From venture capital to cancer biotech COO: How Jeremy Au turned personal loss into purpose

Growing up in the 90s, Jeremy loved reading science fiction and how innovation could push the limits of what everyone thought was possible. As a member of his school’s computer club, he competed in national technology and robotics competitions.

“Science felt like incredible magic that could solve the world’s toughest problems,” he recalls.

He was inspired by brilliant scientists like Dr David Ho, Time Magazine’s “Man of the Year” in 1996, whose groundbreaking protease inhibitor drug therapies transformed HIV/AIDS from a fatal disease into a manageable condition. As a result, Jeremy aspired to become a vaccine researcher.
 

Unfortunately, life had other plans. While in junior college, Jeremy lost a loved one to cancer. This painful experience left a lasting mark, and instead he chose to study Economics and Business Administration at the University of California, Berkeley.

Determined to find other ways to make a difference, he participated in volunteer activities that aligned with his passion for social good.

“I worked on social impact consulting projects, where I partnered with healthcare initiatives and school district health programmes,” he shares. “This helped me understand how healthcare systems operate at a grassroots level, where funding, policy, and access shape patient outcomes.”
 

Building a foundation for Lucence

After graduating, Jeremy returned to Singapore, working as an associate consultant at Bain & Company before co-founding Conjunct Consulting, an award-winning social impact consultancy platform.

He later pursued his MBA at Harvard Business School, where he honed his skills in entrepreneurship, fundraising, and scaling high-growth startups.

During that time, he built CozyKin, an education startup in Boston and New York that reached Series A funding and was later acquired.

“Technology breakthroughs are only part of the puzzle,” he reflects. “It needs to be paired with a solid commercial strategy, investor confidence, and the discipline to execute.”
 

Shifting from venture capital to precision oncology
 

Returning to Southeast Asia, Jeremy joined Monk’s Hill Ventures, a leading Series A VC fund. He worked closely with early-stage founders across the region, sharpening his ability to identify and nurture promising startups.

On weekends, he began recording honest conversations with builders and investors. This quickly grew into BRAVE Southeast Asia, the region’s top tech podcast with more than 60,000 monthly listeners.

It was during this chapter of his journey that he encountered Dr Min-Han Tan, founder and CEO of Lucence. A respected oncologist and geneticist, Dr Tan had worked at National Cancer Centre Singapore and Cleveland Clinic, led the A*STAR Laboratory of Systems Medicine, and published over 100 original research papers in Nature, Cancer Cell, and more.

“When I first met Dr Tan, I was struck by his energy and commitment,” Jeremy recalls. “He wasn’t just discussing science; he was revolutionising cancer diagnostics.”

The mission hit home. Lucence wasn’t just another rising star; it was a startup that could save lives at scale.

And so, when the offer to join Lucence as its Chief Operating Officer came, he jumped at the opportunity to “take revenge on cancer” that had taken away the lives of so many loved ones.
 

A breakthrough in cancer detection with liquid biopsy technology
 

At its core, cancer is triggered by genetic mutations that cause cells to grow uncontrollably and spread. These changes can come from inherited traits or environmental exposure.

Cancer cells release tiny fragments of tumorous DNA and RNA into the bloodstream, which can be detected through blood testing.

Lucence’s core technology is next-generation sequencing (NGS), an advanced genomic technology that scans millions of DNA and RNA molecules in parallel. This enables precise detection of mutations, deletions, and other genomic alterations associated with different cancer types.

Unlike traditional biopsies that require surgical tissue removal, liquid biopsies analyse blood samples, which is safer, faster, and more convenient for patients and doctors.

Because all cancers are genetically unique, personalised treatment is critical. Lucence’s first product was LiquidHALLMARK, which maps out a cancer’s genetic fingerprint, thus guiding doctors to the most effective treatment options, for example, precision drugs or immunotherapy.

This became the first and only liquid biopsy test to secure Medicare coverage for its hybrid analysis of both circulating tumour DNA and RNA.

Building on this momentum, Lucence signed a landmark collaboration with Mayo Clinic Laboratories in 2025. The partnership integrates Mayo Clinic’s global distribution network to accelerate adoption in the United States and worldwide.

But the real challenge isn’t just scientific – it’s making this technology widely accessible.

Years in Venture Capital showed Jeremy that powerful innovation means little if it’s out of reach for most people.

“Early detection is key to saving lives. The sooner cancer is caught, the better the chances for a positive treatment outcome,” he adds.

LucenceINSIGHT, the company’s test, detects up to 50 types of cancer. This non-invasive screening tool identifies tumor-derived genetic material in the bloodstream, enabling detection at earlier stages and often before symptoms appear.

By simplifying the testing process to resemble a routine blood test, it removes many of the traditional barriers associated with cancer screening.

Early detection opens the door to less invasive treatment options, improved patient outcomes, and significantly reduced healthcare costs.

Lucence aims to make early cancer detection as easy and affordable as routine health checks with its range of 5/7/12/50 cancer screenings. The tests are now available at screening centres, general practitioners, longevity clinics, and hospitals.
 

Singapore’s thriving startup scene
 

Singapore’s robust biotech ecosystem and funding opportunities have provided the company with critical support. “Lucence has benefited from Enterprise Singapore's global partnership programmes, SGInnovate's commercialisation support, and investment firm Heliconia's strategic funding,” Jeremy shares. “With these partners, Lucence has scaled faster and more efficiently.”

Lucence joins the ranks of pioneering biotech companies that have launched from Singapore. Additionally, global pharmaceutical leaders like Pfizer, Novartis, and Amgen have established major manufacturing hubs here, reinforcing Singapore’s reputation as a global biotech hub.

“In Singapore, we have access to the right resources, both locally and globally, to help us grow and reach our potential,” Jeremy adds. “This is a place where startups can thrive and make a real impact on the world stage.”

The strong network of research institutions, universities, and industry collaborations has allowed Lucence to integrate deeply into the local biotech ecosystem.

“We've worked with many local universities, research institutions, and startups to share knowledge and resources,” Jeremy says. This collaborative environment has been instrumental in driving innovation and advancing the company’s mission.
 

A future of innovation and impact in precision oncology
 

Jeremy envisions a future where cancer is no longer a threat, but is detected early and treated effectively.

“I want my children to live in a world where cancer is just another disease that we have overcome. What an incredible future that would be,” he says.

“Life is a gift. Purpose transforms pain into meaning,” he adds. “When purpose meets action, ordinary people do extraordinary things together.”
 

Source: This article was first published by the Singapore Global Network (SGN), a 140,000+ strong network connecting professionals and building communities across the globe. For networking events, industry insights and stories like this, join SGN here.