Abingworth Appoints Kurt von Emster as a Partner in Menlo Park

LONDON, December 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

Abingworth, the international investment group dedicated to life sciences and healthcare, today announced the appointment of Kurt von Emster as a Partner effective 5th January. Kurt will be based in Abingworth's Menlo Park office where he will work with the team to help source and manage deals in early-stage and late-stage venture capital, venture growth and public market investments including VIPEs (Venture Investments in Public Equities).

Kurt brings 25 years of experience in the life sciences sector where he was initially a biotechnology and healthcare analyst and portfolio manager at Franklin Templeton. He then became a General Partner at MPM Capital. In 2009, Kurt co-founded venBio, a US healthcare investment firm and most recently was a Partner in the San Francisco office. Kurt holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and Economics.

"We are delighted to welcome Kurt to our team," said Stephen Bunting, Managing Partner. "Kurt is a well known figure in the life sciences investment space both in public and private investment. He will be a great addition to the team and will add significantly to our presence in the US."

"I am excited to be joining a recognised global leader in healthcare investing such as Abingworth, with its transatlantic presence and history spanning more than 40 years in venture capital," said Kurt von Emster. "I believe the multifaceted platform of investment opportunities Abingworth offers is impressive and I look forward to building upon this success."

Notes for Editors 

About Abingworth 

Abingworth is an international investment group dedicated exclusively to the life sciences and healthcare sector. Founded in 1973, Abingworth has a lengthy track record of backing market leading companies. Abingworth has a specialist team of 28 professionals with a broad range of skill sets and access to an extensive network of industry contacts. Abingworth has funds under management of over $1.25 billion and offices in London, Menlo Park (California) and Boston.

To date, Abingworth has raised 15 funds including ten funds dedicated to investment in life sciences and healthcare. Successful investments have included Ablynx, Algeta, Alkermes, Alnylam, Amarin, Avila Therapeutics, Clovis Oncology, Fovea, Geltex, Genetic Therapy, Gilead, IDEC Pharmaceuticals, Intellikine, Novexel, Pharmion, PowderMed and Solexa. For a full list of Abingworth's portfolio companies please visit the website: http://www.abingworth.com