Synergy Ventures

Synergy Ventures is a Menlo Park, California-based venture capital firm active in medical technology and venture capital since 1996, specializing in seed and early-stage investment in the medical device, medical technology, healthcare and biotechnology sectors. The firm seeks US medical device startups that can demonstrate clinical efficacy early and that have strong potential for strategic partnership and acquisition, typically writing initial checks of $250K to $1M alongside hands-on strategic guidance, usually as a co-investor. A distinctive feature is its affiliated consulting company, Synergy Partners International, which develops investment, distribution and strategic partnering relationships between US medical technology companies and Japanese corporate and financial clients, giving portfolio companies access to Japan and Pacific Rim partnerships and acquisition opportunities. Across its Synergy Ventures funds and Synergy Partners International, the firm reports participating in over $1 billion in equity and other financial transactions involving more than 70 private US medical technology companies. Its portfolio has produced multiple IPOs and acquisitions, including Align Technology, Omnicell and Companion Medical, with notable holdings such as Pulse Biosciences, Ocugen, Endra Life Sciences, Imprimis Pharma, Aqua Metals, ClearSign and Ideal Power. The firm is led by co-founders and managing directors Allan Johnston, Ph.D., formerly head of late-stage medtech private equity at Berkeley International Capital Corporation and a program manager at SRI International, and Robert Okun, M.I.M., a veteran of Japan and Pacific Rim syndication, fundraising and strategic equity arrangements. Synergy Ventures pairs medtech investing with a unique US-Japan partnering platform.