Corundum Neuroscience Appoints Dr. Itsik Francis as Business Development Head to Enhance Strategic Growth
Corundum Neuroscience Welcomes Dr. Itsik Francis
In a significant move aimed at bolstering its leadership team, Corundum Neuroscience (CNS) has appointed Dr. Itsik Francis as the Head of Business Development. This announcement, made on January 28, 2025, comes at a crucial juncture in the company's mission to expand its portfolio of neurotechnology ventures and strengthen its strategic relationships within the industry.
A New Vision for Growth
Dr. Francis brings over 15 years of extensive experience in investment and business development, primarily within the medtech and biotech sectors. His primary objective will be to enhance deal flow and formulate investment strategies that will catalyze the growth of CNS's portfolio. He is expected to provide targeted support to the company's various ventures, ensuring they have access to essential resources and expertise.
In his role, Dr. Francis will also spearhead initiatives to cultivate and reinforce partnerships with key stakeholders in the fields of medical technology, medical devices, and digital health. This includes collaborations with prominent research institutions and industry pioneers worldwide, aimed at facilitating innovation and advancing neuroscience research.
Leadership Insight
Yasushi Yamamoto, the CEO and Founder of Corundum Corp, expressed confidence in Dr. Francis’s capabilities. “Corundum Neuroscience is at the forefront of advancing neuroscience solutions,” he stated. “Itsik's strategic insight and industry expertise will be instrumental in shaping our next phase of growth.” Dr. Francis’s proven track record in medtech investment and business development aligns perfectly with the company’s ambitions.
Prior to joining CNS, Dr. Francis was a Principal at OurCrowd, where he played a vital role in leading key investments and launching the Global Health Equity Fund in collaboration with the WHO Foundation. His leadership positions at Medison Pharma Ventures and Ariel Scientific Innovations enabled him to manage strategic alliances and drive innovative initiatives.
Additionally, Dr. Francis is recognized as the co-founder and former CEO of Citta Pharmaceuticals, a biotech startup focused on neurotechnology. His impressive academic background includes a PhD in Medical Molecular Biology from University College London and postdoctoral research at Columbia University Medical Center, where he concentrated on Alzheimer's disease drug discovery.
Commitment to the Neurotech Future
“With the ever-evolving neurotechnology landscape, I am excited to join Corundum Neuroscience at such a pivotal time,” said Dr. Francis. He emphasized that the firm’s vision of translating cutting-edge science into tangible benefits resonates deeply with him. He looks forward to collaborating with the team to explore new opportunities, fortify industry collaborations, and promote the growth of CNS's ventures.
Since its inception in September 2023 by former Joy Ventures executives, Corundum Neuroscience has carved a niche as a venture builder and fund dedicated to advancing transformative neuroscience solutions. By combining deep domain expertise with a successful venture-building track record, CNS aims to accelerate innovation across the entire neuroscience lifecycle.
The company takes a long-term investment approach, assisting researchers, entrepreneurs, and startups in developing impactful solutions that target key disease areas, ultimately enhancing health, longevity, and quality of life. For further updates and information on Corundum Neuroscience, interested parties can follow the organization on LinkedIn or visit their official website.
Conclusion
This strategic appointment marks a pivotal moment for Corundum Neuroscience as it moves forward with its mission to innovate within the field of neurotechnology. The insights and leadership Dr. Francis brings are poised to drive transformative changes in the sector, reflecting CNS’s commitment to leading advancements in neuroscience solutions.