Cancer drug-developer Black Diamond emerges from stealth mode with Series A and closes Series B in the same month, while aging-focused Juvenescence closes its initial tranche and looks complete Series B by the end of the quarter. 

Finance Watch has noted $1.1bn worth of venture capital deals so far in 2019. Meanwhile, public offerings continue to be muted by the US government shutdown, though Revance and others sold shares. Also, Five Prime and others reveal layoffs and strategic shifts.

Investments for start-ups seeking their first infusion of venture capital continues to be scarce as venture firms seek later-stage opportunities and liquidity to improve their own chances of raising new funds.

Index Ventures on Oct. 27 pledged up to €10 million ($13.4 million) to Swiss start-up Mind-NRG in the latest example of the venture capitalist's asset-centric financing model.