Pincus was ultimately forced to look beyond Sand Hill Road for cash at Boulder-based Foundry Group, New York-based Union Square Ventures and Avalon Ventures, a firm not well-known outside of biotech circles or its San Diego headquarters.

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However, America's man at the talks, Christopher Hill, is beyond optimism.

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The hop-town of Motueka, 46km northwest of Nelson, is the gateway to Golden Bay, an idyllic rural enclave beyond the big Takaka Hill.

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