In episode 11 of ReBootHealth, I speak with Peter van der Velden. Peter is the Managing General Partner of Lumira Ventures, a multi-stage life sciences investment firm focused on biotechnology, medical technologies, digital health, and consumer healthcare solutions. Peter is no ‘biotech-tourist’ and so it was great to hear a seasoned veteran’s perspective on the Canadian health ecosystem. We could have chatted for hours, but I wanted to touch on the critical aspects of the innovation ecosystem: people, places, policies, and purse strings (‘capital’) that fuel our system. We explored many topics including Canada’s health innovation status, the role for institutional players and governments, and his perspective on how clinicians can become more involved. Peter has some specific thoughts on what needs to happen to boost our system to the next level. While some may not agree with all his ideas, it was refreshing to hear such a clear and articulate thesis of what needs to be done and where we need to go from here. I do hope some of the players mentioned in this show step up to life sciences, as Canada has a lot to offer the world from its great science! This episode was a pleasure to conduct with many useful nuggets and thought-provoking ideas. As always, I hope you find the episode valuable.

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Episode recorded on November 12, 2021.

05:55—Canada, life science and innovation.

12:55—Sourcing talent and capital to grow biotech.

22:20—Shifting capital landscape and venture models.

28:25—The role of government in life sciences.

40:50—Angels, venture philanthropy and life sciences.

46:53—Roadmap to healthcare innovation.