5AM Ventures

5AM Ventures is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm founded in 2002 by John Diekman and Andrew Schwab, with an office in Boston. It concentrates on seed- and early-stage investments in life sciences, healthcare and technology-related companies, including digital health and health technology. Its portfolio comprises firms in biopharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical technology and related research instruments.

David Allison

Partner

Katie Bodner Spielberg

Senior Associate

Brian Daniels

Partner

John Diekman Ph.D

Managing Partner

Max Farina

Associate

Past deals in Genetics

TMRW Life Sciences

Series D in 2024
Founded in 2018 by Joshua Abram, Alan Murray, and Dr. Jeffrey Port, TMRW Life Sciences is a pioneering life sciences company specializing in fertility technology. It offers an automated cryo-management platform for eggs and embryos, providing a complete digital chain of custody integrated with robotic storage and monitoring solutions. This innovative approach significantly reduces human error compared to traditional manual methods in IVF procedures.

RareCyte

Venture Round in 2024
RareCyte, Inc. is a life sciences company based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2009. The company specializes in developing advanced platforms for liquid and tissue biopsy analysis, focusing on the detection and characterization of rare cells, particularly circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating endothelial cells (CECs) in blood samples. RareCyte's AccuCyte system provides an open platform that facilitates the unbiased discovery and isolation of these rare cells, supporting various applications in cancer research, cardiovascular disease studies, and diagnostic development. The company offers a range of products, including sample preparation systems, staining kits, automated fluorescence microscopy instruments, and slide imaging systems. By enabling precision medicine approaches, RareCyte aims to provide new tools for medical professionals and researchers to address complex questions in the fields of cancer and other therapeutic areas.

Karius

Series C in 2024
Karius is a life sciences company that develops genomic insights for infectious diseases. Its core offering, the Karius Test, is a non-invasive blood test that sequences microbial cell-free DNA to identify and quantify pathogens—including bacteria, DNA viruses, fungi, and parasites—for use in complicated pneumonia, infections in immunocompromised patients, and endocarditis. The company also provides laboratory services for pathogen biomarker detection for biopharmaceutical research and development. Founded in 2014, Karius is headquartered in Redwood City, California, with an additional office in Menlo Park, California. The laboratory operations are CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited, enabling high-complexity clinical testing. By mapping a patient’s microbial landscape from a single blood draw, Karius aims to support rapid, informed treatment decisions.

Adverum Biotechnologies

Post in 2024
Adverum Biotechnologies is a clinical-stage company focused on developing gene therapies to treat ocular diseases. Its pipeline includes ADVM-022 for wet age-related macular degeneration, ADVM-043 for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and preclinical candidates for other indications.

Nouscom

Series C in 2023
Nouscom is a biotechnology company focused on developing an immunotherapy platform that creates engineered viral vector vaccines for cancer treatment. The company's innovative platform leverages a portfolio of modified viral vectors, specifically designed for the efficient expression of long strings of tumor neoantigens. This approach is complemented by a toolkit that facilitates the induction of robust antitumor T-cell responses, effectively enhancing cancer-specific cellular immunity in patients. Through its research and development efforts, Nouscom aims to improve cancer treatment outcomes by harnessing the body's immune system to target and combat cancer cells.

Nvelop Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2023
Nvelop Therapeutics develops programmable delivery systems for in vivo gene editing and therapeutic cargo delivery. It combines epigenetic editing technologies with next-generation delivery methods to address unmet medical needs. The company focuses on genetic medicines designed to target cells and tissues within the body, aiming to treat severe genetic diseases by delivering gene-editing payloads to therapeutically relevant sites. Early efforts are aligned with enabling editing in cells and tissues that have been difficult to reach, with the objective of expanding the range of actionable genetic therapies. The company seeks to advance in vivo approaches that can improve precision and safety in delivering therapeutic cargo to patients.

Novome Biotechnologies

Series B in 2022
Novome Biotechnologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company specializing in the engineering of gut bacteria to create innovative therapies for chronic diseases. Established in 2015 and located in South San Francisco, California, Novome has developed a pioneering platform for the controlled colonization of the gut with genetically engineered microbial medicines (GEMMs). This platform allows for the precise delivery of therapeutic activities aimed at treating conditions such as hyperoxaluria, with a focus on creating a bacterial strain that can degrade oxalate to help prevent kidney stone formation. The company is also expanding its synthetic biology capabilities to explore additional therapeutic indications, aiming to improve long-term health outcomes for patients through its living therapeutics.

CAMP4 Therapeutics

Series B in 2022
CAMP4 Therapeutics Corporation is a bioinformatics company founded in 2015 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The company specializes in gene regulation circuitry, focusing on the fundamental causes of diseases by manipulating gene expression. Utilizing its proprietary 4-D gene circuitry platform, CAMP4 codifies the activation of approximately 24,000 human genes into a discrete set of combinatorial rules based on existing cellular signaling pathways. This innovative approach allows CAMP4 to effectively control gene production, thereby accelerating the development of new therapies. By employing this technology, the company aims to streamline the drug development process, significantly reducing both the time and risks associated with bringing new medicines to patients.

Expansion Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
Expansion Therapeutics is a drug discovery and development company focused on creating small molecule medicines for RNA-mediated diseases. The company specializes in developing novel RNA-targeted drug candidates that aim to address a wide range of severe medical conditions. By leveraging its innovative technology, Expansion Therapeutics seeks to provide transformative oral treatment options, enhancing the therapeutic landscape for patients suffering from these complex diseases.

RareCyte

Series G in 2021
RareCyte, Inc. is a life sciences company based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2009. The company specializes in developing advanced platforms for liquid and tissue biopsy analysis, focusing on the detection and characterization of rare cells, particularly circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating endothelial cells (CECs) in blood samples. RareCyte's AccuCyte system provides an open platform that facilitates the unbiased discovery and isolation of these rare cells, supporting various applications in cancer research, cardiovascular disease studies, and diagnostic development. The company offers a range of products, including sample preparation systems, staining kits, automated fluorescence microscopy instruments, and slide imaging systems. By enabling precision medicine approaches, RareCyte aims to provide new tools for medical professionals and researchers to address complex questions in the fields of cancer and other therapeutic areas.

TMRW Life Sciences

Series C in 2021
Founded in 2018 by Joshua Abram, Alan Murray, and Dr. Jeffrey Port, TMRW Life Sciences is a pioneering life sciences company specializing in fertility technology. It offers an automated cryo-management platform for eggs and embryos, providing a complete digital chain of custody integrated with robotic storage and monitoring solutions. This innovative approach significantly reduces human error compared to traditional manual methods in IVF procedures.

CAMP4 Therapeutics

Series A in 2021
CAMP4 Therapeutics Corporation is a bioinformatics company founded in 2015 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The company specializes in gene regulation circuitry, focusing on the fundamental causes of diseases by manipulating gene expression. Utilizing its proprietary 4-D gene circuitry platform, CAMP4 codifies the activation of approximately 24,000 human genes into a discrete set of combinatorial rules based on existing cellular signaling pathways. This innovative approach allows CAMP4 to effectively control gene production, thereby accelerating the development of new therapies. By employing this technology, the company aims to streamline the drug development process, significantly reducing both the time and risks associated with bringing new medicines to patients.

Ensoma

Series A in 2021
Ensoma is a biotechnology company focused on advancing genomic medicine through its innovative in vivo approach, utilizing proprietary Engenious vectors. These vectors are engineered to deliver a wide array of gene modification technologies directly to blood and immune cells, including T cells, B cells, and myeloid cells, without the necessity for stem cell collection or prior myeloablative conditioning, which can pose risks to patients. This unique method allows for the administration of therapies via a single injection, enhancing accessibility and convenience in various healthcare settings, even where resources may be limited. Ensoma aims to expand the curative potential of genomic medicine, making it more accessible to patients in need.

Nido Biosciences

Venture Round in 2020
Nido Biosciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts, focused on developing precision medicines and small-molecule therapeutics for severe neurological and neuromuscular diseases. It employs a functional genomics platform using human cell lines and tailored screens to identify therapeutic targets driven by human genetics, with the aim of addressing the underlying biology of disease and restoring healthy cell function through targeted interventions.

Novome Biotechnologies

Series A in 2020
Novome Biotechnologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company specializing in the engineering of gut bacteria to create innovative therapies for chronic diseases. Established in 2015 and located in South San Francisco, California, Novome has developed a pioneering platform for the controlled colonization of the gut with genetically engineered microbial medicines (GEMMs). This platform allows for the precise delivery of therapeutic activities aimed at treating conditions such as hyperoxaluria, with a focus on creating a bacterial strain that can degrade oxalate to help prevent kidney stone formation. The company is also expanding its synthetic biology capabilities to explore additional therapeutic indications, aiming to improve long-term health outcomes for patients through its living therapeutics.

RareCyte

Series F in 2019
RareCyte, Inc. is a life sciences company based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2009. The company specializes in developing advanced platforms for liquid and tissue biopsy analysis, focusing on the detection and characterization of rare cells, particularly circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating endothelial cells (CECs) in blood samples. RareCyte's AccuCyte system provides an open platform that facilitates the unbiased discovery and isolation of these rare cells, supporting various applications in cancer research, cardiovascular disease studies, and diagnostic development. The company offers a range of products, including sample preparation systems, staining kits, automated fluorescence microscopy instruments, and slide imaging systems. By enabling precision medicine approaches, RareCyte aims to provide new tools for medical professionals and researchers to address complex questions in the fields of cancer and other therapeutic areas.

TMRW Life Sciences

Series B in 2019
Founded in 2018 by Joshua Abram, Alan Murray, and Dr. Jeffrey Port, TMRW Life Sciences is a pioneering life sciences company specializing in fertility technology. It offers an automated cryo-management platform for eggs and embryos, providing a complete digital chain of custody integrated with robotic storage and monitoring solutions. This innovative approach significantly reduces human error compared to traditional manual methods in IVF procedures.

Nido Biosciences

Venture Round in 2019
Nido Biosciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts, focused on developing precision medicines and small-molecule therapeutics for severe neurological and neuromuscular diseases. It employs a functional genomics platform using human cell lines and tailored screens to identify therapeutic targets driven by human genetics, with the aim of addressing the underlying biology of disease and restoring healthy cell function through targeted interventions.

Purigen Biosystems

Series B in 2019
Purigen Biosystems, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Pleasanton, California, specializing in the extraction and purification of nucleic acids from biological samples. Founded in 2012, the company has developed an innovative ionic purification system that employs isotachophoresis, a technique that allows for the efficient separation and quantification of DNA and RNA without the need for physical surface binding. This technology is particularly advantageous for challenging sample types, such as formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues and samples with low cell counts. Purigen's automated platform simplifies the processes of nucleic acid extraction, enrichment, and quantitation, providing researchers with fast and reliable results suitable for applications in qPCR, microarray, and next-generation sequencing (NGS). The company operates as a subsidiary of Agilent Technologies, Inc.

Akouos

Series A in 2018
Akouos is a biotechnology company focused on precision genetic medicine to restore and preserve hearing. Based in Boston, it develops gene therapies using a proprietary adeno-associated viral vector platform and delivery approaches to treat sensorineural hearing loss in genetically defined populations. The company's lead program, AK-OTOF, targets hearing loss caused by mutations in the OTOF gene. Akouos pursues research and development across gene-based interventions aimed at improving auditory function and long-term sensory outcomes. It has collaborations with academic and industry partners, including Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Lonza, to advance discovery and manufacturing capabilities. Founded in 2016, Akouos addresses unmet clinical needs in auditory health by seeking to restore physiologic hearing through targeted genetic therapies.

Novome Biotechnologies

Seed Round in 2018
Novome Biotechnologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company specializing in the engineering of gut bacteria to create innovative therapies for chronic diseases. Established in 2015 and located in South San Francisco, California, Novome has developed a pioneering platform for the controlled colonization of the gut with genetically engineered microbial medicines (GEMMs). This platform allows for the precise delivery of therapeutic activities aimed at treating conditions such as hyperoxaluria, with a focus on creating a bacterial strain that can degrade oxalate to help prevent kidney stone formation. The company is also expanding its synthetic biology capabilities to explore additional therapeutic indications, aiming to improve long-term health outcomes for patients through its living therapeutics.

Expansion Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Expansion Therapeutics is a drug discovery and development company focused on creating small molecule medicines for RNA-mediated diseases. The company specializes in developing novel RNA-targeted drug candidates that aim to address a wide range of severe medical conditions. By leveraging its innovative technology, Expansion Therapeutics seeks to provide transformative oral treatment options, enhancing the therapeutic landscape for patients suffering from these complex diseases.

Akouos

Seed Round in 2017
Akouos is a biotechnology company focused on precision genetic medicine to restore and preserve hearing. Based in Boston, it develops gene therapies using a proprietary adeno-associated viral vector platform and delivery approaches to treat sensorineural hearing loss in genetically defined populations. The company's lead program, AK-OTOF, targets hearing loss caused by mutations in the OTOF gene. Akouos pursues research and development across gene-based interventions aimed at improving auditory function and long-term sensory outcomes. It has collaborations with academic and industry partners, including Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Lonza, to advance discovery and manufacturing capabilities. Founded in 2016, Akouos addresses unmet clinical needs in auditory health by seeking to restore physiologic hearing through targeted genetic therapies.

Nouscom

Series B in 2017
Nouscom is a biotechnology company focused on developing an immunotherapy platform that creates engineered viral vector vaccines for cancer treatment. The company's innovative platform leverages a portfolio of modified viral vectors, specifically designed for the efficient expression of long strings of tumor neoantigens. This approach is complemented by a toolkit that facilitates the induction of robust antitumor T-cell responses, effectively enhancing cancer-specific cellular immunity in patients. Through its research and development efforts, Nouscom aims to improve cancer treatment outcomes by harnessing the body's immune system to target and combat cancer cells.

RareCyte

Venture Round in 2017
RareCyte, Inc. is a life sciences company based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2009. The company specializes in developing advanced platforms for liquid and tissue biopsy analysis, focusing on the detection and characterization of rare cells, particularly circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating endothelial cells (CECs) in blood samples. RareCyte's AccuCyte system provides an open platform that facilitates the unbiased discovery and isolation of these rare cells, supporting various applications in cancer research, cardiovascular disease studies, and diagnostic development. The company offers a range of products, including sample preparation systems, staining kits, automated fluorescence microscopy instruments, and slide imaging systems. By enabling precision medicine approaches, RareCyte aims to provide new tools for medical professionals and researchers to address complex questions in the fields of cancer and other therapeutic areas.

GenePeeks

Series B in 2017
GenePeeks, Inc. is a genetic information company headquartered in New York, New York, that focuses on reducing the risk of heritable diseases through innovative technology. Incorporated in 2009, the company has developed a proprietary software platform that digitally combines the DNA of prospective parents to simulate genetic recombination and reduction. This process generates a comprehensive analysis of potential future children’s genetic profiles, identifying disease risks that existing pre-conception screening methods may overlook. By utilizing Next-Gen sequencing data, GenePeeks creates tens of thousands of virtual genomes, enabling healthcare providers to assess high-risk genetic matches and enhance their understanding of clinically relevant genotypes and variants. The company's mission is to help families safeguard the health of future generations by providing deeper genetic insights.

Purigen Biosystems

Series A in 2016
Purigen Biosystems, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Pleasanton, California, specializing in the extraction and purification of nucleic acids from biological samples. Founded in 2012, the company has developed an innovative ionic purification system that employs isotachophoresis, a technique that allows for the efficient separation and quantification of DNA and RNA without the need for physical surface binding. This technology is particularly advantageous for challenging sample types, such as formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues and samples with low cell counts. Purigen's automated platform simplifies the processes of nucleic acid extraction, enrichment, and quantitation, providing researchers with fast and reliable results suitable for applications in qPCR, microarray, and next-generation sequencing (NGS). The company operates as a subsidiary of Agilent Technologies, Inc.

IDEAYA Biosciences

Series A in 2016
IDEAYA Biosciences is an oncology-focused biotechnology company dedicated to discovering targeted therapeutics for patient populations selected using molecular diagnostics. Its pipeline includes small molecule inhibitors targeting DNA damage and repair pathways, such as MAT2A, PARG, and Pol-theta, as well as immuno-oncology therapies targeting the tumor microenvironment.

Homology Medicines

Series A in 2016
Homology Medicines is a biotechnology company focused on developing genetic therapies for rare diseases. Its proprietary platform uses human hematopoietic stem cell-derived adeno-associated virus vectors to deliver treatments in vivo, targeting various tissues including the liver and central nervous system. The company's lead product candidate, HMI-102, is in clinical trials for treating phenylketonuria.

IDEAYA Biosciences

Seed Round in 2015
IDEAYA Biosciences is an oncology-focused biotechnology company dedicated to discovering targeted therapeutics for patient populations selected using molecular diagnostics. Its pipeline includes small molecule inhibitors targeting DNA damage and repair pathways, such as MAT2A, PARG, and Pol-theta, as well as immuno-oncology therapies targeting the tumor microenvironment.

Audentes Therapeutics

Series B in 2014
Audentes Therapeutics, a clinical stage biotechnology company based in San Francisco, specializes in developing gene therapy products aimed at treating serious, life-threatening rare diseases resulting from single gene defects. The company is advancing several therapeutic candidates, including AT132 for X-linked myotubular myopathy, AT342 for Crigler-Najjar syndrome, and AT845, which is in preclinical studies for Pompe disease. Additionally, Audentes is developing vectorized antisense treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and myotonic dystrophy type 1. It has established collaborative agreements with Genethon and the University of Pennsylvania to further research and commercialization efforts for these therapies. Founded in 2012, Audentes Therapeutics was acquired by Astellas Pharma in January 2020 and operates under the name Astellas Gene Therapies, focusing on gene therapy research, development, and future commercialization.

Audentes Therapeutics

Series A in 2013
Audentes Therapeutics, a clinical stage biotechnology company based in San Francisco, specializes in developing gene therapy products aimed at treating serious, life-threatening rare diseases resulting from single gene defects. The company is advancing several therapeutic candidates, including AT132 for X-linked myotubular myopathy, AT342 for Crigler-Najjar syndrome, and AT845, which is in preclinical studies for Pompe disease. Additionally, Audentes is developing vectorized antisense treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and myotonic dystrophy type 1. It has established collaborative agreements with Genethon and the University of Pennsylvania to further research and commercialization efforts for these therapies. Founded in 2012, Audentes Therapeutics was acquired by Astellas Pharma in January 2020 and operates under the name Astellas Gene Therapies, focusing on gene therapy research, development, and future commercialization.

Ambrx

Series D in 2009
Ambrx, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in La Jolla, California, specializing in the development of engineered precision biologics through an expanded genetic code technology platform. This innovative approach enables the incorporation of synthetic amino acids into proteins, facilitating the creation of next-generation therapeutics. Ambrx focuses on various product candidates, including antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), bispecific antibodies, targeted immuno-oncology treatments, and long-acting therapeutic peptides aimed at addressing metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The company has a robust development pipeline featuring multiple clinical and preclinical programs, with its lead candidate ARX788 among them. Ambrx also collaborates with other organizations, such as MabSpace Biosciences and BeiGene, to enhance its research and development efforts in oncology and other therapeutic areas. Founded in 2003, Ambrx is committed to advancing the efficacy and safety of new biologic therapies for patients.

PhaseRx

Series A in 2008
PhaseRx is a Seattle-based biopharmaceutical startup focused on developing intracellular enzyme replacement therapies for inherited liver diseases using its proprietary Hybrid mRNA Technology platform. This platform enables the synthesis of missing enzymes within cells, targeting three urea cycle disorders: ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD), argininosuccinate lyase deficiency (ASL deficiency), and argininosuccinate synthetase deficiency (ASS1 deficiency). The company was founded by industry veterans and renowned academics, attracting top-tier venture capital investments.

Ambrx

Series C in 2006
Ambrx, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in La Jolla, California, specializing in the development of engineered precision biologics through an expanded genetic code technology platform. This innovative approach enables the incorporation of synthetic amino acids into proteins, facilitating the creation of next-generation therapeutics. Ambrx focuses on various product candidates, including antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), bispecific antibodies, targeted immuno-oncology treatments, and long-acting therapeutic peptides aimed at addressing metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The company has a robust development pipeline featuring multiple clinical and preclinical programs, with its lead candidate ARX788 among them. Ambrx also collaborates with other organizations, such as MabSpace Biosciences and BeiGene, to enhance its research and development efforts in oncology and other therapeutic areas. Founded in 2003, Ambrx is committed to advancing the efficacy and safety of new biologic therapies for patients.

Ambrx

Series B in 2006
Ambrx, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in La Jolla, California, specializing in the development of engineered precision biologics through an expanded genetic code technology platform. This innovative approach enables the incorporation of synthetic amino acids into proteins, facilitating the creation of next-generation therapeutics. Ambrx focuses on various product candidates, including antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), bispecific antibodies, targeted immuno-oncology treatments, and long-acting therapeutic peptides aimed at addressing metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The company has a robust development pipeline featuring multiple clinical and preclinical programs, with its lead candidate ARX788 among them. Ambrx also collaborates with other organizations, such as MabSpace Biosciences and BeiGene, to enhance its research and development efforts in oncology and other therapeutic areas. Founded in 2003, Ambrx is committed to advancing the efficacy and safety of new biologic therapies for patients.

Ambrx

Series A in 2005
Ambrx, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in La Jolla, California, specializing in the development of engineered precision biologics through an expanded genetic code technology platform. This innovative approach enables the incorporation of synthetic amino acids into proteins, facilitating the creation of next-generation therapeutics. Ambrx focuses on various product candidates, including antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), bispecific antibodies, targeted immuno-oncology treatments, and long-acting therapeutic peptides aimed at addressing metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The company has a robust development pipeline featuring multiple clinical and preclinical programs, with its lead candidate ARX788 among them. Ambrx also collaborates with other organizations, such as MabSpace Biosciences and BeiGene, to enhance its research and development efforts in oncology and other therapeutic areas. Founded in 2003, Ambrx is committed to advancing the efficacy and safety of new biologic therapies for patients.

Ambrx

Series A in 2003
Ambrx, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in La Jolla, California, specializing in the development of engineered precision biologics through an expanded genetic code technology platform. This innovative approach enables the incorporation of synthetic amino acids into proteins, facilitating the creation of next-generation therapeutics. Ambrx focuses on various product candidates, including antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), bispecific antibodies, targeted immuno-oncology treatments, and long-acting therapeutic peptides aimed at addressing metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The company has a robust development pipeline featuring multiple clinical and preclinical programs, with its lead candidate ARX788 among them. Ambrx also collaborates with other organizations, such as MabSpace Biosciences and BeiGene, to enhance its research and development efforts in oncology and other therapeutic areas. Founded in 2003, Ambrx is committed to advancing the efficacy and safety of new biologic therapies for patients.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.