Simon Ayot, rising star at Revere Partners, seems to have everything going his way. Newly married to a beautiful biotech researcher, he's about to clinch his first major deal. Simon is devastated when Frank Cook, senior partner at Revere and his father-in-law, kills the funding on the investment. But his anger turns to terror, when a few days later Frank is found dead at his remote beach house. And, as the police soon discover, Simon was one of the last to see him alive. Desperate to save hismarriage and stay out of jail, Simon begins his own investigation into Frank's murder. What is the truth about Revere's gold-plated investment, BioOne? In the biotech world the risks are sky-high. And for some the rewards are worth killing for...
Final VentureIn Final Venture, I have returned to venture capital. The world's stock markets have gone wild for start ups with huge expenses and no profits in sight, and these have become the most valuable assets in most venture capitalists' portfolios. But are these companies really worth anything? It is quite possible for a venture capital investment to be worth several hundred million dollars one day, and nothing the next.
This can be the fate of many biotechnology companies. A new drug can take decades and hundreds of millions of dollars tp develop. That money can be recouped with a handsome return on top, but only if the drug makes its way successfully through the clinical trials process. The stakes are high, and secrecy is vital, as I found out when I tried to talk to people in the industry. A perfect background for a thriller.
The book also gave me the chance to explore the experiences of an Englishman in America. I am married to an American, and have spent much time there. The hero of the book, Simon, an Englishman from a very traditional background, is also married to an American. He is attracted by the openness and can-do attitude of the country, but can't quite shed his English reserve. The book is set in Boston, a city renowned for its glittering new high-tech and biotech companies, as well as for its old families and traditional attitudes.
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