About
LifeX Ventures
Providing tailored financing solutions & global team resources to help build world-class healthcare companies
Who We Are
LifeX Ventures was created with the vision as a capital growth company dedicated to de-risk the time, resources, and investment required for life sciences companies to grow and become successful.
Our mission is to provide essential investment capital to Life Sciences companies, supporting them from the earliest stages of development through pre-seed and seed round funding. By doing so, we empower promising early-stage companies to execute their business strategies while minimizing investment risks.
In collaboration with our LifeX Accelerator and LifeX Commercialization Program, our early-stage capital infusion lays a robust groundwork for companies, fostering synergy and providing a credible business foundation.
LifeX Ventures bridges the gap in preparation for larger funding rounds, facilitating the journey towards success for our portfolio companies, and making a tangible impact on their growth trajectory.
Our Leadership Team
Gerald Vardzel
CEOHealthcare Executive Management experience developing and implementing commercialization strategies and models for technology launches. Go-to-Market expertise includes equity financing, strategic planning, market intelligence, M&A, and new market development in both start-up and established settings including fortune market leaders. Developed innovative solutions for both CLIA and FDA regulatory paths defining the delivery chains from discovery to clinical acceptance.
Mike Young
CFOCurrently oversees Finance and Strategic Analysis across LifeX entities in addition to serving as Treasurer. Finance executive with experience in accounting and finance operations including financial management and reporting, as well as auditing, strategic planning, forecast modeling and investing. Experience working in the healthcare, energy, logistics and software industries. Holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and a Masters of Business Administration in Finance.
John Vardzel
Investment AnalystJohn Vardzel is an Investment Analyst at LifeX Ventures, focusing in the Life Sciences sector. With expertise in investment vehicles, finance, operations, strategic planning, and market intelligence, he plays a vital role in identifying and evaluating investment opportunities. Holding a degree in finance with a minor in economics from the University of Pittsburgh, he excelled as a student-athlete and is currently pursuing his MBA.
Due Diligence Core Team
Mark Collins
Mark A Collins, PhD, with 40 years of experience, has dedicated his career to leveraging computers in drug discovery, blending biology, AI, and software. He has played key roles in biotech startups, large Pharma, and tech companies, leading several to successful exits. Currently, he's the Chief Scientific Officer at Undaunted Bio, focusing on AI-driven drug repurposing for neuropathic pain. Besides, Mark mentors startups at the LifeX accelerator and contributes to the LifeX Ventures Due Diligence team.
Glenn Gershon
Glenn Gershon is a life science industry veteran who focused his career primarily on in vitro diagnostic reagents and instrument systems development and support. He has held executive positions in product development, operations quality systems, and regulatory affairs with both global IVD manufacturers (Abbott, Chiron, Bayer) and esoteric healthcare laboratories (Athena Diagnostics, Cleveland Heartlab, Interpace Diagnostics).
John Glicksman
Attorney John Glicksman has specialized in working, both in legal and in business roles, with technology companies ranging from start-ups to Fortune 100 entities, providing critical guidance during all stages of their life cycles. In addition he has raised capital and deployed investment to dozens of companies while serving as Fund Director for an early-stage venture fund.
Additional due diligence team members are available through LifeX Global’s vast array of Domain Experts, if and as needed.