White space with graybeards

Flagship Ventures has decided the best way to identify and explore white space is by tapping large partners that can lend insights early in the company creation process on topics ranging from discovery to reimbursement.

Following proof of concept from Flagship's 2011 deal with Merck & Co. Inc., the VC announced a trio of new collaborators for its recently closed $537 million fifth fund. AstraZeneca plc, Bayer CropScience and Nestle Health Science all invested in the fund and will advise fledgling biotechs in Flagship's VentureLabs unit...