Alley Watch – May 8, 2014
From startups to fully mature ventures, Yaniv Sneor has seen it all. With over 20 years experience in all things entrepreneurial, Sneor is an angel investor who young entrepreneurs are lining up to work with.
As one of the founders of Mid Atlantic Bio Angels (MABA), Sneor is currently focused on investing in new and developing startups related to life science and biotech. Additionally, Sneor is the President for Blue Cactus Consulting, LLC, a consulting firm “focused on improving operational efficiencies, identifying market opportunities, and maximizing value from technology and strategic advantages.”
Sneor’s current focus on the science and biotech field stems from his studies at The Hebrew University, where he majored in Physics and Mathematics.
Since then, Sneor has specialized in nearly every entrepreneurial aspect; everything from starting, operating and reorganizing companies, to managing joint ventures and licenses while negotiating and performing due diligence.
While his business experience is vast, his scientific background is one of the most unique to any angel investor. The two have come together and proven to be a valuable asset to Yaniv Sneor and all of his endeavors.
Company
Mid Atlantic Bio Angels, Founder
Blue Cactus Consulting, LLC, President
Sector Focus
Software and Network Integration
Technology Development, Commercialization and Licensing
Manufacturing and Distribution
Biotechnology
Bioinformatics
Modeling Software for Financial and Protein-Structure Predicitons
Life Sciences
Social Media
Memorable Quotes
On the lack of interest in investing in the life sciences: “Most angels, if you talk to them about all this gory blood and guts stuff, first of all, they don’t understand it, they’re not interested, and it turns them off.”
On what he looks for in a potential investment: “Strength and quality of management team and advisory support; strength of market need; good science; clear path to regulatory approval and market adoption; if applicable, a clear path to reimbursement; IP and market space that are not crowded.”
On the red flags that he looks for in a potential investment: “Non-coachable CEO; lack of understanding of road ahead; high valuation; high dollar requirements; crowded market, IP space; executive team members that are related.”
On what kinds of life science startups he sees as holding the most promise: “Quality begins with team. For angel investors, devices and diagnostics are more often a better fit, in terms of investment dollars required and risk profile.”