Versant Ventures, a leading healthcare venture capital firm, today announced the closing of Versant Venture Capital III, L.P., a $400M fund focused on investing in early-stage healthcare companies. In combination with Versant Venture Capital I and Versant Venture Capital II, the firm now manages more than $1 billion in capital dedicated to building successful healthcare companies. To date, Versant has invested in more than 65 companies in the medical device, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, healthcare services and healthcare information technology sectors.

"We are grateful for the strong support and commitment that Versant Ventures has received from our limited partners," said Ross Jaffe, Managing Director, Versant Ventures. "Our team of seasoned healthcare investment professionals remains committed to partnering with talented entrepreneurs and exceptional companies to develop breakthroughs in healthcare."

Versant also announced the promotion of Kevin Wasserstein to Managing Director. Mr. Wasserstein joined Versant Ventures in the firm's Menlo Park office in 2002, and focuses on investing in and building early-stage investments in the medical device sector. Mr. Wasserstein brings more than thirteen years of venture capital and operating experience to the Versant Ventures team. Prior to Versant, he served in a variety of marketing and business development roles at Guidant Corporation, most recently acting as Director of Marketing in Guidant's Cardiac Surgery Group. He currently serves as a Director on the boards of Cellutions and NDO Surgical, and works actively with the boards of Acclarent, LipoSonix, NeoGuide Systems, Rox Medical, Second Sight Medical, and The Innovation Factory.

Collectively, Versant now has eleven Managing Directors, which include: Brian Atwood, Bradley Bolzon, Ph.D., Samuel Colella, Ross Jaffe, M.D., Rebecca Robertson, Camille Samuels, and Kevin Wasserstein in the Menlo Park office, and William Link, Ph.D., Barbara Lubash, Donald Milder, and Charles Warden in the Newport Beach office. Amy Scott, and Thomas Woiwode round out the Versant investment team, and Robin Praeger serves as Administrative Director and Chief Financial Officer.

About Versant Ventures

Founded in 1999, Versant Ventures is a leading healthcare venture capital firm that currently manages over $1 billion in committed capital. The Versant team of fourteen investment professionals located in Menlo Park and Newport Beach bring together more than 100 years of experience and success as venture capitalists, and more than 145 years of collective operating experience. Since its formation, Versant has invested in more than 65 companies in the medical device, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, healthcare services and healthcare information technology sectors. Versant invests in early-stage healthcare companies promising to make significant improvements in medical care and healthcare service delivery. For additional information, please visit www.versantventures.com.