Health & Beauty

OBIO CAAP Companies Generate More Than $109 Million in Investments

Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO) reported that Ontario health science companies that have participated in its Capital Access Advisory Program (CAAP) have raised more than $109 Million since the CAAP program launched in 2013.

"OBIO is so proud of the success of the Ontario health science companies that have been part of the CAAP program and have continued to grow their businesses," said Gail Garland, President and CEO of OBIO. "Helping Ontario health science companies build is the strength of the OBIO and its programs, like CAAP, and in 2018, OBIO will continue to build on our successes as we work to develop the environment that companies need to flourish in Ontario."

OBIO said that CAAP is a unique, industry-led initiative that provides selected high-potential Ontario health science companies with mentoring, strategic guidance and access to an expansive network of health science industry experts and investors to enhance the ability of OBIO CAAP Companies to secure financing.

Through CAAP, OBIO is advancing and accelerating the development and commercialization of therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices, and health IT products and services to benefit Ontario and global human health.

"Our experience with the OBIO CAAP program really improved our investor readiness," said Joe Eibl, CEO and Co-Founder of Flosonics Medical, a 2017 CAAP Company. "The feedback we received from the industry experts on the CAAP Steering Committee and from the OBIO team helped us refine our pitch deck and deliver a more effective pitch to investors. I would encourage any health science company that is getting ready for a Series A to apply to CAAP."

Launched in 2013, the OBIO Capital Access Advisory Program operates downstream from other programs and targets the critical issue of access to capital at the post-seed stage of venture financing.

"The OBIO CAAP program was invaluable in supporting our company as we prepared to move into the next phase of our development," said Liam Kaufman, CEO of Winterlight Labs, a 2017 CAAP Company. "Being part of CAAP not only provided us with great strategic advice on our next steps and helpful feedback from the expert Steering Committee, we also benefitted from warm introductions to investors. I would strongly recommend any health science company apply to CAAP and take advantage of the OBIO team and its wealth of industry knowledge."

Applications for CAAP 2018 are now open. The deadline for applications is December 22nd, 2018 at 5pm EDT.

More information:

www.obio.ca

((Comments on this story may be sent to newsdesk@closeupmedia.com))

THE DAILY VIEW

  • Alexandra Scarborough
    Gilt and Sarah Jessica Parker Unveil SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Bridal Collection for Spring

    Sarah Jessica Parker, in partnership with Gilt, kicked off the exclusive launch of SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Bridal, Gilt’s first foray into bridal ready-to-wear that would have Carrie Bradshaw swooning.

    The collection includes dresses, skirts, bodysuits and other pieces, ranging in price from $295 to $2,395 and from sizes 0 to 14.

    "Collaborating with Gilt on my first bridal ready-to-wear collection was an opportunity I couldn't pass up," said Sarah Jessica Parker. "The team there is brilliant and allowed me to be imaginative and take risks as I was designing for the non-traditional bride. It has been quite fun to play around with colors, fabrics and details to create unique pieces for all kinds of brides." The collection, comprised of ten styles, is inspired by Parker's vision of a modern, non-traditional bride, and is designed to dress a woman for a variety of wedding milestone moments; from her bridal shower through her wedding reception. Styles offered are a unique mix of classic dresses and gowns, modern bodysuits, full skirts, and a jumpsuit. The color palette includes traditional bridal white, sleek black, plus pops of blush, poppy, light gray and blue.

    Designed in collaboration with Gilt, the collection was produced in New York City utilizing fabrics like cashmere and stretch crepe sourced from Spain, Italy and France.

    The pieces all feature carefully curated details like elegant bows, sophisticated cutouts, feathers, intricate embroidery and beautiful hand-stitched beading. 

    The actress and style icon is no stranger to chic bridal wear. Carrie Badshaw, famously played by Parker, took part in an elaborate bridal photo shoot in Sex and the City: The Movie. The shoot featured gowns from designers like Christian Lacroix and Lanvin. Parker famously wore a black wedding gown for her own wedding to Matthew Broderick in 1997.

    "Not only is Sarah Jessica Parker's style known around the world, her point of view is one-of-a-kind," says Tom Ott, Chief Merchant of Gilt. "Sarah Jessica brings her impeccable taste and fashion sensibility to life in this collection. We think our customers will be delighted with the offering which is stylish and well-priced in the bridal category."

    As part of the bridal launch, Gilt will also offer 15 exclusive styles from the SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker footwear line, each of which are complementary to the bridal collection. 

    To correspond with the bridal collection launch, Gilt City will present offers from some of Sarah Jessica Parker's favorite places in New York City.

    The offers were each chosen as a way to help brides plan for and celebrate the big day with highlights including, Leather Spa, Lars Nord Studio Tailoring, Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery, among others.

    More Information:
    http://www.Gilt.com/SJP

  • Alexandra Scarborough
    Tea Forté Introduces ‘Matcha’ Collection

    Convenience meets tradition in Tea Forté’s new Ceremonial Matcha Bowl Set and the Matcha Single Steeps.

    The company said its spring harvested, shade grown, stone ground, organic matcha tea is best served in a centuries-old Japanese tea ceremony called chanoyu: a preparation technique known for its centering meditative qualities.

    "The launch of Tea Forté's Matcha collection represents our continued commitment to wellness and cultivating all the potential mental and physical health benefits of tea," says Tea Forté CEO Michael Gebrael. "In addition to our high quality Pure Matcha, we've also blended four distinct flavored Matcha varieties. Prepackaged in pouches measured out for a single serving, our Single Steeps Matcha is ideal for the office, travel, or to keep with you for a boost anytime."

    Tea Forté noted its handcrafted ceremonial tea bowl, handmade bamboo whisk and measuring ladle “encourages serene enjoyment of our premium Kosher, gluten-free and vegan matcha blends.” These include: Pure Matcha, Chocolate Matcha, Coconut Matcha, Ginger Matcha, and Chai Matcha.

    According to a release, in addition to its distinctive taste, matcha is prized for its health benefits. Steeped green tea contains only the antioxidants that can be extracted in water, while with matcha, the whole leaf is consumed.

    Available now in select stores and online at teaforte.com.

 

 

QUICK 5


Expedia.com has released a year-end look at U.S. traveler behavior and trends for 2017, analyzing data to identify the most in-demand destinations, hotels, activities and more.

Among other insights, the roundup revealed:

  1. Labor Day was the busiest weekend for car rental
  2. Disney Theme Parks topped the list of things to do
  3. The average hotel stay was two nights
  4. Top destinations based on 2017 air travel included major global cities like New York, London and Bangkok
  5. Popular tourist destinations included Orlando, Cancun and Las Vegas