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Joël Jean-Mairet is the Co-founder and Managing Partner of Ysios Capital, a life sciences venture capital firm based in Barcelona, Spain. Before transitioning to venture capital, he co-founded Glycart Biotechnology in 2001 and served as its Chief Executive Officer until its CHF 235 million acquisition by F. Hoffmann-La Roche in 2005. He holds a PhD and an MSc in Biotechnology from ETH Zürich, where his research contributed to the origination of the FDA-approved drug obinituzumab. At Ysios Capital, which manages over €400 million across multiple funds, he oversees investment strategy and has evaluated more than 2,200 early-stage opportunities. His portfolio governance includes board directorships at Aura Biosciences and Sanifit Therapeutics, which was acquired by Vifor Pharma for a €205 million upfront payment. His career centers on advancing clinical-stage biotechnology programs and guiding therapeutic startups toward strategic acquisitions.
Joël Jean-Mairet stands as a distinguished General Partner at Ysios Capital, a leading European venture capital firm dedicated to the life sciences sector. His role is pivotal in identifying, evaluating, and supporting groundbreaking companies that are poised to transform healthcare through scientific innovation. Ysios Capital, under his guidance, focuses on early stage and growth stage investments across therapeutics, medical devices, and diagnostics, primarily within Europe.
With an impressive academic and professional background, Joël brings a unique blend of scientific rigor and strategic business acumen to his investments. He holds both an MD and a PhD, providing him with an unparalleled understanding of the complex scientific and clinical challenges faced by biotech companies. Prior to his tenure at Ysios Capital, Joël amassed extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, notably at Roche. There, he held various senior leadership positions, including Head of Global Business Development for Pharma, where he was instrumental in shaping strategic partnerships and M&A activities. His career at Roche also encompassed significant roles in research and development, giving him firsthand insight into the drug discovery and development process.
At Ysios Capital, Joël Jean-Mairet leverages this deep expertise to guide portfolio companies from concept to commercialization. His investment focus is broad within life sciences but often gravitates towards novel therapeutics and drug discovery platforms that address significant unmet medical needs. He is particularly adept at recognizing the potential in innovative technologies and scientific breakthroughs that can be translated into viable patient solutions. Joël's involvement extends beyond capital provision; he actively participates on the boards of several portfolio companies, offering strategic guidance on clinical development, regulatory pathways, and market access.
Notable investments and board roles associated with Joël Jean-Mairet include companies like Minoryx Therapeutics, a clinical stage biotech company developing treatments for orphan central nervous system disorders, and Inbrain Neuroelectronics, pioneering graphene-based neural interfaces. He has also been involved with Anaconda Biomed, focused on neurovascular access devices, and previously with STAT-Dx, a molecular diagnostics company acquired by QIAGEN. These examples underscore his commitment to fostering innovation across diverse areas of the life sciences, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes and drive significant returns for investors. His leadership at Ysios Capital reinforces the firm's position as a key player in the European biotech investment landscape.
Joël Jean-Mairet primarily invests in early stage and growth stage life science companies. His focus areas include novel therapeutics, drug discovery, medical devices, and diagnostics, aiming to support innovative solutions in healthcare.
Joël Jean-Mairet works as a General Partner at Ysios Capital, a European venture capital firm specializing in life science investments. Ysios Capital is based in Barcelona, Spain.
