LIFE SCIENCE INVESTMENTS

A novel investment model developed by FreeMind and based on NIH review criteria

FreeMind Invests
A Life Science Investment Tool

A novel investment model developed by FreeMind and based on NIH review criteria

Rigorous Review by Leading Experts
Under the auspices of the NIH, leading experts conduct a detailed examination of any R&D project, thus allowing us access to the brilliant minds of the most experienced and knowledgeable scientists in the world.
Comparable Review Outcome
The completed NIH review process yields a timely, detailed, qualitative, and ultimately quantitatively comparable response we use to measure in part the likelihood of a successful investment.
Life Science Industry Leaders
We access the most innovative entrepreneurs in the global life science community and subject their findings to a detailed review by this elite group of examiners.
Building on Existing Relationships
The knowledge gained by FreeMind in nearly two decades of conducting business within the life sciences, coupled with standing relationships resulting from the personal experience of working closely with these entrepreneurs, serves as the foundation of a successful investment.

A novel and effective investment vehicle aimed at bridging the infamous biotech startup “valley of death” and generating high returns, while furthering the development of medical solutions to a wide variety of unmet needs.

The Model
Novel NIH-based Investment Strategy

Based on FreeMind’s data set, empirically shown to yield a high return on investment

Investing in NIH Reviewed Programs

The NIH reviews ~40,000 applications every year, of which ~5,000 are industry oriented submissions. Each application is peer reviewed by a select group of specialized researchers, senior academics, and experienced industry leaders. Reviewers provide a numerical value for five discrete review criteria summed as a single score, as well as a detailed explanation of the strengths and weaknesses of each parameter. The result is a quantitative, uniform, and comparable sliding scale of application submissions from the most worthy to the least.

The FreeMind Approach

Over the years, FreeMind has acquired a great deal of perspective as it relates to industry needs, expectations, and keys to success. Combining FreeMind’s “soft” company-specific knowledge, together with an intimate understanding of the multifaceted NIH review and scoring system, we developed a novel, yet simple, investment model. Supported by studies conducted by top tier economists showing economic and financial benefit stemming from the NIH scoring system, we adjusted the NIH formula to reflect additional pertinent industry and business characteristics.

Generating Quality Deal Flow

We tested our model under various investment strategies on a data set from FreeMind’s portfolio companies (2013-2016) and found the model to be predictive of substantial return on potential investment, thus providing further validity to our empirical findings. We are currently seeking investment opportunities stemming from FreeMind’s client base. Clients who score well and adhere to additional investment criteria serve as deal flow for the FreeMind Group Investment Arm.