Novellus Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm investing in companies transforming the future of healthcare. We partner with founders developing breakthrough solutions across diagnostics, med-tech, therapeutics and digital health; innovations that improve how disease is detected, treated, and prevented.
Our Approach
We combine scientific rigor, operational experience, and a deep clinical network to assess a company's product development roadmap, clinical validation plan, regulatory approach, and commercial entry strategy. Our investment philosophy is grounded in disciplined evaluation, high-conviction support, and long-term partnership.
Our Mission
To accelerate life-changing technologies by empowering the scientists, clinicians, and entrepreneurs who are redefining human health.
We understand that building a transformative company requires more than just funding. Our approach emphasizes:
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Strategic Support
Assisting companies with regulatory strategy, clinical development pathways, and go-to-market execution.
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Network Access
Connecting founders with a curated network of experts, advisors, and industry leaders.
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Operational Insight
Drawing on our entrepreneurial experience to help companies scale intelligently.
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Long-Term Partnership
Providing patient, value-driven support throughout the company's growth journey.
The People Behind Novellus
Team
Leadership
Firoz Jhaver
Managing Partner
Firoz is a versatile technology entrepreneur and investor with over 30 years of experience spanning software, energy, and life sciences. He combines deep operational leadership with an investor's discipline in identifying, building, and scaling innovative ventures.
He is the Founder and Managing Partner of Novellus Ventures, a Houston-based early-stage fund focused on boosting life-science and healthcare technologies who are aiming to transform patient outcomes.
A proven builder of organizations, Firoz has led companies from inception to acquisition, creating enduring value for clients, employees, and investors alike.
Advisors
Dr. Hirzallah
Asst. Professor of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Space Medicine at BCM and an active clinician with expertise in severe brain injury, neurological emergencies, and critical illness. Clinical Advisor to the Translational Research Institute for Space Health. Lead investigator with more than 60 peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and issued patents.
Dr. Dougherty
Infectious disease physician with experience across inpatient and outpatient care. Medical Director at UnitedHealth Group, advising on regulatory pathways and adoption of emerging life-sciences technologies. Formal training in data science and clinical trial design brings a multidisciplinary perspective spanning medicine, policy, and analytics.
Dr. Austin
Biotech entrepreneur and translational leader with 30+ years across global pharma and venture-backed startups, including leadership roles at Sanofi and GSK. Founder and CEO of oncology-focused companies advancing small-molecule and brain-penetrant therapies, with experience raising private and non-dilutive capital through IND-enabling development.
Dr. Dharmarajan
PharmD and venture associate at the Houston Angel Network with experience evaluating 100+ early-stage life-science startups. Lead Navigator at First Flight Venture Center and founder of Venture Weavers Consulting, mentoring biotech and med-tech founders in commercialization, fundraising, and business development.
Mr. Hoang
Clinical translation and venture professional with expertise spanning regulatory, reimbursement, commercial, and IP strategy. Former Venture Associate at Houston Angel Network and active mentor across TMC Innovation, Rice University, Nucleate Texas, and Startup Prize.
Investments
Portfolio News
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