Versant Ventures

Versant Ventures is a prominent healthcare investment firm headquartered in California, specializing in medical devices, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. Established in 1999, the firm manages approximately $2.3 billion and invests across all stages of company development, with a strong focus on discovering and developing innovative therapeutics. Versant has a global presence with offices in Canada, the U.S., and Europe, and its team comprises professionals with extensive investment, operational, and scientific expertise, allowing for a proactive approach to building companies. Since its inception, Versant has successfully facilitated the growth of over 65 companies, leading to numerous acquisitions and public offerings.

Brian Atwood

Managing Director

Mehmet Badur

Senior Associate

Bradley Bolzon

Chairman, Managing Director

Samuel Colella

Managing Director

Jerel Davis

Managing Director

Joel Drewry

Principal

Steven Edelson

Senior Director of Communications and Investor Relations

Max Eisenberg

General Counsel

Gianni Gromo

Partner

Ross A. Jaffe

Co-Founder & Managing Director

Katharina Kreymborg

Principal

William Link

Investor

Barbara Lubash

Co-Founder & Managing Director

Guido Magni

Partner

Alex Mayweg

Managing Director

Don Milder

Managing Director

Clare Ozawa

Managing Director

Robin L. Praeger

Managing Director

Rebecca Robertson

Co-Founder & Managing Director

Charles Warden

Co-Founder and Managing Director

Thomas Woiwode

Managing Director

Past deals in Minnesota

Nuvaira

Series E in 2019
Nuvaira, Inc. is a medical device company focused on developing innovative treatments for obstructive lung diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The company has created a novel, catheter-based Lung Denervation System designed to address airway nerve hyperactivity, a common issue in patients with COPD and asthma. This minimally invasive procedure targets the parasympathetic nerves of the lungs, aiming to enhance lung function, improve exercise capacity, and elevate the quality of life for affected individuals. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Nuvaira was previously known as Holaira, Inc. before rebranding in June 2017.

Metavention

Series C in 2018
Metavention, Inc., established in 2012 and headquartered in Dover, Delaware, specializes in the development of trans-catheter devices aimed at modulating sympathetic nervous system activity. These innovative devices address the issues of over-active sympathetic nerves that contribute to elevated glucose levels and abnormal liver function. By employing standard interventional vascular techniques, Metavention provides healthcare professionals with a novel tool for diagnosing and treating patients with Type 2 diabetes. The company focuses on enhancing treatment options for this condition, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Respicardia

Venture Round in 2017
Respicardia (formerly Cardiac Concepts) is dedicated to improving the lives of heart failure patients by developing implantable therapies designed to improve respiratory rhythm management and cardiovascular health. The first product, the remedē® System, is an implantable stimulation device that is designed to restore a more normal breathing pattern during sleep for patients with central sleep apnea. Respicardia® is committed to improving cardiovascular health…one breath at a time™.

Monteris Medical

Series C in 2017
Monteris Medical develops and markets advanced medical devices for minimally invasive neurosurgery, focusing on the treatment of brain diseases. Their flagship product, the NeuroBlate System, utilizes MRI-guided laser thermotherapy for the precise ablation of pathological brain lesions, including both primary and metastatic tumors. This innovative system allows neurosurgeons to deliver focused laser energy directly to tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue, offering real-time control and visualization during procedures. Monteris Medical also provides stereotactic anchoring devices for accurate image-guided trajectory alignment and AtamA stabilization systems for MR-based procedures requiring head fixation. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Plymouth, Minnesota, with additional offices in Minneapolis and Winnipeg, the company distributes its products through sales representatives to neurosurgeons across the United States. Formerly known as AutoLITT, Monteris Medical has established itself as a leader in the development of technologies aimed at improving the treatment of brain cancer.

Zyga Technology

Series D in 2014
Zyga Technology is a surgical solutions provider developing & commercializing medical devices for treating spine problems. In addition to the SImmetry Sacroiliac Joint Fusion System, the company is also developing the Glyder Facet Restoration Device. Zyga has put together a team of engineers, marketing personnel, and management with significant experience developing medical devices for the spine industry. Zyga Technology was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Minnesota, USA.

RedBrick Health

Venture Round in 2014
RedBrick Health is a health engagement and behavior-based technology company based in Minneapolis, founded in 2006. The company offers innovative solutions to address rising healthcare costs by combining behavior-based health financing with personalized programs and independent advocacy. RedBrick Health assists employers, health plans, health systems, and accountable care organizations in enhancing consumer health outcomes. Their technology-enabled enterprise platform leverages advanced behavior design and data analytics to promote healthier behaviors and informed healthcare decisions. By creating effective consumer experiences, RedBrick Health helps organizations optimize their health and wellness initiatives, ultimately improving the performance of population health and well-being programs.

Nuvaira

Series D in 2014
Nuvaira, Inc. is a medical device company focused on developing innovative treatments for obstructive lung diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The company has created a novel, catheter-based Lung Denervation System designed to address airway nerve hyperactivity, a common issue in patients with COPD and asthma. This minimally invasive procedure targets the parasympathetic nerves of the lungs, aiming to enhance lung function, improve exercise capacity, and elevate the quality of life for affected individuals. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Nuvaira was previously known as Holaira, Inc. before rebranding in June 2017.

RedBrick Health

Private Equity Round in 2013
RedBrick Health is a health engagement and behavior-based technology company based in Minneapolis, founded in 2006. The company offers innovative solutions to address rising healthcare costs by combining behavior-based health financing with personalized programs and independent advocacy. RedBrick Health assists employers, health plans, health systems, and accountable care organizations in enhancing consumer health outcomes. Their technology-enabled enterprise platform leverages advanced behavior design and data analytics to promote healthier behaviors and informed healthcare decisions. By creating effective consumer experiences, RedBrick Health helps organizations optimize their health and wellness initiatives, ultimately improving the performance of population health and well-being programs.

Nuvaira

Series C in 2013
Nuvaira, Inc. is a medical device company focused on developing innovative treatments for obstructive lung diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The company has created a novel, catheter-based Lung Denervation System designed to address airway nerve hyperactivity, a common issue in patients with COPD and asthma. This minimally invasive procedure targets the parasympathetic nerves of the lungs, aiming to enhance lung function, improve exercise capacity, and elevate the quality of life for affected individuals. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Nuvaira was previously known as Holaira, Inc. before rebranding in June 2017.

Nuvaira

Series B in 2012
Nuvaira, Inc. is a medical device company focused on developing innovative treatments for obstructive lung diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The company has created a novel, catheter-based Lung Denervation System designed to address airway nerve hyperactivity, a common issue in patients with COPD and asthma. This minimally invasive procedure targets the parasympathetic nerves of the lungs, aiming to enhance lung function, improve exercise capacity, and elevate the quality of life for affected individuals. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Nuvaira was previously known as Holaira, Inc. before rebranding in June 2017.

Zyga Technology

Series C in 2012
Zyga Technology is a surgical solutions provider developing & commercializing medical devices for treating spine problems. In addition to the SImmetry Sacroiliac Joint Fusion System, the company is also developing the Glyder Facet Restoration Device. Zyga has put together a team of engineers, marketing personnel, and management with significant experience developing medical devices for the spine industry. Zyga Technology was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Minnesota, USA.

RedBrick Health

Series D in 2011
RedBrick Health is a health engagement and behavior-based technology company based in Minneapolis, founded in 2006. The company offers innovative solutions to address rising healthcare costs by combining behavior-based health financing with personalized programs and independent advocacy. RedBrick Health assists employers, health plans, health systems, and accountable care organizations in enhancing consumer health outcomes. Their technology-enabled enterprise platform leverages advanced behavior design and data analytics to promote healthier behaviors and informed healthcare decisions. By creating effective consumer experiences, RedBrick Health helps organizations optimize their health and wellness initiatives, ultimately improving the performance of population health and well-being programs.

Nuvaira

Series A in 2010
Nuvaira, Inc. is a medical device company focused on developing innovative treatments for obstructive lung diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The company has created a novel, catheter-based Lung Denervation System designed to address airway nerve hyperactivity, a common issue in patients with COPD and asthma. This minimally invasive procedure targets the parasympathetic nerves of the lungs, aiming to enhance lung function, improve exercise capacity, and elevate the quality of life for affected individuals. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Nuvaira was previously known as Holaira, Inc. before rebranding in June 2017.

Respicardia

Series C in 2010
Respicardia (formerly Cardiac Concepts) is dedicated to improving the lives of heart failure patients by developing implantable therapies designed to improve respiratory rhythm management and cardiovascular health. The first product, the remedē® System, is an implantable stimulation device that is designed to restore a more normal breathing pattern during sleep for patients with central sleep apnea. Respicardia® is committed to improving cardiovascular health…one breath at a time™.

RedBrick Health

Series C in 2009
RedBrick Health is a health engagement and behavior-based technology company based in Minneapolis, founded in 2006. The company offers innovative solutions to address rising healthcare costs by combining behavior-based health financing with personalized programs and independent advocacy. RedBrick Health assists employers, health plans, health systems, and accountable care organizations in enhancing consumer health outcomes. Their technology-enabled enterprise platform leverages advanced behavior design and data analytics to promote healthier behaviors and informed healthcare decisions. By creating effective consumer experiences, RedBrick Health helps organizations optimize their health and wellness initiatives, ultimately improving the performance of population health and well-being programs.

Respicardia

Series B in 2008
Respicardia (formerly Cardiac Concepts) is dedicated to improving the lives of heart failure patients by developing implantable therapies designed to improve respiratory rhythm management and cardiovascular health. The first product, the remedē® System, is an implantable stimulation device that is designed to restore a more normal breathing pattern during sleep for patients with central sleep apnea. Respicardia® is committed to improving cardiovascular health…one breath at a time™.

Lutonix

Series B in 2008
Lutonix DCB is a new drug-coated balloon catheter that delivers paclitaxel to the arterial wall in a single, short inflation. Paclitaxel is an anti-proliferative drug commonly used to prevent arterial restenosis. Lutonix DCB is very similar to a standard angioplasty balloon, but contains a special coating consisting of paclitaxel and a proprietary carrier that facilitates the drug’s transfer to the arterial wall upon inflation. This highly efficient formulation allows Lutonix DCB to deliver a therapeutic dose to the artery wall, while keeping the dose of paclitaxel on the balloon as low as possible. A lower balloon drug load minimizes systemic drug exposure and is designed to maximize safety.

RedBrick Health

Series B in 2007
RedBrick Health is a health engagement and behavior-based technology company based in Minneapolis, founded in 2006. The company offers innovative solutions to address rising healthcare costs by combining behavior-based health financing with personalized programs and independent advocacy. RedBrick Health assists employers, health plans, health systems, and accountable care organizations in enhancing consumer health outcomes. Their technology-enabled enterprise platform leverages advanced behavior design and data analytics to promote healthier behaviors and informed healthcare decisions. By creating effective consumer experiences, RedBrick Health helps organizations optimize their health and wellness initiatives, ultimately improving the performance of population health and well-being programs.