yet many promising healthtech companies struggle to scale due to funding limitations. KELES aims to fill this gap by investing in companies at critical scale-up points. With a target fund size of €250 million, KELES plans to offer investment tickets ranging from €8 million to €30 million, thereby providing the necessary capital for growth and development. This strategy focuses on sectors like R&D, diagnostics, and patient care, ensuring that innovative solutions reach a broader market.
What Expertise Does KELES Bring?
KELES’s founders bring a wealth of experience and a robust network to the table. David Buller, a seasoned investor with a strong track record in digital health startups, and Laurent van Lerberghe, a former pharma executive with deep expertise in AI and healthcare, form a formidable leadership team. Their combined insights will guide KELES in identifying and supporting technologies that tackle healthcare inefficiencies and improve patient outcomes.
David Buller emphasizes the urgency of their mission: “Worldwide, healthcare systems are under immense pressure… Now is the moment to strategically inject capital into the ecosystem to unlock urgently needed growth.”
Laurent van Lerberghe adds that KELES will focus on emerging technologies that leverage AI and accelerate drug discovery, aiming to set new standards in healthcare. Their extensive testing and validation of investment theses position KELES to make impactful investments across Europe.
Drawing from historical investments, David Buller highlights the successful sale of Aparito, a techbio investment, to Eli Lilly. Such outcomes demonstrate the potential for KELES to replicate similar successes with its strategic investments. KELES’s ability to provide capital and guidance positions it uniquely in the market, promising substantial social impact and value creation.
With plans to establish bases in key European cities, KELES is on track for its initial fund close by the first quarter of 2025. The firm’s global network will grant its portfolio companies access to advisors and partners, ensuring market access and scalability. This comprehensive strategy underscores KELES’s commitment to fostering growth and innovation in the digital health sector, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of healthcare systems worldwide.
