Impact investment to boost health innovations
Summary
With its portfolio comprising ten startups, the foundation is open for applications all year round.Richard Lichtsteiner was a pioneering entrepreneur with a keen affinity for innovation, philanthropy and technology. In 2009, he established the Lichtsteiner Foundation to provide grants and support projects dedicated to improving peoples health worldwide through innovative medical solutions.Since redefining its strategy in 2018 to become an impact investor, the Lichtsteiner Foundation shifted from offering grants to providing equity investment to innovative early-stage startups addressing common health problems or a medical niche market with high potential, explains Sabina Sperisen, the Foundations CEO.Every year, the Foundation invests CHF 1 million in one to four startups for a maximum of 10 percent equity. Regardless of having a stake in its portfolio companies, it refrains from actively engaging in the startups daily business activities, as Sabina emphasises.So far, ten startups, including Muvon Therapeutics, Cutiss and Microcaps have already received investment. Remarkably, all startups that have received funding are thriving, which according to Sabina Sperisen, is a success for the Foundation.Applying for investment is open throughout the year. Upon submission, startups are evaluated using due diligence tools specifically designed for the foundation.