Genesys University Seed Fund
Status
ACTIVE
Global HQ
Toronto, Canada
Countries of investment
- Canada
- United States
Investment stages
- Pre-Seed
- Seed
Industries
- Life Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Medical Devices
- Therapeutics
- Drug Development
- Cancer Treatment
- Cardiovascular
- Neuroscience
- Diagnostics
- HealthTech
About
Genesys University Seed Fund is a Toronto-based venture capital firm focused on backing early-stage life sciences spinouts from University of Toronto and McMaster University. Their focus spans life sciences, biotech, medical devices, therapeutics, and drug development across Canada. The firm supports university-affiliated life sciences founders from pre-seed through seed stages.
Genesys University Seed Fund is a Toronto-based venture capital firm focused on backing early-stage life sciences spinouts from University of Toronto and McMaster University. Their focus spans life sciences, biotech, medical devices, therapeutics, and drug development across Canada. The firm supports university-affiliated life sciences founders from pre-seed through seed stages.
Investment Thesis
Genesys University Seed Fund is a pre-seed and seed stage venture capital firm deploying capital across life sciences, biotech, medical devices, therapeutics, drug development, cancer treatment, and cardiovascular sectors. They invest up to $1M per startup in 10 to 15 university-affiliated life sciences companies, with up to $5M reserved for follow-on into biggest winners. The firm differentiates itself as the first venture fund anchored by University of Toronto and McMaster University, backed by Venture Ontario, Temerty Group, and RBC, modeled after MIT, UPenn, UC Berkeley, and Harvard university venture funds.
Manager's Experience
Managed by Genesys Capital, one of Canada's leading life sciences venture capital firms with more than $400M invested over 25 years. Fund leadership includes Kelly Holman (Managing Director) and Jennifer Williams (Partner and CFO). Genesys Capital has achieved notable exits including Inversago Pharma (acquired 2023 for 10-figure sum) and Fusion Pharmaceuticals (acquired by AstraZeneca 2024 for $2 billion). Fund launched in July 2026 with over $30M first close targeting $40M total. Anchored by University of Toronto (up to $8M / 20%), McMaster University ($5M), Venture Ontario, Temerty Group (supports U of T medical school), and RBC. Fund plans to invest up to $1M per startup in 10-15 companies, with up to $5M reserved for follow-on into biggest winners. Modeled after successful university venture funds at MIT, University of Pennsylvania, UC Berkeley, and Harvard. Focus on translating university research from University of Toronto and McMaster into commercial life sciences companies staying and growing in Ontario.
Team
Kelly Holman - Managing Director
Jennifer Williams - Partner & CFO