Oncology Ventures: A New Fund Focused on Improving Cancer Care

Ben Freeberg, a cancer survivor, has launched Oncology Ventures, a $30 million venture capital fund aimed at improving cancer care and research. Freeberg’s personal experience with cancer, which he was diagnosed with in 2017, has motivated him to invest in startups that are using data and technology to revolutionize the way cancer is treated and managed.

Freeberg believes that investing in startups that improve cancer care can help decrease healthcare costs and improve outcomes for patients.

Oncology Ventures is focused on startups that are using data and technology to address challenges in cancer care, including early detection, treatment optimization, and survivor care.

Freeberg's Journey to Oncology Ventures

Freeberg’s journey to founding Oncology Ventures began in 2016 when he was diagnosed with Stage 3a cancer. He was initially told by doctors that he was overreacting to his symptoms, but his cancer was later detected and he underwent multiple surgeries and chemotherapy.

Freeberg’s experience with cancer motivated him to dedicate his career to improving cancer care and research.

He has a background in venture capital, having worked at United Health’s VC arm Optum Ventures and at Thyme Care, a cancer care startup backed by Andreessen Horowitz and Bessemer.

Freeberg was able to attract capital from prominent healthcare institutions, including Cardinal Health, City of Hope, and Moffitt Cancer Center.

Oncology Ventures' Investment Strategy

Oncology Ventures is focused on startups that are using data and technology to address challenges in cancer care, such as early detection, treatment optimization, and survivor care. The fund does not invest in drug discovery.

The fund has already backed seven startups, including Gabbi, an early detection platform for breast cancer; Reimagine Care, a provider of virtual-first cancer and recovery care; and OncoveryCare, a teleclinic for cancer survivors.

Oncology Ventures writes checks ranging from $250,000 to $1.5 million.

The Importance of Data-Driven Cancer Care

Freeberg believes that data and technology are essential for improving cancer care. He argues that investing in startups that are developing data-driven solutions can help decrease healthcare costs and improve outcomes for patients.

He notes that treating cancer is now the top healthcare cost for employers, making it a significant opportunity for investment in startups that can improve care and reduce expenses.

Freeberg's personal experience with cancer gives him a unique perspective on the challenges facing patients and the need for innovation in cancer care.

Oncology Ventures' Advisory Board

Oncology Ventures has an advisory board that includes Dr. Lee Newcomer, former chief medical officer of UnitedHealth Group, and Carolyn Starrett, CEO of Flatiron Health, an oncology information startup acquired by Roche for nearly $2 billion.

The advisory board provides guidance and expertise to the fund.

Freeberg's connections in the healthcare industry, coupled with his own experience with cancer, have helped him to build a strong team and a successful fund.

Conclusion

Oncology Ventures is a new venture capital fund that is focused on improving cancer care and research. Freeberg's personal experience with cancer, coupled with his expertise in venture capital, has positioned him to lead this fund and support startups that are developing innovative solutions for cancer care.

The fund's focus on data-driven solutions and its investment in startups that address the full spectrum of cancer care, from early detection to survivor care, make it a valuable resource for the healthcare industry.