Intralink Insights

In recent years, the landscape of venture capital investment in innovative medicine in China has experienced a notable shift. Following a period of prosperity during the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese VC funding peaked in 2021. But this was followed by a substantial decline, caused by geopolitical tensions, the shift away from COVID research and unsatisfactory returns from prior development programs. Amidst this downturn, however, cell therapy has emerged as a beacon of opportunity for 2024 and beyond.

On 25 September, six innovative UK insurtech and healthtech startups arrived at The Royal Society, London, to pitch their technology to Dai-Ichi Life – one of Japan's leading insurers, and one that has a track record of investing in exciting British tech. 

In recent years, Japan has witnessed a remarkable rise in health and wellness trends among its food and drink products, captivating the hearts of health-conscious consumers. Aided by the outbreak of COVID-19 and a rapidly aging society, the quest for a healthier lifestyle, especially among younger Japanese consumers, has driven people to seek less processed food and more natural alternatives for their daily sustenance.

Olex Nykytyuk, our Shanghai-based medtech specialist, has just been to CMEF – China’s largest medical device event. He reports on what he saw, with more analysis of the opportunities for western firms in China’s medtech sector to follow soon.

Our Seoul-based medtech specialists have just been to KIMES 2023 – the Korea International Medical & Hospital Equipment Show.

Femtech is finally arriving to Japan - but the depth and breadth of the products and tech available still leaves much to be desired. Alecia Thomson from our Tokyo office see this as an opportunity for western firms.