DBJ Invests in Lightstone Ventures II, L.P., Capital Provider to Advanced Medical Device and Biopharmaceutical Ventures

Development Bank of Japan Inc. (DBJ; President and Chief Exective Officer: Masanori Yanagi) has committed to invest in Lightstone Ventures II, L.P., a US-based venture capital fund for advanced medical devices, biopharmaceuticals and other products in the life sciences field.

The first Lightstone Ventures fund was raised in 2013 by the life sciences teams of Morgenthaler Ventures and Advanced Technology Ventures. Founded in 1968 and 1978 respectively, both firms brought experience and expertise to investments in the field, and outstanding fund management resulted in multiple successful exit projects. Now, from offices located in California’s Silicon Valley, as well as Boston, Massachusetts; Ireland and Singapore, Lightstone’s second life sciences fund is investing in life science ventures both within and outside of the United States.

Fostering the growth and soundness of healthcare industries is gaining in urgency as Japan evolves into a “super-aged” society. Under its Medium-term Management Plan announced in May 2017, DBJ has made dynamic innovation in healthcare a prime focus of concern. Through this investment, the bank hopes to utilize the expertise of the Lightstone fund in further invigorating its strategies for business development.

In line with our corporate philosophy ? “Design the Future with Financial Expertise: Through the steadfast pioneering of financial frontiers, we aim to solve issues for our customers and society, and help realize sustainable development in Japan and the world.” ? DBJ gives support to the value-creating initiatives of medical device and biopharmaceutical manufacturers.


Inquiries:
Corporate Finance Department, Division 6; Healthcare Office
Telephone: 81-3-3244-1730