4BIO Capital announces promotion of Owen Smith to Partner and Vasily Fedorin to COO

LONDON – 4BIO Capital (“4BIO” or “the Group”), an international venture capital firm focused solely on the advanced therapies sector, today announced the promotion of Owen Smith, MSc (Oxon), CPFA, to Partner and Vasily Fedorin, PhD, to Chief Operating Officer.

Since joining 4BIO Capital in 2018, Owen has been instrumental in supporting the fund in seeding companies as well as finding and growing potentially transformative innovations. Owen began his investment career at life science venture capital firms Arthurian Life Sciences and Arix Bioscience plc, giving him significant experience working with early-stage biotechnology companies. Owen holds an MSc in Experimental and Translational Therapeutics from the University of Oxford and is also qualified as an accountant, having spent several years working in assurance and advisory roles at Grant Thornton with public and private clients.

Owen is currently a Board Director at 4BIO portfolio companies SparingVision and Locki Therapeutics, and is actively involved in several other investments. He previously acted as an Observer on the boards of LogicBio and Depixus while at Arix.

Dr Dmitry Kuzmin, Managing Partner at 4BIO Capital, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Owen to the Partnership. Over the past four years, Owen has worked tirelessly and effectively, helping to ensure the success of the firm. We are pleased to be able to recognise his achievements and look forward to his continued success at 4BIO Capital.”

Owen Smith, Partner at 4BIO Capital, said: “4BIO Capital’s expertise in identifying, supporting and growing early-stage companies in the advanced therapies space is unparalleled and I am proud to be made a Partner of such an exciting fund. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues and our portfolio teams to bring exciting new and potentially curative therapies to patients in need.”

Vasily has been with 4BIO Capital since 2015 and brings to the role over 10 years of experience working in biotech investments. His deep knowledge of the 4BIO investment strategy, technological expertise and operational skills will support the fund through the next stage of its growth. He previously worked at the International Foundation of Technology and Investment, a not-for-profit non-government organization created to support development of science, education, and culture in the Russian Federation, as well as RVC Biofund and RBV Capital, in operational, analytical, and supervisory roles. He holds a PhD in Neuroscience from the Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU).

Andrew Kozlov, Managing Partner at 4BIO Capital, said: “Our aim is to support and foster strong talent at 4BIO Capital and support our team to progress quickly in their careers and we are delighted to announce these promotions today. Vasily’s hardworking and determined nature has not only been hugely appreciated by the whole team but has also been highly valuable to the firm and he will be instrumental in our continued rapid growth.”

Vasily Fedorin, COO at 4BIO Capital, said: “The success of a modern venture fund can only be ensured by adopting the best technological and procedural practices. Since my early days at 4BIO, I have been excited to facilitate the development of the firm’s operational infrastructure and I look forward to utilising my experience to ensure operational excellence.”

4BIO Capital also announced today the promotion of Natalie Johnston, PhD, to Associate. Natalie began working at 4BIO in 2019 after previously working at Gerson Lehrman Group. Natalie holds a PhD in Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology from Imperial College London.