Breakout Ventures

Breakout Ventures is an early-stage venture capital investment firm established in 2016 and based in San Francisco, California. The firm focuses on supporting innovative scientist entrepreneurs who are developing solutions at the intersections of technology, biology, materials, and energy. Breakout Ventures seeks to invest in science-driven companies that operate within the bio-based solutions, healthcare, and sustainability sectors, aiming to foster advancements that address critical global challenges.

James Chan

CFO

Nima Ronaghi

Principal

Dana Watt

Principal

23 past transactions

Canaery

Seed Round in 2022
Canaery is building a neural interface for analyzing an object’s scent fingerprint to identify dangerous compounds at places like ports and inspection points without (or in addition to) x-rays or cameras.

Twelve

Series B in 2022
Twelve, formerly known as Opus 12, is a Berkeley, California-based company that specializes in recycling carbon dioxide emissions into valuable chemicals and fuels. Founded in 2015, the company has developed innovative technology that can be integrated with any source of CO₂ emissions. By utilizing only water and electricity as inputs, Twelve transforms captured carbon dioxide into essential products such as methane, ethylene, and ethanol. The firm aims to provide a cost-competitive alternative to petroleum-derived chemicals and fuels, thereby addressing carbon emissions while simultaneously creating economically viable solutions.

Surf Bio

Seed Round in 2022
Surf Bio is a preclinical biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapeutic solutions using a novel biotechnology platform. This platform centers around a next-generation surfactant designed to enhance drug effectiveness for a variety of medical conditions, including diabetes, oncology, infectious diseases, and gene therapy. By improving therapeutic applications, Surf Bio aims to provide healthcare organizations worldwide with access to new and more effective treatments for patients facing critical health issues.

Phantom Neuro

Seed Round in 2022
Phantom Neuro creates a system that will enable lifelike control of robotic orthopedic technologies, such as prosthetic limbs and exoskeletons.

Circuit Clinical

Venture Round in 2022
Circuit Clinical is an integrated research organization established to enhance participation in clinical research by connecting patients with trusted healthcare providers. Founded in 2015, the company has developed a network that includes over one million patients and focuses on the engagement of both physicians and participants. By utilizing HIPAA and FDA-compliant electronic medical record reviews, Circuit Clinical effectively identifies motivated participants. The organization offers research services that increase accessibility to clinical studies while guiding community physicians and their patients through each phase of the research process. This approach not only improves the quality of research sites but also prioritizes patient safety, ultimately fostering a more effective clinical research environment.

Zymochem

Seed Round in 2021
ZymoChem, Inc. develops microbes and bioprocesses that enable production of chemicals from renewable sources, such as sugars. The company was founded in 2013 and is based in Emeryville, California.

Parthenon Therapeutics

Series A in 2021
Parthenon Therapeutics is inventing a novel class of anti-cancer therapies that reprogram the tumor microenvironment (TME). The interplay between cancer cells and their surrounding microenvironment is relevant in drug development as manycancers use the TME to build barriers that shield immune system attack. One approach, PRTH-101, breaks these barriers to overcome recalcitrant cancers. Based on research, the company is designing a portfolio of drug candidates to treat the right patients at the right time.

Twelve

Series A in 2021
Twelve, formerly known as Opus 12, is a Berkeley, California-based company that specializes in recycling carbon dioxide emissions into valuable chemicals and fuels. Founded in 2015, the company has developed innovative technology that can be integrated with any source of CO₂ emissions. By utilizing only water and electricity as inputs, Twelve transforms captured carbon dioxide into essential products such as methane, ethylene, and ethanol. The firm aims to provide a cost-competitive alternative to petroleum-derived chemicals and fuels, thereby addressing carbon emissions while simultaneously creating economically viable solutions.

Circuit Clinical

Series B in 2021
Circuit Clinical is an integrated research organization established to enhance participation in clinical research by connecting patients with trusted healthcare providers. Founded in 2015, the company has developed a network that includes over one million patients and focuses on the engagement of both physicians and participants. By utilizing HIPAA and FDA-compliant electronic medical record reviews, Circuit Clinical effectively identifies motivated participants. The organization offers research services that increase accessibility to clinical studies while guiding community physicians and their patients through each phase of the research process. This approach not only improves the quality of research sites but also prioritizes patient safety, ultimately fostering a more effective clinical research environment.

CytoVale

Debt Financing in 2021
CytoVale, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in developing biomarkers derived from the mechanical properties of individual cells, a field known as mechanomics. Utilizing advanced microfluidics technology, CytoVale routes and physically probes these cells to measure multiple biomarkers simultaneously. The company's innovative approach aims to transform diagnostics, particularly in the early detection of sepsis, enhancing patient outcomes while also reducing treatment costs. Established in 2012, CytoVale combines the principles of cell mechanics with machine learning to create reliable biophysical markers that can significantly improve clinical decision-making.

Immusoft

Venture Round in 2020
Immusoft Corporation is a biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, focused on developing autologous cell therapies for various human diseases through its proprietary Immune System Programming (ISP) technology. Founded in 2009, the company modifies a patient's immune cells, specifically B cells, to create miniature drug factories that produce gene-encoded medicines, or biologics. By reprogramming these cells, Immusoft's technology enables the in vivo delivery of therapeutics that can replace missing or defective enzymes and proteins. The core ISP technology was initially developed at the California Institute of Technology and is exclusively licensed to Immusoft. This innovative approach aims to improve treatments for rare and infectious diseases by harnessing the body's own immune system.

Checkerspot

Series B in 2020
Checkerspot, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Berkeley, California, founded in 2016. The company specializes in producing performance materials derived from microalgae, leveraging advancements in biology, chemistry, and materials science. Checkerspot's innovative technology platform enables the design of new materials at the molecular level, allowing for the creation of tailored solutions for various industrial applications. By integrating molecular foundry techniques with fermentation processes, the company develops sustainable materials, including polyurethanes and textile finishes, that meet the specific needs of product designers. Checkerspot collaborates closely with product users and socially responsible corporations to prototype and iterate on products, ultimately bringing superior materials to market that promote sustainability and enhanced performance.

ShiraTronics

Series A in 2020
ShiraTronics is in the early stages of developing new innovative therapies to combat debilitating migraine headaches. The company is focused on commercializing novel neuromodulation technologies to treat this large unmet clinical need for patients and physicians. ShiraTronics is the first spinout from NuXcel a global medical device accelerator company.

CytoVale

Series B in 2019
CytoVale, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in developing biomarkers derived from the mechanical properties of individual cells, a field known as mechanomics. Utilizing advanced microfluidics technology, CytoVale routes and physically probes these cells to measure multiple biomarkers simultaneously. The company's innovative approach aims to transform diagnostics, particularly in the early detection of sepsis, enhancing patient outcomes while also reducing treatment costs. Established in 2012, CytoVale combines the principles of cell mechanics with machine learning to create reliable biophysical markers that can significantly improve clinical decision-making.

Curie Co

Seed Round in 2019
Curie Co. Inc. is a life science company based in New York that specializes in the production of engineered enzymes and biopolymers, primarily for the personal care, pharmaceutical, and healthcare industries. Founded in 2017, the company aims to replace harmful and banned chemicals with sustainable alternatives derived from recycled marine biomaterials, branded as OceanSafe. These innovative materials are designed to eliminate the need for preservatives and are utilized to create biodegradable bioplastics for various applications, including microbeads, packaging, and films. Curie Co. focuses on providing eco-friendly solutions that do not compromise product quality or performance, allowing consumers to access familiar products at competitive prices while minimizing environmental impact.

Checkerspot

Series A in 2019
Checkerspot, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Berkeley, California, founded in 2016. The company specializes in producing performance materials derived from microalgae, leveraging advancements in biology, chemistry, and materials science. Checkerspot's innovative technology platform enables the design of new materials at the molecular level, allowing for the creation of tailored solutions for various industrial applications. By integrating molecular foundry techniques with fermentation processes, the company develops sustainable materials, including polyurethanes and textile finishes, that meet the specific needs of product designers. Checkerspot collaborates closely with product users and socially responsible corporations to prototype and iterate on products, ultimately bringing superior materials to market that promote sustainability and enhanced performance.

Phylagen

Series A in 2019
Phylagen, Inc. is a data analytics company based in San Francisco, California, that focuses on microbiome data solutions. Founded in 2014, the company employs DNA sequencing and machine learning to analyze complex genetic signatures found within the environmental microbiome. By transforming this extensive and largely unexplored dataset into actionable insights, Phylagen aims to support decision-making for businesses across various industries. Through its innovative approach, Phylagen harnesses the potential of microbial data to provide valuable analytics that can enhance operations and strategies for its clients.

Immusoft

Series B in 2019
Immusoft Corporation is a biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, focused on developing autologous cell therapies for various human diseases through its proprietary Immune System Programming (ISP) technology. Founded in 2009, the company modifies a patient's immune cells, specifically B cells, to create miniature drug factories that produce gene-encoded medicines, or biologics. By reprogramming these cells, Immusoft's technology enables the in vivo delivery of therapeutics that can replace missing or defective enzymes and proteins. The core ISP technology was initially developed at the California Institute of Technology and is exclusively licensed to Immusoft. This innovative approach aims to improve treatments for rare and infectious diseases by harnessing the body's own immune system.

CytoVale

Series B in 2017
CytoVale, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in developing biomarkers derived from the mechanical properties of individual cells, a field known as mechanomics. Utilizing advanced microfluidics technology, CytoVale routes and physically probes these cells to measure multiple biomarkers simultaneously. The company's innovative approach aims to transform diagnostics, particularly in the early detection of sepsis, enhancing patient outcomes while also reducing treatment costs. Established in 2012, CytoVale combines the principles of cell mechanics with machine learning to create reliable biophysical markers that can significantly improve clinical decision-making.

Cortexyme

Debt Financing in 2017
Cortexyme, Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. The company's lead drug candidate, COR388, is an orally administered small molecule designed to inhibit gingipain, which is linked to neurodegeneration. Currently in Phase II/III clinical trials, COR388 targets patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Cortexyme's research is grounded in a novel theory linking a specific, undisclosed pathogen to the progression of neurodegenerative conditions, a hypothesis supported by various animal model studies. The company was founded in 2012 and continues to advance its therapeutic candidates through preclinical and clinical development phases.

Immusoft

Series A in 2016
Immusoft Corporation is a biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, focused on developing autologous cell therapies for various human diseases through its proprietary Immune System Programming (ISP) technology. Founded in 2009, the company modifies a patient's immune cells, specifically B cells, to create miniature drug factories that produce gene-encoded medicines, or biologics. By reprogramming these cells, Immusoft's technology enables the in vivo delivery of therapeutics that can replace missing or defective enzymes and proteins. The core ISP technology was initially developed at the California Institute of Technology and is exclusively licensed to Immusoft. This innovative approach aims to improve treatments for rare and infectious diseases by harnessing the body's own immune system.

3Scan

Series B in 2016
3Scan, Inc. specializes in developing advanced microscopy tools and software for automated tissue sectioning and imaging, primarily aimed at enhancing large-scale sample analysis and 3D visualizations. Founded in 2010 and based in San Francisco, California, the company focuses on addressing diseases that manifest at the tissue level, including cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. By integrating automation, machine learning, and computer vision, 3Scan's technology enables researchers and medical professionals to achieve greater throughput, improved quantification, and extensive image analysis compared to traditional histopathology methods. This data-driven approach aims to deepen the understanding of tissue biology, facilitating the discovery of new diagnostics and therapeutics. 3Scan was acquired by Transcriptic, Inc. in 2019.

Modern Meadow

Series B in 2016
Modern Meadow, LLC is a biofabrication company established in 2011 and headquartered in Brooklyn, New York. The company specializes in producing animal-free leather and other cultured products, such as meat alternatives, through innovative methods that eliminate the need for animal slaughter. By utilizing living cells and fermentation-based processes, Modern Meadow develops lightweight materials that provide superior color, performance, and durability, while also promoting lab-to-brand traceability. Their approach significantly reduces the inputs of land, water, energy, and chemicals, contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions. This focus on sustainability enables customers to maintain the quality and appearance of materials without relying on petrochemical inputs or animal-derived substances.
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