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DeNovo Ventures was formed in 2000 by seasoned investors and experienced medical device entrepreneurs who sought to share the lessons
De Novo Ventures operates as a venture capital firm, investing in and nurturing technology companies. The firm employs a disciplined strategy, focusing on enterprises with strong products and capable management. Its principles emphasize customer focus, dedication to excellence, and fostering a culture geared for successful portfolio outcomes.
The firm’s foundation leverages the entrepreneurial background of its leadership, notably Managing Director Dave Mordaunt PhD. De Novo Ventures incorporates former CEOs and founders from exited portfolio companies into its team. This model extracts real-world experience, offering critical insights for developing subsequent technology enterprises.
De Novo Ventures collaborates with emerging technology firms, particularly innovators in medical technology, patient financing, and advanced communication. The firm’s vision is to consistently identify and support impactful technology enterprises, providing the strategic collaboration vital for sustained growth and market presence.
DeNovo Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2000 with a mission to build and scale world-class technology companies, particularly in the life sciences and healthcare sectors. The firm’s investment philosophy centers on leveraging deep operational expertise from its team—many of whom are former founders and executives of successful startups—to provide not just capital but hands-on strategic support. DeNovo Ventures focuses primarily on early-stage medical device, biotechnology, and health technology companies, often investing in rounds with 4–5 co-investors and typically backing startups valued between $100–500 million. Their approach has helped shape a thriving ecosystem of innovative healthcare startups, many of which have achieved strong exits or continued growth under their guidance.
DeNovo Ventures was formed in 2000 by seasoned investors and experienced medical device entrepreneurs, including David M. Mauney and Richard Ferrari, who sought to share the lessons learned from building and exiting successful companies. The firm was established in Saratoga, California, and later moved its main office to Menlo Park, positioning itself at the heart of Silicon Valley’s innovation ecosystem. Over the years, DeNovo has evolved from a niche medical device investor into a broader healthcare and life sciences venture firm, maintaining a consistent focus on companies led by strong founding teams and with high growth potential. The firm’s unique DNA—where successful CEOs and founders from portfolio companies are invited to join the DeNovo team—has helped it maintain a real-world, operator-led approach to investing.
DeNovo Ventures is riding the wave of innovation in healthcare technology, where advances in medical devices, biopharma, and digital health are transforming patient outcomes and industry standards. The timing of their focus—on early-stage, founder-led companies—aligns with a broader trend of democratizing access to capital and expertise in the life sciences. Their operator-led model sets them apart in a crowded VC landscape, offering startups not just funding but real-world mentorship and strategic guidance. By fostering a network of experienced entrepreneurs and investors, DeNovo helps accelerate the commercialization of breakthrough technologies, influencing the broader ecosystem through its emphasis on excellence, collaboration, and long-term value creation.
DeNovo Ventures is poised to continue shaping the future of healthcare innovation, leveraging its unique blend of operational expertise and strategic partnerships. As the demand for advanced medical technologies grows—driven by aging populations, rising healthcare costs, and digital transformation—DeNovo’s focus on founder-led, high-impact startups will remain highly relevant. The firm’s ability to attract top-tier talent and co-investors, combined with its track record of strong exits, positions it as a key player in the next wave of healthcare breakthroughs. Looking ahead, DeNovo’s influence is likely to expand beyond traditional VC, potentially shaping industry standards and fostering a new generation of entrepreneurial leaders in life sciences. Their story—rooted in real-world experience and a commitment to excellence—remains a powerful example of how venture capital can drive meaningful change in the world.
| Date | Company | Round | Lead Investor(s) | Co-Investor(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 6, 2016 | Benvenue Medical | $60.0M Debt / Other Equity | — | CRG, Domain Associates, Esquilime Partners, InterWest Partners, Technology Partners, Don Milder |
| Jun 1, 2012 | Benvenue Medical | $25.0M Series D | — | Versant Ventures, Domain Associates, Technology Partners |
| Mar 21, 2012 | MyoScience | $33.0M Series D | — | Accuitive Medical Ventures, American Equities Overseas, Medicis Capital, Nexus Medical Partners, Saratoga Ventures, Valiance |
| Jun 1, 2011 | Spinal Modulation | $30.0M Series D | — | Johnson & Johnson Innovation, ePlanet Capital, InCube Ventures, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, Kleiner Perkins, Medtronic, MedVenture Associates, Raffles Venture Partners |
| Apr 1, 2011 | Benvenue Medical | $36.0M Series C | Nimesh Shah, Roger Quy | Versant Ventures |
| Nov 1, 2009 | Spinal Modulation | $27.0M Series C | — | Johnson & Johnson Innovation, ePlanet Capital, InCube Ventures, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, Kleiner Perkins, MedVenture Associates, Raffles Venture Partners |