Sierra Neuropharmaceuticals

Aurora, Colo.
Founders: Dr. Daniel J. Abrams; Tom Anchordoquy, PhD; and Karen Stevens, PhD
VC Investment over the last four quarters: $21.5 million

Founded in 2005, this seven-person biopharmaceutical company develops drugs for the treatment of severe central nervous system diseases. In addition to VC funding, Sierra received about $230,000 in grants from the State of Colorado, the University of Colorado, and the Coleman Institute. As for the recession, its founders say the company will be keeping close tabs on the funding and partnership environment over the next two to three years, despite already being funded for drug development work for the next three years.

Key to startup success: "Be persistent in the development of your data and business model to enable you to create a financial model that has a high likelihood of helping patients and therefore is fundable by the investor community."

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