Column Group I

The Column Group, established in 2005 and headquartered in San Francisco, is a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments in the biotechnology sector. It focuses on drug discovery and development, targeting areas such as cancer, inflammation, and infectious diseases. The firm invests $15 million to $30 million per deal, aiming to build companies with innovative scientific platforms that address unmet medical needs. It provides support throughout the development process, from seed financing to commercialization.

Leon Chen

Partner

David Goeddel

Managing Partner

Sarah Hymowitz

Partner

JeenJoo Kang

Venture Partner

Craig Parker

Venture Partner

Millie Ray

Partner

Robert Tjian

Discovery Partner

Laurence Lasky Ph.D

Partner

Brian Wong Ph.D

Venture Partner

Past deals in San Francisco Bay Area

Neurona Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2025
Neurona Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, that specializes in developing cell-based therapies for neurological disorders. Founded by neuroscientists and stem cell pioneers at The University of California, San Francisco, the company focuses on creating therapeutic compositions of specific types of neurons for targeted delivery into the injured nervous system. Drawing on nearly two decades of research, Neurona seeks to harness particular subpopulations of neurons capable of integrating and repairing dysregulated neural circuits. With a dedicated team of scientists and advisors, the company aims to accelerate the development of breakthrough treatments for patients suffering from significant unmet medical needs in the realm of chronic neurological diseases.

Surrozen

Post in 2025
Surrozen, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing targeted regenerative antibodies to repair damaged tissues and improve organ function. The company utilizes antibody platforms that act as Wnt and R-spondin mimetics to stimulate tissue regeneration in a variety of organs. Its key programs include SZN-043, which aims to promote hepatocyte regeneration in liver diseases, and SZN-1326, designed to repair diseased epithelial tissue for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Surrozen's research targets several disease areas, including conditions affecting the intestine, liver, retina, cornea, lung, kidney, cochlea, skin, pancreas, and central nervous system, by engaging the body’s natural biological repair mechanisms. The company was incorporated in 2015 and continues to advance its innovative therapeutic approaches.

Circle Pharma

Series D in 2024
Circle Pharma, Inc. is an early-stage biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, founded in 2012 by Matt Jacobson and Scott Lokey. The company focuses on developing cell-permeable macrocyclic peptide therapeutics by employing proprietary computational design algorithms and innovative synthetic chemistry. Circle Pharma utilizes an iterative design process that leverages large virtual libraries of conformationally diverse macrocycle scaffolds, which are selected for their inherent permeability. This approach allows the company to create first-in-class macrocycle therapies that can be administered through multiple routes, including oral delivery. The therapeutics target challenging clinical issues, particularly intracellular protein-protein interactions that are significant contributors to cancer, thereby addressing unmet medical needs and enhancing the capabilities of healthcare professionals in their treatment efforts.

Circle Pharma

Series D in 2024
Circle Pharma, Inc. is an early-stage biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, founded in 2012 by Matt Jacobson and Scott Lokey. The company focuses on developing cell-permeable macrocyclic peptide therapeutics by employing proprietary computational design algorithms and innovative synthetic chemistry. Circle Pharma utilizes an iterative design process that leverages large virtual libraries of conformationally diverse macrocycle scaffolds, which are selected for their inherent permeability. This approach allows the company to create first-in-class macrocycle therapies that can be administered through multiple routes, including oral delivery. The therapeutics target challenging clinical issues, particularly intracellular protein-protein interactions that are significant contributors to cancer, thereby addressing unmet medical needs and enhancing the capabilities of healthcare professionals in their treatment efforts.

Surrozen

Post in 2024
Surrozen, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing targeted regenerative antibodies to repair damaged tissues and improve organ function. The company utilizes antibody platforms that act as Wnt and R-spondin mimetics to stimulate tissue regeneration in a variety of organs. Its key programs include SZN-043, which aims to promote hepatocyte regeneration in liver diseases, and SZN-1326, designed to repair diseased epithelial tissue for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Surrozen's research targets several disease areas, including conditions affecting the intestine, liver, retina, cornea, lung, kidney, cochlea, skin, pancreas, and central nervous system, by engaging the body’s natural biological repair mechanisms. The company was incorporated in 2015 and continues to advance its innovative therapeutic approaches.

Neurona Therapeutics

Series E in 2024
Neurona Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, that specializes in developing cell-based therapies for neurological disorders. Founded by neuroscientists and stem cell pioneers at The University of California, San Francisco, the company focuses on creating therapeutic compositions of specific types of neurons for targeted delivery into the injured nervous system. Drawing on nearly two decades of research, Neurona seeks to harness particular subpopulations of neurons capable of integrating and repairing dysregulated neural circuits. With a dedicated team of scientists and advisors, the company aims to accelerate the development of breakthrough treatments for patients suffering from significant unmet medical needs in the realm of chronic neurological diseases.

Surrozen

Post in 2021
Surrozen, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing targeted regenerative antibodies to repair damaged tissues and improve organ function. The company utilizes antibody platforms that act as Wnt and R-spondin mimetics to stimulate tissue regeneration in a variety of organs. Its key programs include SZN-043, which aims to promote hepatocyte regeneration in liver diseases, and SZN-1326, designed to repair diseased epithelial tissue for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Surrozen's research targets several disease areas, including conditions affecting the intestine, liver, retina, cornea, lung, kidney, cochlea, skin, pancreas, and central nervous system, by engaging the body’s natural biological repair mechanisms. The company was incorporated in 2015 and continues to advance its innovative therapeutic approaches.

Neurona Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2021
Neurona Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, that specializes in developing cell-based therapies for neurological disorders. Founded by neuroscientists and stem cell pioneers at The University of California, San Francisco, the company focuses on creating therapeutic compositions of specific types of neurons for targeted delivery into the injured nervous system. Drawing on nearly two decades of research, Neurona seeks to harness particular subpopulations of neurons capable of integrating and repairing dysregulated neural circuits. With a dedicated team of scientists and advisors, the company aims to accelerate the development of breakthrough treatments for patients suffering from significant unmet medical needs in the realm of chronic neurological diseases.

Circle Pharma

Series C in 2021
Circle Pharma, Inc. is an early-stage biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, founded in 2012 by Matt Jacobson and Scott Lokey. The company focuses on developing cell-permeable macrocyclic peptide therapeutics by employing proprietary computational design algorithms and innovative synthetic chemistry. Circle Pharma utilizes an iterative design process that leverages large virtual libraries of conformationally diverse macrocycle scaffolds, which are selected for their inherent permeability. This approach allows the company to create first-in-class macrocycle therapies that can be administered through multiple routes, including oral delivery. The therapeutics target challenging clinical issues, particularly intracellular protein-protein interactions that are significant contributors to cancer, thereby addressing unmet medical needs and enhancing the capabilities of healthcare professionals in their treatment efforts.

Surrozen

Series C in 2020
Surrozen, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing targeted regenerative antibodies to repair damaged tissues and improve organ function. The company utilizes antibody platforms that act as Wnt and R-spondin mimetics to stimulate tissue regeneration in a variety of organs. Its key programs include SZN-043, which aims to promote hepatocyte regeneration in liver diseases, and SZN-1326, designed to repair diseased epithelial tissue for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Surrozen's research targets several disease areas, including conditions affecting the intestine, liver, retina, cornea, lung, kidney, cochlea, skin, pancreas, and central nervous system, by engaging the body’s natural biological repair mechanisms. The company was incorporated in 2015 and continues to advance its innovative therapeutic approaches.

Circle Pharma

Series B in 2020
Circle Pharma, Inc. is an early-stage biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, founded in 2012 by Matt Jacobson and Scott Lokey. The company focuses on developing cell-permeable macrocyclic peptide therapeutics by employing proprietary computational design algorithms and innovative synthetic chemistry. Circle Pharma utilizes an iterative design process that leverages large virtual libraries of conformationally diverse macrocycle scaffolds, which are selected for their inherent permeability. This approach allows the company to create first-in-class macrocycle therapies that can be administered through multiple routes, including oral delivery. The therapeutics target challenging clinical issues, particularly intracellular protein-protein interactions that are significant contributors to cancer, thereby addressing unmet medical needs and enhancing the capabilities of healthcare professionals in their treatment efforts.

ORIC Pharmaceuticals

Series D in 2019
ORIC Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies to overcome resistance in cancer treatments. Founded in 2014 and based in South San Francisco, the company’s lead product candidate, ORIC-101, is a small molecule antagonist of the glucocorticoid receptor, which is associated with resistance to various cancer therapies in solid tumors. Its second candidate, ORIC-533, is an orally bioavailable small molecule inhibitor of CD73, targeting a critical component of the adenosine pathway linked to resistance against chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In addition to these products, ORIC is advancing multiple precision medicines aimed at addressing other mechanisms of cancer resistance. The company’s founders, Charles Sawyers and Scott Lowe, have extensive experience in identifying novel cancer targets that have led to innovative therapies.

Surrozen

Series B in 2019
Surrozen, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing targeted regenerative antibodies to repair damaged tissues and improve organ function. The company utilizes antibody platforms that act as Wnt and R-spondin mimetics to stimulate tissue regeneration in a variety of organs. Its key programs include SZN-043, which aims to promote hepatocyte regeneration in liver diseases, and SZN-1326, designed to repair diseased epithelial tissue for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Surrozen's research targets several disease areas, including conditions affecting the intestine, liver, retina, cornea, lung, kidney, cochlea, skin, pancreas, and central nervous system, by engaging the body’s natural biological repair mechanisms. The company was incorporated in 2015 and continues to advance its innovative therapeutic approaches.

ORIC Pharmaceuticals

Series C in 2018
ORIC Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies to overcome resistance in cancer treatments. Founded in 2014 and based in South San Francisco, the company’s lead product candidate, ORIC-101, is a small molecule antagonist of the glucocorticoid receptor, which is associated with resistance to various cancer therapies in solid tumors. Its second candidate, ORIC-533, is an orally bioavailable small molecule inhibitor of CD73, targeting a critical component of the adenosine pathway linked to resistance against chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In addition to these products, ORIC is advancing multiple precision medicines aimed at addressing other mechanisms of cancer resistance. The company’s founders, Charles Sawyers and Scott Lowe, have extensive experience in identifying novel cancer targets that have led to innovative therapies.

Surrozen

Series A in 2017
Surrozen, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing targeted regenerative antibodies to repair damaged tissues and improve organ function. The company utilizes antibody platforms that act as Wnt and R-spondin mimetics to stimulate tissue regeneration in a variety of organs. Its key programs include SZN-043, which aims to promote hepatocyte regeneration in liver diseases, and SZN-1326, designed to repair diseased epithelial tissue for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Surrozen's research targets several disease areas, including conditions affecting the intestine, liver, retina, cornea, lung, kidney, cochlea, skin, pancreas, and central nervous system, by engaging the body’s natural biological repair mechanisms. The company was incorporated in 2015 and continues to advance its innovative therapeutic approaches.

ORIC Pharmaceuticals

Series B in 2015
ORIC Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies to overcome resistance in cancer treatments. Founded in 2014 and based in South San Francisco, the company’s lead product candidate, ORIC-101, is a small molecule antagonist of the glucocorticoid receptor, which is associated with resistance to various cancer therapies in solid tumors. Its second candidate, ORIC-533, is an orally bioavailable small molecule inhibitor of CD73, targeting a critical component of the adenosine pathway linked to resistance against chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In addition to these products, ORIC is advancing multiple precision medicines aimed at addressing other mechanisms of cancer resistance. The company’s founders, Charles Sawyers and Scott Lowe, have extensive experience in identifying novel cancer targets that have led to innovative therapies.

Neurona Therapeutics

Series A in 2015
Neurona Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, that specializes in developing cell-based therapies for neurological disorders. Founded by neuroscientists and stem cell pioneers at The University of California, San Francisco, the company focuses on creating therapeutic compositions of specific types of neurons for targeted delivery into the injured nervous system. Drawing on nearly two decades of research, Neurona seeks to harness particular subpopulations of neurons capable of integrating and repairing dysregulated neural circuits. With a dedicated team of scientists and advisors, the company aims to accelerate the development of breakthrough treatments for patients suffering from significant unmet medical needs in the realm of chronic neurological diseases.

ORIC Pharmaceuticals

Series A in 2014
ORIC Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies to overcome resistance in cancer treatments. Founded in 2014 and based in South San Francisco, the company’s lead product candidate, ORIC-101, is a small molecule antagonist of the glucocorticoid receptor, which is associated with resistance to various cancer therapies in solid tumors. Its second candidate, ORIC-533, is an orally bioavailable small molecule inhibitor of CD73, targeting a critical component of the adenosine pathway linked to resistance against chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In addition to these products, ORIC is advancing multiple precision medicines aimed at addressing other mechanisms of cancer resistance. The company’s founders, Charles Sawyers and Scott Lowe, have extensive experience in identifying novel cancer targets that have led to innovative therapies.
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