In Q4 2014 start-ups raised $1.5 billion, a new record. Several companies penned alliances with tech transfer entities; eight start-ups were acquired.

In our 11th annual analysis of Series A financings, we look at five sub-species of A round investors, their habits, habitats, and behaviors during 2014.

Derived from Strategic Transactions, Informa’s premium source for tracking life sciences deal activity, the Medical Device Deals Update column is a survey of recent medtech M&A, alliance, and financing activity. This month’s column covers deals announced October-November 2014.

Derived from Strategic Transactions, Informa’s premium source for tracking life sciences deal activity, the Venture Funding Deals column provides a monthly review of emerging In Vitro Diagnostic, Medical Device, and Pharmaceutical companies that have received venture funding. This month’s column covers deals announced October through November 2014.