Emerging life science companies are encouraged to take advantage of Asia’s propitious investment landscape and join AusBiotech’s Asian Investment Series. The Series will be held in three key Asian investment hubs during March, and is expected to draw more than 200 qualified investors to each event.
Australia’s flourishing life sciences sector, national focus on innovation and top-ranking among world leaders for biotechnology innovation, make Australia an attractive partner for Asian investors, who are noting trends of increased healthcare spending and technology advancements.
Recognising the growing opportunity in Asia, AusBiotech has developed relationships with major investment groups in the region. These investors are seeking to invest and collaborate with Australian life science companies, and will be in attendance at the Asian Investment Series.
One of the key Asian markets for Australian investment is China, which is driven by formal trade agreements such as the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA), which entered into force in 2015.
ChAFTA promotes further growth of Chinese investment into Australia and protects the competitive position of Australian businesses in China into the future. Chinese investment in Australia has been growing strongly in recent years, growing from $2 billion 10 years ago to around $75 billion at the end of 2015.
In the life sciences, China is considered Asia’s leading cluster for biopharma, which has been listed as a priority sector by the Chinese government. China is home to around 300 venture capital and private equity investors who fund life science companies. With more than US$7 billion invested since 2009, life science companies can easily access early-stage risk capital in China, which is essential for surviving the notorious 'valley of death'.
By comparison, Singapore and Hong Kong are listed as the third and fourth largest financial centres in the world respectively. The ranking reflects key competitive areas including business environment, financial sector development and infrastructure.
“There is a history of Hong Kong-based institutional investors investing in Australian listed companies. This interest has now extended to private and earlier stage companies,” says AusBiotech CEO, Glenn Cross.
“There is particular interest in companies that have products with competitive advantage or relevance to the Chinese market. We are also seeing growing interest from China based venture capital investors in technology from Australia,” he said.
AusBiotech’s Asian Investment Series will visit key destinations in China, Singapore and Shanghai. This will enable Australian life science companies to build connections in these thriving hubs for Asian life science investment. Visit the website or find out about securing a spotlight presentation for your company.
About AusBiotech’s Asian Investment Series
AusBiotech’s Asian Investment Series will be held from 21-28 March in Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Life science companies receive the opportunity to present their business to a room of investors in an eight-minute spotlight presentation. The Series enables life science companies to discuss foreign investment and access lucrative partnership opportunities.
AusBiotech is Australia’s biotechnology organisation, working on behalf of members for 30 years to provide representation and services to promote the global growth of Australian biotechnology. AusBiotech helps prepare Australian life science companies for partnerships and investment opportunities with Asia. The Directory of Known China Advisors lists companies that have specialist capability to advise Australian companies; the Directory of Australian Medical Technology Companies supports engagement between Australia and China; and the Guide for Australian medical technology companies seeking to engage in China.