Cancer Survivor's Journey Leads to $30M Oncology Ventures Fund

< 1 mn read

In a inspiring turn of events, Ben Freeberg, a cancer survivor, has successfully launched Oncology Ventures, a $30 million fund dedicated to improving cancer care and research. This development comes six and a half years after Freeberg’s own Stage 3a cancer diagnosis, which he believes could have been detected earlier with better diagnostic practices.

Key Highlights:

Personal Experience: Freeberg’s misdiagnosis and subsequent battle with cancer shaped his career path and led to the creation of Oncology Ventures.
Fund Focus: Unlike other cancer-focused VC firms, Oncology Ventures doesn’t invest in drug discovery. Instead, it targets startups improving care through data and addressing challenges from early detection to treatment optimization.
Investment Strategy: The firm writes checks ranging from $250,000 to $1.5 million and has already backed seven startups, including Gabbi, Reimagine Care, and OncoveryCare.
Fundraising Success: Despite a challenging environment for emerging managers, Freeberg attracted capital from prominent healthcare institutions such as Cardinal Health, City of Hope, and Moffitt Cancer Center.
Unique Perspective: Freeberg’s personal experience with cancer helps him connect with founders on a deeper level, potentially giving him an edge in competitive deals.
Advisory Board: The firm’s advisory board includes industry veterans like Dr. Lee Newcomer, former chief medical officer of UnitedHealth Group, and Carolyn Starrett, CEO of Flatiron Health.

Freeberg’s journey from cancer patient to venture capitalist underscores the potential for personal experiences to drive innovation in healthcare. As Oncology Ventures moves forward, it aims to play a crucial role in shaping the future of cancer care and research.