Title: How Cancer Survivor Turned Investor Ben Freeberg Raised $30 Million for Oncology Ventures Fund
Ben Freeberg, a former associate at Alpha Partners, faced a life-changing experience when he was diagnosed with Stage 3a cancer. This led him to launch the Oncology Ventures fund with $30 million in committed capital, focusing on improving cancer care and research.
Despite the challenging fundraising environment for emerging managers, Freeberg's personal experience and background in healthcare helped him attract capital from institutions like Cardinal Health and City of Hope. Unlike other cancer-focused VC firms, Oncology Ventures invests in startups that use data to improve care and tackle challenges in early detection and treatment plans.
The firm has already backed seven startups, including Gabbi for breast cancer detection and Reimagine Care for virtual-first cancer care. Freeberg's unique perspective as a cancer survivor allows him to connect with founders and win competitive deals.
With plans to bring on another partner in the future, Oncology Ventures is making strides in the healthcare industry with a strong advisory board that includes experts like Dr. Lee Newcomer and Carolyn Starrett. The firm's focus on reducing costs and improving outcomes in cancer treatment presents a significant opportunity for investors and the healthcare industry as a whole.