Visionary Venture Fund, founded in 2016 and based in Newport Beach, California, is a venture capital firm focused on investing in emerging companies within the ophthalmology sector, particularly in medical devices and pharmaceuticals. The firm aims to support innovative ophthalmic technologies by providing not only financial capital but also clinical expertise and commercialization guidance. Visionary seeks to partner with entrepreneurs and teams that possess strong intellectual property and a vision for addressing significant unmet needs in ophthalmology. Target investments typically range from $500,000 to $5 million, with financing rounds spanning from $5 million to $15 million. As a Registered Investment Adviser, Visionary positions itself as a lead investor and a preferred partner, leveraging its strong relationships with key opinion leaders in the field to foster the growth of market-leading businesses.
General Partner, Managing Partner and Investment Committee Member
22 past transactions
Orasis Pharmaceuticals
Series D in 2024
Orasis Pharmaceuticals Ltd is focused on developing innovative treatments for presbyopia, a common age-related vision condition. Founded in 2015 and based in Herzliya, Israel, the company has developed CSF-1, a corrective eye drop designed to improve near visual acuity through pupil modulation. This product aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals with presbyopia by alleviating the need for reading glasses. CSF-1 repurposes existing, well-studied molecules to ensure its effectiveness while prioritizing safety, comfort, and ease of use for patients. By providing a noninvasive treatment option, Orasis Pharmaceuticals offers a promising solution for those struggling with the symptoms of presbyopia.
Pelage Pharma
Series A in 2024
Pelage Pharma delivers a clinically tested treatment for both men and women battling the emotional pain or social stigma of hair loss. Its non-invasive, topical small molecule drug platform activates hair follicle stem cells and stimulates robust hair growth.
ONL Therapeutics
Series C in 2023
ONL Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapeutics to protect and improve vision in patients with retinal diseases and conditions. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the company specializes in creating photoreceptor protective agents that target the FAS apoptotic pathway. Its drug programs aim to safeguard photoreceptors, thereby enhancing outcomes for patients undergoing surgeries related to retinal detachment and other serious vision-threatening issues. Through its research and development efforts, ONL Therapeutics seeks to provide effective solutions for preserving sight and improving the quality of life for individuals affected by these conditions.
Re-Vana Therapeutics
Series A in 2022
Re-Vana Therapeutics Ltd is a company based in Belfast, United Kingdom, specializing in ocular pharmaceuticals and drug delivery systems. Founded in 2016, it focuses on developing biodegradable drug delivery platforms that target chronic eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and uveitis. The company offers two primary product platforms: OcuLief, designed for the long-term release of treatments for age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, and EyeLief, aimed at delivering therapeutics for glaucoma and retinal diseases. These platforms utilize FDA-approved polymers and enable the controlled release of a variety of therapeutic molecules over periods ranging from one week to a year. Re-Vana’s approach enhances patient compliance by minimizing pain and the frequency of treatments, while also aiming to reduce side effects and healthcare costs.
Iantrek
Series B in 2022
Iantrek is a company focused on developing advanced technology for minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in White Plains, New York, Iantrek specializes in ophthalmic medical devices that facilitate micro-interventional surgical techniques. Their innovative approach allows ophthalmic surgeons to perform eye surgeries with smaller incisions, leading to shorter recovery times for patients.
Aurion Biotechnologies
Venture Round in 2022
Aurion Biotechnologies is a clinical-stage biotech company focused on developing advanced therapies for ocular diseases, particularly those leading to blindness. Based in Seattle, Boston, and Tokyo, the company aims to transform the lives of millions by restoring vision through innovative cell therapies. Its lead candidate targets corneal edema and is one of the first clinically validated cell therapies in corneal care. The process involves culturing healthy cells from a donor cornea using a proprietary method, allowing cells from a single donor to potentially treat over 100 recipient eyes. Clinical trials in Japan have shown that patients experience significant and lasting improvements in corneal health indicators, including visual acuity and corneal thickness.
Sydnexis
Series B in 2021
Sydnexis is focused on developing a proprietary treatment for pediatric progressive myopia, addressing a significant global medical need. The company manufactures a topical eyedrop formulation specifically designed to treat the progression of myopia in children. This innovative approach enables healthcare professionals to effectively manage and reduce the incidence of eye disorders in pediatric patients.
Orasis Pharmaceuticals
Series C in 2020
Orasis Pharmaceuticals Ltd is focused on developing innovative treatments for presbyopia, a common age-related vision condition. Founded in 2015 and based in Herzliya, Israel, the company has developed CSF-1, a corrective eye drop designed to improve near visual acuity through pupil modulation. This product aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals with presbyopia by alleviating the need for reading glasses. CSF-1 repurposes existing, well-studied molecules to ensure its effectiveness while prioritizing safety, comfort, and ease of use for patients. By providing a noninvasive treatment option, Orasis Pharmaceuticals offers a promising solution for those struggling with the symptoms of presbyopia.
TearClear
Series B in 2020
TearClear Corp. is an ophthalmic pharmaceutical company focused on developing preservative-free therapeutic eye drops for conditions such as glaucoma, dry eye disease, and allergic conjunctivitis. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, TearClear aims to improve patient safety and compliance by creating a platform that captures preservatives before they reach the ocular surface. The company's innovative approach seeks to transform established ophthalmic medications into safer therapies, with ongoing development of drug candidates that may expand into various indications in the future.
Re-Vana Therapeutics
Seed Round in 2020
Re-Vana Therapeutics Ltd is a company based in Belfast, United Kingdom, specializing in ocular pharmaceuticals and drug delivery systems. Founded in 2016, it focuses on developing biodegradable drug delivery platforms that target chronic eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and uveitis. The company offers two primary product platforms: OcuLief, designed for the long-term release of treatments for age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, and EyeLief, aimed at delivering therapeutics for glaucoma and retinal diseases. These platforms utilize FDA-approved polymers and enable the controlled release of a variety of therapeutic molecules over periods ranging from one week to a year. Re-Vana’s approach enhances patient compliance by minimizing pain and the frequency of treatments, while also aiming to reduce side effects and healthcare costs.
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals
Series B in 2020
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Irvine, California, that specializes in the development and commercialization of innovative therapeutic candidates for ophthalmic conditions. Its primary focus is on TP-03, a novel treatment currently in Phase IIb/III trials for blepharitis caused by Demodex mite infestations, as well as meibomian gland disease. The company is also advancing additional candidates, including TP-04 for rosacea and TP-05 for Lyme disease prophylaxis and community malaria reduction. Tarsus aims to address significant unmet medical needs in various therapeutic areas, initially concentrating on eye care where treatment options are limited. Founded in 2016, Tarsus Pharmaceuticals continues to expand its pipeline to include diverse diseases across different medical fields.
Surface Pharmaceuticals
Series A in 2018
Surface Pharmaceuticals is an owner and operator of a pharmaceutical company intended to provide ophthalmology products. The company's medicines use topical formulations with the patented Klarity delivery vehicle, designed to protect and rehabilitate the ocular surface, enabling patients with dry eye disease to recover on time and properly.
Orasis Pharmaceuticals
Series B in 2018
Orasis Pharmaceuticals Ltd is focused on developing innovative treatments for presbyopia, a common age-related vision condition. Founded in 2015 and based in Herzliya, Israel, the company has developed CSF-1, a corrective eye drop designed to improve near visual acuity through pupil modulation. This product aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals with presbyopia by alleviating the need for reading glasses. CSF-1 repurposes existing, well-studied molecules to ensure its effectiveness while prioritizing safety, comfort, and ease of use for patients. By providing a noninvasive treatment option, Orasis Pharmaceuticals offers a promising solution for those struggling with the symptoms of presbyopia.
Tear Film Innovations
Series B in 2018
Tear Film Innovations Inc. is a medical device company based in San Diego, California, specializing in the treatment of evaporative dry eye and related conditions such as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and blepharitis. Founded in 2014, the company has developed the iLux Dry Eye Treatment System, a handheld device that allows eye care professionals to quickly evaluate and treat dry eye patients in under ten minutes. The iLux system uses targeted heating and compression to unblock meibomian glands, addressing the most common form of dry eye that affects over 330 million people worldwide. Additionally, the company offers BlephaRx, which targets both the symptoms and underlying causes of evaporative dry eye. As of December 2018, Tear Film Innovations operates as a subsidiary of Alcon, Inc.
Equinox
Series B in 2018
Equinox is a medical technology company focused on revolutionizing the treatment of glaucoma and other progressive eye diseases. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Newport Beach, California, Equinox has developed an innovative adjustable, non-surgical, and non-pharmacological system that leverages the natural laws of physics to balance pressures in and around the eye. This technology enhances doctors' understanding of glaucoma by providing insights into the dynamics of eye pressure, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes in the management of optic nerve diseases.
Tear Film Innovations
Series A in 2017
Tear Film Innovations Inc. is a medical device company based in San Diego, California, specializing in the treatment of evaporative dry eye and related conditions such as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and blepharitis. Founded in 2014, the company has developed the iLux Dry Eye Treatment System, a handheld device that allows eye care professionals to quickly evaluate and treat dry eye patients in under ten minutes. The iLux system uses targeted heating and compression to unblock meibomian glands, addressing the most common form of dry eye that affects over 330 million people worldwide. Additionally, the company offers BlephaRx, which targets both the symptoms and underlying causes of evaporative dry eye. As of December 2018, Tear Film Innovations operates as a subsidiary of Alcon, Inc.
IanTech
Series C in 2017
IanTech, based in Reno, Nevada, specializes in the development of advanced micro-interventional technology for cataract surgery. The company has introduced a novel device that utilizes energy-free endocapsular lens fragmentation, allowing surgeons greater control and efficiency in performing cataract procedures. This pen-like device employs nitinol micro-filament technology to fragment the lens, facilitating its removal through a minimally invasive clear cornea incision. IanTech's innovative approach aims to enhance surgical outcomes and expand treatment options for a broader range of cataract cases. Additionally, the company is committed to addressing the global issue of cataract-related blindness, striving to reduce the impact of this condition through its cutting-edge surgical platform.
TearClear
Series A in 2017
TearClear Corp. is an ophthalmic pharmaceutical company focused on developing preservative-free therapeutic eye drops for conditions such as glaucoma, dry eye disease, and allergic conjunctivitis. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, TearClear aims to improve patient safety and compliance by creating a platform that captures preservatives before they reach the ocular surface. The company's innovative approach seeks to transform established ophthalmic medications into safer therapies, with ongoing development of drug candidates that may expand into various indications in the future.
RxSight
Series H in 2017
RxSight, Inc. is a medical technology company focused on enhancing vision outcomes for patients after cataract surgery. Based in Aliso Viejo, California, the company develops the RxSight Light Adjustable Lens system, which includes the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) and the Light Delivery Device (LDD). This innovative system allows surgeons to customize and optimize patients' visual acuity post-surgery, making it the first commercially available intraocular lens technology that enables such personalization. The LAL incorporates ActivShield™ technology, a unique UV protection layer that further enhances its functionality. Founded in 1997 and originally known as Calhoun Vision, RxSight changed its name in 2017 to reflect its commitment to advancing ophthalmic care through precision lens technology.
CorneaGen
Series A in 2016
CorneaGen is a mission-driven company focused on innovating cornea care to eliminate corneal blindness globally. It develops advanced medical devices, biologics, and therapeutics aimed at improving the treatment and care provided by corneal surgeons. CorneaGen offers a comprehensive range of services, including the delivery of high-quality tissue, surgeon education, and advocacy for patient access and reimbursement policies. By equipping eye surgeons with innovative tools and resources, CorneaGen strives to restore sight for individuals suffering from corneal conditions, thereby transforming the landscape of corneal surgery and enhancing patient outcomes.
Zepto
Series B in 2016
Mynosys Cellular Devices is a global ophthalmic technology company dedicated to providing surgeons with innovative solutions that enable procedural excellence
IanTech
Series B in 2016
IanTech, based in Reno, Nevada, specializes in the development of advanced micro-interventional technology for cataract surgery. The company has introduced a novel device that utilizes energy-free endocapsular lens fragmentation, allowing surgeons greater control and efficiency in performing cataract procedures. This pen-like device employs nitinol micro-filament technology to fragment the lens, facilitating its removal through a minimally invasive clear cornea incision. IanTech's innovative approach aims to enhance surgical outcomes and expand treatment options for a broader range of cataract cases. Additionally, the company is committed to addressing the global issue of cataract-related blindness, striving to reduce the impact of this condition through its cutting-edge surgical platform.
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