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Kurt von Emster

Managing Partner at Abingworth

Kurt von Emster is a distinguished Managing Partner and Head of Life Sciences at Abingworth, a leading life science investment firm with offices in London, Menlo Park, CA, and Boston. He joined Abingworth in January 2015, bringing over 30 years of experience in life science investments across both private and public companies.134

Background and Education

  • Education: Kurt von Emster holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Business and Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara.1
  • Professional Certifications: He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).16

Career Highlights

  • Early Career: Kurt began his career as a Biotechnology and Healthcare Analyst and Portfolio Manager at Franklin Templeton Investments, where he managed over $2 billion in health and biotech funds.56
  • MPM Capital: He became a General Partner at MPM Capital in 2000, extending their healthcare investment presence into public markets.5
  • venBio LLC: In 2009, Kurt co-founded venBio, a US healthcare investment firm.7
  • Abingworth: Since joining Abingworth, he has been instrumental in managing the firm's investments, including its 12th venture fund, Abingworth Bioventures 7.1

Board Positions

Kurt von Emster holds or has held board positions at several notable companies, including:

  • Jasper Therapeutics
  • Tizona Therapeutics
  • Iambic Therapeutics
  • CymaBay Therapeutics
  • CRISPR Therapeutics (formerly)
  • Vaxcyte (formerly Chairman)
  • Vera Therapeutics (formerly Chairman).146

Recent Developments

  • In October 2023, Kurt announced that Iambic Therapeutics closed a $100 million Series B funding round to advance AI-discovered therapeutics into clinical development.2

Highlights

Nov 5 · theorg.com
Kurt Von Emster - Managing Partner at Abingworth - The Org
May 6 · launchtx.com
Kurt von Emster - Launch Tx
Kurt von Emster - Launch Tx
Kurt von Emster: Positions, Relations and Network - MarketScreener
Sep 11 · twst.com
Von Emster, Kurt - The Wall Street Transcript
Jan 1 · abingworth.com
Kurt von Emster - Abingworth LLP
Kurt von Emster - Abingworth LLP

Related Questions

What are some of the most notable investments Kurt von Emster has made at Abingworth?
How has Kurt von Emster's background in business and economics influenced his approach to life science investments?
What are the key strategies Kurt von Emster uses for global sourcing and execution of deals at Abingworth?
Can you provide examples of companies Kurt von Emster has served on the board of?
How has Kurt von Emster's role evolved since becoming Managing Partner at Abingworth?
Kurt von Emster
Kurt von Emster, photo 1
Kurt von Emster, photo 2
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Location

Menlo Park, California