Transforming lives
through innovation
Overview
Brandon Capital, Australia’s leading life sciences venture capital firm, appointed ICON on a retained basis in early 2024 to deliver a multi-channel communications program that amplifies its leadership across health innovation, biotech and medical research.
ICON’s approach has elevated Brandon’s profile in media, strengthened its narrative with investors and policymakers, and built sustained visibility for its role in translating research breakthroughs into real-world patient outcomes by helping accelerate access to life-changing therapies and deliver tangible improvements in patient care.
Background
Bandon Capital invests in building the companies and infrastructure that turn world-class medical research into new treatments and health solutions.
While already recognised within the life sciences sector, Brandon sought to sharpen its narrative and grow its influence across a wider audience – including investors, policymakers, scientists, and the public. Its media presence was largely composed of BAU announcements and reactive commentary, presenting a clear opportunity to expand owned content and increasingly leverage corporate voices. Much of its social media content comprised reposts from portfolio companies, offering little opportunity to tell its own story or highlight its leadership role in health innovation.
ICON was engaged to develop a communications strategy that could fill these gaps by building a consistent, proactive voice across media and owned channels, positioning Brandon as an authority in health innovation while strengthening its relationships with media, investors and policy stakeholders.
CHALLENGE
Brandon Capital operates at the intersection of highly technical biomedical research, commercialisation pathways and health policy, making it essential to translate complex, scientific narratives into accessible stories that resonate beyond the lab.
In an environment where Australia leads in medical research but faces challenges in commercialisation, sovereign manufacturing and policy reform, Brandon needed to cut through long-standing narratives to highlight its leadership and impact.
The communications challenge was twofold:
To move beyond coverage that focused narrowly on investment or funding announcements and instead spotlight the broader story of how Brandon drives innovation, supports founders and improves patient outcomes.
To engage audiences across mainstream media, specialist health and biotech publications, policymakers and investors, each requiring tailored messaging and strategic positioning.
SOLUTION
ICON implemented a strategic, multi-layered communications program, combining planning, PR, executive profiling and reputation management.
Secured 60+ Tier 1 and specialist media articles, contributing to 595 placements and positioning Brandon as a leader in health innovation.
Launched a LinkedIn content program, producing five profile blogs featuring investment managers and portfolio founders.
Delivered LinkedIn ‘Lunch & Learn’ workshops to strengthen professional presence and platform influence.
Provided strategic advisory and hands-on issues management support to guide messaging on complex matters and enhance Brandon Capital’s reputation as an ethical and effective sector leader.
Conducted targeted media training to ensure confident, consistent messaging across key sectors.
Built relationships with Tier 1 journalists to drive proactive coverage and ongoing editorial opportunities.
Services
Media relations and PR strategy
Strategic communications planning
Stakeholder engagement
Issues management
Media training
Social and owned channel content