Bionest launches dedicated Start-up unit

Bionest Partners, a provider of advisory and management services to life science companies, has created Bionest Start-Up, a new business unit dedicated to providing services to biotechnology startup companies.

Bionest Start-Up is based in Biocitech, the former Aventis r&d site at Romainville near Paris.

Bionest Partners has worked with Aventis and Biocitech in transforming the site since May 2003. It has also been involved in three biotech companies now based at Biocitech: Bionest was instrumental in the spin-off from Aventis of Novexel, a specialist in anti-infectious disease therapies; it also assisted with the business plan and with product strategy for Oroxcell and Kiralya, both created by ex-employees of Aventis. Bionest is partnering Biocitech in the selection of companies wanting to set up in the technology park, and in the creation of an on-site structural analysis resource.

The new unit, Bionest Start-Up, offers the proximity so important to start-ups and the same advisory and management services available from Bionest Partners. Particularly relevant to start-ups are advice on strategic positioning, writing business plans, coaching the founders in management and presentational skills, help in fund raising from private investors, and business development.

'Our new unit is a clear statement from Bionest Partners that we are committed to stay close to the start-up community in Europe and elsewhere,' said Claude Allary, managing partner and co-founder of Bionest Partners. 'Our offices at Biocitech will enable us to meet the needs of companies based in Biocitech rapidly and in a way which is tailored to their individual needs.'