GeneChem is a private equity and venture capital firm specializing in growth capital, seed, and startup financings to later stage mezzanine rounds and private placements in publicly listed companies. The firm typically invests in the genomics industries with a focus on companies involved in gene discovery; functional genomics; bio-informatics; proteomics; gene therapy; biotechnology; developing therapeutics for proliferative diseases including cancer, infectious diseases, inflammation, and diabetes; and developing therapeutics targeting age-related diseases. It primarily invests in Canada, the United States, and Europe. The firm prefers to have a Board seat and invests in the form of common stock, convertible preferred stock, and convertible debentures or notes with warrants. It intends to undertake the role of lead investor where possible. In early stage deals, the firm may be the sole investor but it generally prefers to take part in syndicated deals as lead or follower. GeneChem was founded in 1997 and is based in Montreal, Canada.