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German Wellington Partners recruits venture partner for life science team

Germany-based venture firm, Wellington Partners, has recruited Dr.Thomas Widmann as a venture partner for its life science team. Widmann will be responsible for supporting the firm's existing portfolio companies as well as playing an active role in selecting new investments.

Widmann was a member of the team that founded successful start-up Actelion in 1997. Wellington Partners made a pre-IPO investment in the Swiss-based company, which is one of the few European biotech start-ups that already has an internationally approved therapeutic.

‘We highly appreciate that the successful collaboration we have enjoyed in the past through our partnership with Dr Widmann is now being continued at a new level,' said Wellington partner Dr. Rainer Strohmenger.

As a venture partner Widmann will bring his entrepreneurial and scientific know-how to Wellington Partners' portfolio companies.

‘Often enough, what are actually very good technologies nevertheless fail due to mistakes made early on in implementing them,' said Strohmenger. ‘First class management is the key to success for every start-up, including those in the biotech sector. Actelion is the best example of this in Europe. This is why Dr Widmann's support in building and coaching management teams for our portfolio companies will be invaluable.'

Wellington Partners was formed in 1991 and invests venture capital in start-ups throughout Europe. The firm focuses on information and communication technology and life science sectors. Wellington Partners currently manages E265m, with E60m available for new investments.

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