Emilien Dugrand is Managing Director of Synapto Ventures where he oversees the company's daily operations, encompassing both client and investor relations, as well as Principal at Gold Nest Capital.
Through Gold Nest Capital, Emilien has leveraged his venture scientist expertise and executed direct investments in private life sciences companies, managing the entire investment process from technical, financial and commercial due diligence to strategic negotiation of investment terms. Beyond investments, Emilien is a hands-on partner for his portfolio companies by supporting their development through strategic partnerships, international expansion, and successful fundraising.
As Director of Ginward, Gold Nest Capital's former corporate finance and consultancy boutique, Emilien spearheaded strategic and financial projects for global life science clients. He has run a large number of successful fundraising campaigns, working closely with C-suite executives, skillfully navigating due diligence processes in collaboration with his clients, and securing committed investors. Furthermore, Emilien is recognised by life sciences VC firms for his ability to pinpoint investment opportunities that perfectly align with their investment thesis.
Prior to his career in the life science VC landscape, Emilien acquired a deep understanding of the pharmaceutical and medical device industries from hands-on experience in business development, marketing, and sales at Laboratoires Servier, coupled with consulting roles at industry giants like Philips Healthcare and Johnson & Johnson. His grasp extended to advising digital health and consumer healthcare startups on strategy and operations. Additionally, Emilien possesses firsthand knowledge of both public and private hospital systems, having worked in facilities across France and Ivory Coast.
Emilien is a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the University of Montpellier, France, with a specialisation in the pharmaceutical industry and is registered with the French National Order of Pharmacists. He holds an Advanced Master Degree in strategy and management of international business (MBA equivalent) from ESSEC Business School, Singapore.
