Omega Funds is a leading international investment firm that creates and invests in life sciences companies that target the world’s most urgent medical needs.

Venture Capital

Omega Funds

Managing Directors

Saoussen Ben

Annie joined [Omega Funds](/org/omega-funds) in 2015. She focuses on private company investing, particularly in the areas of oncology, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and technology platforms.

Prior to joining Omega, she spent three years at MIT’s Technology Licensing Office as a licensing associate and associate licensing officer, where she managed a portfolio of drug delivery and biotechnology inventions. Annie also worked as an independent consultant for Nelsen Biomedical, where she performed market analyses and advised clients on partnering and market entry strategies. Annie earned her PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Michigan and a BS in Biomedical Engineering from the [University of Virginia](/org/university-of-virginia).

Annie Mitsak

Francesco rejoined [Omega Funds](/org/omega-funds) in 2016, where he focuses on private company investing. He is also heavily involved with Omega’s direct secondary transactions and investor relations.

Prior to joining Omega, Francesco was an Analyst at Brookside Mezzanine Partners, a $500 million mezzanine fund investing in subordinated debt and minority equity in small- to mid-size companies throughout the U.S., where he focused on due diligence, deal management, and investor relations. Concurrently, he worked for [uConnect](/org/uconnect), a SaaS education technology start-up helping university career centers impact student outcomes, where he focused on fundraising, finance, and operations. Prior to Brookside and [uConnect](/org/uconnect), Francesco was an Associate at [Commonfund](/org/commonfund) Capital (CCI), the private capital arm of the $24 billion fund of funds [Commonfund](/org/commonfund), where he focused on due diligence, manager selection, investment management, and investor relations for CCI’s private equity, venture capital, and natural resources programs. He began his career at Omega, when he joined in 2008, as an Analyst. Francesco graduated cum laude from the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a BBA in Finance and Operations Management. He is also a CFA charterholder, a CAIA charterholder, and a Certified FRM.

Francesco Draetta

Deirdre joined [Omega Funds](/org/omega-funds) in 2019 from Catabasis Pharmaceuticals, where she served as Chief Legal Officer since February 2018 and Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer since April 2016. Previously, she served as Catabasis’ Senior Vice President and General Counsel from November 2015 to February 2018. Prior to joining Catabasis, Deirdre served as General Counsel at [Advanced Technology Ventures](/org/atv), from January 2006 to October 2015, and at Lightstone Ventures, from its founding in January 2012 until October 2015. Prior to ATV and Lightstone, she was an investment officer at BancBoston Ventures and Deputy General Counsel at BancBoston Capital. Deirdre started her law career with, and later became a Partner in, [Goodwin Procter](/org/goodwin-procter-llp)'s corporate department.

Deirdre holds a J.D. from Boston College Law School and a B.S. in Finance from the Boston College School of Management.

Deirdre Cunnane

Anne-Mari joined [Omega Funds](/org/omega-funds) in 2009 after 17 years in healthcare venture capital finance and is a Managing Director of the Omega funds. She served as Omega's Chief Financial Officer, overseeing the firm’s financial and administrative operations, through July 2020.

Previously, she was a Partner and Chief Financial Officer at [Third Rock Ventures](/org/third-rock-ventures) (TRV), a venture firm focused on life sciences investing. She joined TRV to establish its operations and assisted the firm in successfully raising its inaugural fund in 2007. She managed all fund, company and portfolio operations as well as investor relations. Prior to TRV, Anne-Mari served as CFO of [MPM Capital](/org/mpm-capital), a leading biotech venture capital firm with 4 funds and over $2.3 billion under management. During her 14-year tenure with MPM, she was responsible for financial management of MPM’s venture funds and other entities, financial reporting, building and oversight of all back office operations, investor relations and office administration. She was also a Founder and CFO of APS Material Services. Anne-Mari received her BS in Engineering at the Turku Institute of Technology in Finland and has completed advanced studies in corporate finance at [Boston University](/org/boston-university).

Anne-Mari Paster

Bernard joined [Omega Funds](/org/omega-funds) in 2020. He has extensive experience in the life sciences and biotech industry, marked by a number of successful transactions involving financings and M&A. Bernard serves currently on the boards of Lexeo Therapeutics and Endeavor BioMedicines. Bernard was also involved in the firm’s investments in [Atea Pharmaceuticals](/org/atea-pharmaceuticals) (NASDAQ: AVIR) and [Icosavax](/org/icosavax).

Bernard previously served as SVP and Managing Director at [Sanofi Ventures](/org/sanofi-ventures), having first joined [Sanofi](/org/sanofi) in 2010 as Vice President, Deputy Global Head, Business Development. Over his 7-year tenure, [Sanofi Ventures](/org/sanofi-ventures) invested in 28 new companies and generated 14 exits (12 NASDAQ IPOs, 1 trade sale and 1 option deal).

Prior to [Sanofi](/org/sanofi), Bernard held CEO, CFO and other leadership roles at Fovea Pharmaceuticals (which was sold to [Sanofi](/org/sanofi) in 2009 in a $540 million cash transaction), Neurotech Pharmaceuticals, [Transgene](/org/transgene) (which successfully raised $100 million in a 1998 IPO on the NASDAQ/EuroNext) and Institut Mérieux (now [Sanofi](/org/sanofi) Pasteur).

Bernard Davitian

Sanja joined [Omega Funds](/org/omega-funds) in 2020. She provides administrative support to Otello Stampacchia and has over 10  years of experience in administration, events and office management. Prior to joining Omega, Sanja worked at Network for Excellence in Health Innovation where she provided administrative support and managed all external and internal relationships for the President and CEO and two executives. She directed fundraising and program events as well as managed communication with board and founding members. Sanja graduated from [Emerson College](/org/emerson-college) and holds a BS in Journalism.

Sanja Mutabdzija

Mark joined [Omega Funds](/org/omega-funds) in 2010. He manages the firm’s regulatory compliance program and assists with the firm’s financial operations and reporting.

Prior to joining Omega, Mark worked for three years as the Accounting Manager at Schooner Capital, a private investment firm in Boston. Prior to Schooner, he worked for several years in hedge fund administration at Bisys. Mark received his BS in Accounting from Plymouth State University and his MBA from [Suffolk University](/org/suffolk-university). He is also licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in the Commonwealth of MA.

Mark Russell

Philipp joined [Omega Funds](/org/omega-funds) in 2018 and assists with the accounting and financial reporting for the firm’s management company and fund vehicles.

Before joining Omega, Philipp was responsible for all operations and financial reporting at a family office. Prior to his role at the family office, he worked in public accounting at PwC, focusing primarily on alternative investment clients. Philipp received his BA in Business Administration from [Furman University](/org/furman-university) and holds a MSA/MBA from [Northeastern University](/org/northeastern-university). He is also licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is a CFA Exam Level III Candidate.

Philipp Bliedung

Michelle joined [Omega Funds](/org/omega-funds) in 2016. She has nearly 20 years of experience advising life sciences companies on private placements, public equity financing and M&A transactions. Previously, Michelle worked as Director of Corporate Finance at [Third Rock Ventures](/org/third-rock-ventures), where she supported numerous portfolio companies. Prior to joining Third Rock, Michelle was Principal, Corporate Finance, at [Abingworth](/org/abingworth). She was also a life sciences investment banker with Lehman Brothers International in London, JP Morgan/H&Q in New York and [Morgan Stanley](/org/morgan-stanley) in Toronto and New York. Michelle has executed more than 40 equity and convertible transactions and numerous IPOs, private placements and M&A transactions for companies, including Gilead, MedImmune, Millennium, [Illumina](/org/illumina) and Sepracor. Michelle graduated with an Honor’s degree in Business Administration from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario in London.

Michelle Doig

Vincent joined [Omega Funds](/org/omega-funds) in 2014 and subsequently joined NeoMed in 2017. He focuses on European investments in the areas of oncology, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and medtech.

Previously, Vincent worked with [Sectoral Asset Management](/org/sectoral-asset-management), a healthcare institutional investor, as a Partner for private investments. From 2000 to 2006 he was a research fellow at the [University of Geneva](/org/university-of-geneva), studying the molecular basis of brain function, and also acted as [Sectoral Asset Management](/org/sectoral-asset-management)’s Chief Scientific Officer during this period. Previously, he worked at Pictet Bank as a research analyst for biotechnology equities and as a co-manager of the Pictet Biotech Fund, a $2 billion listed investment vehicle. Vincent trained as a postdoctoral fellow in Geneva (Hoffman-La-Roche and Human Frontier Science Program fellow) and at the [National Cancer Institute](/org/national-cancer-institute) in Bethesda, MD. He completed a Certificate in International Finance and Global Markets at the Georgetown University School of Business and holds an MS in Computational Sciences, an MS in Molecular Biology, and a PhD in Molecular Biology, all from the [University of Geneva](/org/university-of-geneva).

Vincent Ossipow

Alexia joined [Omega Funds](/org/omega-funds) as Chief Financial Officer in July 2020 after holding leadership roles in private equity for over 15 years.  At Omega she is responsible for overseeing the firm’s financial and administrative functions.

Prior to Omega, Alexia was the CFO of [Guidepost Growth Equity](/org/guidepost-growth-equity), managing all financial reporting, administrative and compliance aspects of the firm, and Vice President of Finance and Administration at North Bridge Venture and Growth Equity Partners.  Alexia was also Vice President of Finance at [Oxford Bioscience Partners](/org/oxford-bioscience-partners), an early stage life science venture capital firm, and Manager of Finance at [MPM Capital](/org/mpm-capital), a biotech venture capital firm.

Alexia received her M.B.A. from [Babson College](/org/babson-college) and her B.S in International Business from [Ithaca College](/org/ithaca-college).  She is an active member of the Private Equity CFO Association and Women in Alternative Assets.

Alexia Pearsall

Noelle joined [Omega Funds](/org/omega-funds) in October 2020. She focuses on private company investments, primarily in the fields of oncology and inflammatory disorders.

Prior to joining Omega, Noelle led scientific strategies and vetted healthcare solutions of an emerging venture of the American Heart Association. She also worked as an independent consultant for TreMonti Consulting, where she conducted due diligence and market analyses, assessed early-stage inventions and advised clients on partnering for commercialization and in-licensing opportunities. In addition, she previously mentored entrepreneurs and startups in Science and Technology as an angel investor with [Pipeline Angels](/org/pipeline-angels).

Noelle earned her PhD in Immunology from [Brown University](/org/brown-university), studying the pathobiology of acute liver injury in animal models of sepsis and septic shock. She then completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the Center for Genetics and Host Defense with a Nobel Laureate at UT Southwestern Medical Center to identify novel genes involved with mucosal immunity and gastrointestinal diseases. She also holds a BS in Biol

Noelle Hutchins

Otello founded [Omega Funds](/org/omega-funds) in 2004 and leads the firm’s investor relations and strategic initiatives. He is a member of the firm’s investment committee and is also heavily involved in a number of Omega’s therapeutic areas of interest, particularly in oncology, rare diseases and inflammatory disorders.

Previously, Otello was in charge of life sciences direct investments and diligence for healthcare venture fund of fund investments at AlpInvest Partners, one of the largest private equity asset managers worldwide. Before AlpInvest, he was the portfolio manager of the Lombard Odier Immunology Fund, a $3 billion listed investment vehicle in Geneva, Switzerland, investing in public and private healthcare companies worldwide. Previously, Otello was a member of the HealthCare corporate finance and M&A team at [Goldman Sachs](/org/goldman-sachs) (London and New York offices). Before Goldman, he helped co-found the healthcare investment activities at Index Securities (now [Index Ventures](/org/index-ventures)). Otello has a PhD in Molecular Biology from the [University of Geneva](/org/university-of-geneva), holds a European Doctorate in Biotechnology from the EU, and obtained an MSc in Genetics from the [University of Pavia](/org/university-of-pavia).

Otello Stampacchia

Claudio Nessi is the current Managing Director at [Omega Funds](/org/omega-funds). Claudio has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare and venture capital industries. 

Nessi started their career as a Scientific Researcher at the University of Connecticut Health Care Center from 1996 to 1998. Claudio then transitioned into the venture capital industry, holding positions at Genevest Consulting Group and NeoMed Management before joining [Omega Funds](/org/omega-funds). 

At [Omega Funds](/org/omega-funds), Nessi has been instrumental in leading investments in several biotech and healthcare companies. Claudio has a deep understanding of the healthcare industry and continues to be a valuable asset to the team.

Claudio Nessi studied business at RSM Erasmus University and earned their MBA. Claudio then pursued a doctorate in genetics and microbiology at [Università di Pavia](/org/universita-di-pavia). Finally, they earned a master's degree in biology from [University of Lausanne](/org/university-of-lausanne) - UNIL.

Claudio Nessi

Gilchrist joined [Omega Funds](/org/omega-funds) in 2018 and assists with the accounting and financial reporting for the firm’s management company and fund vehicles.

Prior to joining Omega, Gilchrist worked in similar roles at [Vista Equity Partners](/org/vista-equity-partners) and Benefit Street Partners, while also having earlier experience working in public accounting at PwC. Gilchrist received both his BS in Business Administration and his MSA from the [University of Rhode Island](/org/university-of-rhode-island).

Gilchrist Diprete

Dina joined NeoMed in 2009. She manages NeoMed’s funds and assists with and advises on new investments for Omega. Dina has been investing in the private equity and venture capital healthcare industry since 2001. Previously at 3i in London and [Index Ventures](/org/index-ventures) in Geneva, her recent investments including [Spruce Biosciences](/org/spruce-biosciences), Attenua, [Imago BioSciences](/org/imago-biosciences), [Oxular](/org/oxular), [TopiVert](/org/topivert), Wilson Therapeutics, EUSA Pharma, Endosense and Novexel.

Dina is a member of the Venture Capital Platform Council of Invest Europe. She is a CFA charterholder and holds a Ph.D. degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Paris VI University, France and carried out postdoctoral research at [Brown University](/org/brown-university), Providence, US, and at the Fox Chase Cancer Centre, Philadelphia, US.

Dina Chaya

Thomas joined NeoMed in 2005. He manages NeoMed’s funds and assists with and advises on new investments for Omega.

Thomas has over 10 years of experience of venture capital investing in healthcare in Europe. Previously, he was a global biotechnology analyst for Pictet & Cie, Switzerland’s largest private bank. He was also Manager of Regulatory Affairs with worldwide responsibilities at Firmenich SA, a global leader in fragrances, flavourings and fine chemicals. Thomas holds a PhD in molecular biology from the [University of Geneva](/org/university-of-geneva), Switzerland.

Thomas Goebel

Jun joined [Omega Funds](/org/omega-funds) in 2021 and assists with constructing financial analyses for portfolio companies and financial reporting for the firm's management company and fund vehicles.

Prior to joining Omega, Jun worked in a similar role at [Parthenon Capital](/org/parthenon-capital), while also having earlier experience working in Deals Valuation at PwC. Jun earned his B.S. in Finance and Management from Boston College Carroll School of Management.

Jun Lin

Caroline joined [Omega Funds](/org/omega-funds) in 2019. She serves as [Omega Funds](/org/omega-funds)’ receptionist while providing general administrative support to the team. Prior to joining Omega, Caroline worked as a teacher at The New England Center for Children where she implemented behavioral and educational programs for young adults with autism. Caroline graduated from Saint Joseph’s University in 2018 and holds a BS in Interdisciplinary Health Services with concentrations in Healthcare Ethics and Psychology.

Caroline Napoli

Paulina joined [Omega Funds](/org/omega-funds) in January 2019. Prior to joining Omega, Paulina was on the healthcare team at [Polaris Partners](/org/polaris-partners) since 2012. Paulina is currently on the board of [IFM Therapeutics](/org/ifm-therapeutics) and an observer on the boards of [Scorpion Therapeutics](/org/scorpiontx) and [Arrakis Therapeutics](/org/arrakis-therapeutics). Paulina is also involved in the firm’s investments in Beam Therapeutics (NASDAQ: BEAM) and Sana Biotechnology. Paulina previously served on the boards of [Kala Pharmaceuticals](/org/kala-pharmaceuticals) (NASDAQ: KALA), [Neuronetics](/org/neuronetics) (NASDAQ: STIM) and Lyra Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: LYRA), Microchips Biotech (acquired by Dare), Arsenal Medical and [CAMP4 Therapeutics](/org/camp4-therapeutics), where she was the founding CEO. Paulina completed her postdoctoral fellowship in Robert Langer’s lab in the Chemical Engineering department at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Paulina was the founding president of the MIT Postdoctoral Association and served on the MIT Intellectual Property Presidential Committee. Paulina completed her PhD in Molecular Medicine from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Paulina graduated magna cum laude from [East Carolina University](/org/east-carolina-university) with a quadruple major in biochemistry, neuroscience, biology and chemistry. Paulina attended [East Carolina University](/org/east-carolina-university) on an athletic scholarship and served as the captain of the women’s varsity tennis team.

Paulina Hill

Katie joined [Omega Funds](/org/omega-funds) in 2019. She leads the firm’s communications strategy and investor relations initiatives, including marketing and fundraising. Katie is also involved in the portfolio management of public company investments.

Prior to joining Omega, Katie spent five years in equity research covering specialty pharmaceutical companies, initially as an Associate at BMO Capital Markets in New York and most recently as a Vice President at Wells Fargo Securities in New York. Katie also has an extensive journalism background, including on-air roles with an NBC-affiliate local news station and a national online news network, along with reporting/producing positions with [CNBC](/org/cnbc) and Bloomberg, in New York and London. Katie graduated cum laude from the School of Journalism at the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Journalism degree. She also maintains FINRA Series 7, 63, 79, 86, and 87 licenses and is a CFA Level III Exam Candidate.

Katie Kerfoot

Estelle joined NeoMed in 2018. She provides administrative support to Claudio Nessi, Vincent Ossipow & Thomas Goebel. Prior to joining NeoMed, Estelle worked as an executive assistant at [Kellogg Company](/org/kellogg-company). Prior working for Kellogg, Estelle worked as an administrative assistant at [Procter & Gamble](/org/procter-gamble). Estelle graduated from Lycée Jean-Piaget in Neuchâtel, business school in 2002.

Estelle Decosterd

Pennylynn joined [Omega Funds](/org/omega-funds) in 2017. She provides administrative support to Otello Stampacchia and has over nine years of experience in sales and administration. Prior to joining Omega, Pennylynn worked at Black Box Network Services where she supported two executives, a sales team of 20, and worked as the primary lead for pricing on all high value RFPs. She also worked as an independent consultant, specialty in project management and data integrity. Pennylynn graduated Cum Laude from the University of Missouri Saint Louis and holds a BS in Business Administration.

Pennylynn Canto

Erik founded NeoMed in 1997 and served as its Managing Partner until 2015. He will continue to manage NeoMed’s funds and is available to advise on certain investments for Omega Fund V. He has over 30 years’ experience of venture capital investing in Europe and the United States, the last 20 of which have been in the healthcare industry. Previously, Erik was Chairman of NeoMed AS, an investment advisory firm specialized in the healthcare industry, and President of Origo Ventures AS, a Norwegian private equity firm. Erik is a co-founder and former chairman of the Norwegian Venture Capital Association. Erik holds a Master’s degree of Science in Management from the Graduate School of Business, [Stanford University](/org/stanford), and a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the [University of Oslo](/org/university-of-oslo), Norway.

Erik Amble

Heather joined [Omega Funds](/org/omega-funds) in 2018. She provides general administrative support to the investment and finance teams. Prior to joining Omega, Heather worked as a program manager at Horizons for Homeless Children helping to oversee a network of more than 1000 volunteers. Heather earned her MPA from [Bridgewater State University](/org/bridgewater-state-university) in 2017 after completing her BA in Political Science.

Heather Weekley

Ellissa joined [Omega Funds](/org/omega-funds) in 2017. She provides administrative support to Michelle Doig, Bernard Davitian and Deirdre Cunnane. Prior to joining Omega, Ellissa worked as a Program Manager for the [U.S. Air Force](/org/u-s-air-force). Prior to working for the Air Force, Ellissa taught second grade for three years. Ellissa graduated Magna Cum Laude from the [University of Vermont](/org/university-of-vermont) and holds a BS in Elementary Education with a concentration in Communication Sciences.

Omega Funds

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