ANGES QUÉBEC members invest in a 2nd round of seed funding in Biocean (1)
Quebec (December 12, 2011) – Anges Québec is pleased to announce, for the very first time, a 2nd round of seed funding in the same company, Biocean Canada. This group of fifteen private investors is led by Pierre Lortie, Senior Business Advisor with Fraser Milner Casgrain, along with Desjardins Innovatech and Sherbrooke Innopole, through the Program for Innovative Entrepreneurship. Biocean Canada is active in the life sciences sector and markets its nutraceutical and dermaceutical skincare products under the Ocean+ brand. This product line is currently sold in Canada and the US through healthcare professionals, plastic surgeons, physicians and beauticians.
Biocean has developed two exclusive technological platforms: the world’s only procedure for the extraction and purification of protein such as native soluble marine collagen, and a natural antioxidant, NOXvp. This active natural protein, which is the basic ingredient in Ocean+ products, helps reduce the signs of aging by promoting the growth and regeneration of skin cells. The Ocean+ line of hypoallergenic products, rich in Oméga-3 and antioxidants, is used to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, cold sores and rosacea.
Biocean is showing strong growth, and can use this second round of Anges Québec seed funding to beef up marketing of its products US medical clinics and medical spas, negotiate licensing from pharmaceutical companies and launch a new product line to be sold directly to consumers, initially on the Canadian market, then on US and international markets.
“A rapidly growing company like Biocean is a great addition to the key Life Sciences sector. Sherbrooke is currently seeing the development of a cluster of nutraceutical/cosmeceutical companies, in response to a growing trend worldwide,” Sherbrooke Innopole’s Josée Blanchard was pleased to note.
And as the President of Biocean, Andrea C. Martin pointed out, “Demand for anti-aging products is growing. We’ve invested heavily in R&D to create our exclusive native soluble marine collagen-based products. Now we have the funds we need to pursue our goals and expand into the national and international markets.”
Pierre Lortie, the Angel Investor who spearheaded the project, added, “Biocean’s management team, which its founder, Richard Boudreault, has a solid roadmap for international marketing success. With these exclusive products, an expanding market and a qualified team, we stand firmly behind Biocean at this new phase of its development.”
As François Gilbert, President and CEO of Anges Québec, said, “This is the first time that Anges Québec members invest a second time in the same project. This shows trust in Biocean’s product and its team. We’re also pleased to be working with Desjardins on this project.” This second round of seed funding for Biocean also represents the first financial partnership between Anges Québec and Desjardins Innovatech.
Roland Léger, Investment Manager at Desjardins Venture Capital, views the Biocean partnership and strategic support as a model of efficiency, “As investors, we need to tap into the expertise of entrepreneurs and businesspeople who understand the dynamics, the complexity and the opportunities of this industry. Not only do we have the chance to work with top-notch entrepreneurs, we can also rely on the solid knowledge of Anges Québec members. These talents, combined with our funding capacity, create winning conditions for the growth of Biocean.”
About Pierre Lortie
Pierre Lortie is a director of Groupe Canam (TSX:CAM), Tembec Inc. (TSX:TMB) and of Services Financier Element Inc., President of the Canadian Ditchley Foundation, Governor of the Ditchley Foundation (UK), a member of the Autorité des marchés financiers SME Advisory Committee, and is a director of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, the Institut du cancer de Montréal and Festival Classica. From 1999 to 2004 he was representative of the Prime Minister on the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). He has served as Chairman of the Board of the Centre d’innovation en technologies de l’information and Vice-Chairman of the Science, Technology and Innovation Council.
Anges Québec is a network of 85 private investors that identifies, finances and coaches innovative Québec enterprises with high growth potential. Anges Québec members invest their capital and expertise in the most promising start-up companies. In this capacity, Anges Québec works closely with a number of Québec leaders in the development and growth of technological innovations.
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Source : Anges Québec
Information :
Anges Québec
André Forest
Vice-president
Tél. : 514 642-1001
Courriel : aforest@angesquebec.com