7.15.2008 - 07:00am ET

(CSRwire) SAN FRANCISCO, CA. - July 15, 2008 - Physic Ventures (www.physicventures.com) today announced the closing of Physic Ventures, LP, a $159 million venture capital fund that invests in science-based, consumer-directed health and sustainable living companies. Physic Ventures "invests in keeping people healthy" and provides capital and expertise to early-stage companies that develop enabling technologies, branded products and innovative distribution channels.

Physic Ventures has made five investments since its first close in April 2007, including Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy Inc. (www.pharmaca.com), Expresso Fitness (www.expresso.com), Elixir Pharmaceuticals (www.elixirpharm.com), Dreamerz Foods (www.dreamerz.com), and Novomer (www.novomer.com). Each company reflects the firm’s strategy to invest in technology-driven businesses that enable prevention, prediction, performance, and personalization of personal and planetary health solutions in the consumer market.

"The substantial support we received from high caliber limited partners, both institutional and strategic, is a vote of confidence for our strategy to grow businesses that capitalize on major shifts in the healthcare environment," said William Rosenzweig, Managing Director, Physic Ventures. "We are gratified that we exceeded our fundraising target and attracted a diverse group of experienced investors to our partnership."

Dion Madsen, Managing Director, said "There are pressing challenges in today's health and sustainability climate that require scientific discovery and entrepreneurial innovation and an ability to bring new technologies to an increasingly consumer-centric market. We believe this presents opportunities and a wave of emerging, burgeoning markets for the development of technologies, products and services that address these issues and, therefore, can result in substantial returns for our investors."

Physic Venture's six-person investment team brings together a unique blend of investment and company building expertise in life science, materials science, healthcare and consumer marketing. The firm plans to deploy between $7-12M per company and will develop a portfolio of 14-16 companies with this fund.

About Physic Ventures
Physic Ventures (www.physicventures.com) is a venture capital firm that provides capital and support to entrepreneurs focused on building exceptional science-based, consumer-directed health and sustainable living companies. The firm’s strategy is to capitalize on major economic, social and political trends shaping the landscape of personal and planetary health, including the rapid migration toward a consumer-driven, prevention-oriented "self-care" paradigm. Physic Ventures is based in San Francisco, CA.

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