Private Equity
INVESTMENT STRATEGY
As a funding partner for our platform company MERIT CRO, Inc., we raise capital to support MERIT’s growth initiatives, including roll-up acquisition of small to mid-sized CROs. The acquisition targets are usually small, privately-held CROs with stable revenue of $5-10 million and EBITDA of 10-20%. We expect investment in a well-established company like MERIT, with robust growth potential, to deliver stable and attractive returns for our investors.
TEAM
Steve Yang, CFA, MBA
Mr. Yang has over 25 years of broad experience in capital markets, technology, life sciences, and management consulting. He is co-founder and CEO of Mianus Capital, and a Board member and CFO of MERIT CRO, Inc., a clinical endpoint solution provider. He previously held various management positions in banking and investment firms, including Nomura, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Black River Asset Management. Mr. Yang started his management career at McKinsey & Company in 2001. He earned an MBA with high distinction from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. He also received a master’s degree in computer science and a bachelor’s degree in computer and electrical engineering from the University of Minnesota.
Mei Liu, CAIA, FRM
Ms. Liu has 10+ years of experience in fund operation and investment transactions across asset classes. Her experience in the capital market includes a director role in the investment division of a Fortune 500 China-based conglomerate, and an analyst role in market risk at Nomura Securities International. Ms. Liu has a master of economics from New York University and a bachelor of finance from Fudan University in China. She is a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA).
ADVISORS
Our investment process is supported by a team of seasoned business executives with deep industry knowledge and extensive networks in the pharma service and clinical research industries.
Jeanne Hecht, MBA
Ms. Hecht has 25+ years within the pharma services industry, focusing on ophthalmology and oncology. She currently serves as CEO of JTH Consulting, LLC, advisor of QHP Capital, and executive chairman for Lexitas Pharma Services, Inc. Her leadership experience includes CEO of Ora, COO of Median Technologies, and senior roles at IQVIA, VP of marketing and sales for Decision Biomarkers, Inc., and regulatory affairs officer for the UNC Oncology Protocol Office. She received her MBA from the University of Michigan – Stephen M. Ross School of Business and is a current member of ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology), DIA (Drug Information Association), HBA (Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association), Project Management Institute, WBL (Women Leading Health Care), and WITH (Women in Technology and Healthcare).
James Golando
Mr. Golando has 30+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. He has overseen the operational and developmental planning and execution of global clinical trials in imaging, oncology, respiratory, endocrine, anti-infectives, and cardiology. His expertise ranges from Phase I through late-stage development and lifecycle management, with particular strengths in imaging clinical trials, clinical research, clinical operations, procurement/outsourcing, project/team leadership, and project management. He has held senior leadership positions as chief of operations at Ora, Inc., and Median Technologies. Prior to that he was vice president of medical affairs, medical imaging and cardiovascular services with BioClinica. Earlier leadership positions include roles at Piramal Healthcare Ltd., CoreLab Partners, Inc., Schering Plough Research Institute, and Novartis Pharmaceuticals.