DCVC

DCVC, established in 2010 and based in Palo Alto, California, is a venture capital firm focusing on early-stage investments in deep tech companies. The firm backs entrepreneurs leveraging advanced technologies to drive transformative change across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, manufacturing, and life sciences. DCVC's portfolio comprises companies that combine cutting-edge science and technology with unique computing and algorithmic advantages, aiming to reduce capital and operational expenses. DCVC Bio, a subsidiary founded in 2018 and based in San Francisco, specializes in investing in early-stage life science companies powered by deep tech approaches, targeting sectors such as therapeutics platforms, agriculture, and industrial biotechnologies. Both DCVC and DCVC Bio are registered investment advisers.

Chris Boshuizen

Partner

Jack Buendorf

Associate

Anna Fokina

Investment Director

John Hamer

Co-Founder and Managing Partner

James Hardiman

Partner

Justin Kern Ph.D

Partner

Andy May

Operating Partner

Patrick McCauley

Operating Partner

Matt O'Connell

Operating Partner

Joe Oleynik

Associate

Todd Papaioannou

Equity Partner

Luca Parolari Ph.D

Senior Associate

Jason Pontin

General Partner and Member of Investment Team

Spencer Punter

COO and Partner

Monica Rogati

Equity Partner

Stephen Seymour

Associate, Investments

Eric Shiozaki

Partner

Rachel Slaybaugh

Principal

Kiersten Stead

Managing Partner - DCVC Bio

Ali Tamaseb

General Partner

Past deals in Genetics

Grove Biopharma

Series A in 2025
Grove Biopharma is a biotechnology company dedicated to addressing unmet medical needs in oncology, chronic inflammatory, and neurodegenerative diseases. It specializes in the discovery and development of a new class of protein-like polymers, utilizing artificial intelligence and precision polymer chemistry to create hybrid synthetic protein mimetics. The company also provides materials science solutions to tackle challenges associated with peptide therapeutics, thereby facilitating researchers' access to innovative drugs in critical areas of healthcare.

SyntaxBio

Seed Round in 2024
SyntaxBio develops CRISPR/Cas9-based, genetic programming platform that converts cells into biological computers using DNA-based instructions that read like lines of code. SyntaxBio's platform can program cells without the need for consistent external intervention.

Latus Bio

Series A in 2024
Latus Bio is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing innovative gene therapies for neurological diseases. It specializes in precision delivery using proprietary adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsids derived from non-human primates, enabling targeted and efficient gene transfer to specific cells in the central nervous system. Latus aims to enhance the safety and manufacturability of its therapies by administering low doses of its product candidates.

Relation Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2024
Relation Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on advancing drug discovery and development. It utilizes human genetics and clinical omics data, alongside patient-derived tissue samples, to identify and validate therapeutic programs. The company employs machine learning to explore the relationships between genes, proteins, and drugs, generating insights that have real translational validity. By combining single-cell multi-omics from patient tissues with functional assays, Relation Therapeutics aims to deepen the understanding of biological processes in human health and disease. This approach enables healthcare providers to discover and develop novel treatments, particularly in areas with unmet medical needs.

Elo Life Systems

Series A in 2024
Elo Life Systems is a biotechnology company dedicated to enhancing human health and wellness through innovative food solutions. The company aims to connect food, agriculture, and health by addressing challenges related to agricultural productivity, nutritional needs, food security, and overall wellness. Elo employs advanced techniques such as precision breeding, genomics, data analytics, and machine learning to develop healthier food alternatives. By focusing on replacing sugar and artificial sweeteners, Elo strives to empower consumers to enjoy their favorite foods while leading healthier lives. Through strategic partnerships within the food systems value chain, the company seeks to create sustainable solutions that benefit both individuals and communities.

Totus Medicines

Series B in 2023
Totus Medicines specializes in developing innovative therapies to address previously untreatable diseases by harnessing advanced chemical biology techniques. The company utilizes a proprietary platform that enables high-throughput drug discovery, allowing it to screen billions of drug candidates against thousands of biological targets. This approach focuses on identifying effective molecules for traditionally challenging and undruggable targets, including those associated with cancer, Alzheimer's, infectious diseases, and the aging process. By converting genetic insights into viable therapeutic options, Totus Medicines aims to make a significant impact on the treatment landscape for various complex diseases.

Elo Life Systems

Series A in 2023
Elo Life Systems is a biotechnology company dedicated to enhancing human health and wellness through innovative food solutions. The company aims to connect food, agriculture, and health by addressing challenges related to agricultural productivity, nutritional needs, food security, and overall wellness. Elo employs advanced techniques such as precision breeding, genomics, data analytics, and machine learning to develop healthier food alternatives. By focusing on replacing sugar and artificial sweeteners, Elo strives to empower consumers to enjoy their favorite foods while leading healthier lives. Through strategic partnerships within the food systems value chain, the company seeks to create sustainable solutions that benefit both individuals and communities.

Evonetix

Series B in 2023
Evonetix Ltd is a biotechnology company based in Little Chesterford, United Kingdom, established in 2015. The company focuses on developing innovative technology for the parallel synthesis of DNA on silicon arrays, thereby advancing the field of synthetic biology. By employing novel techniques, Evonetix aims to synthesize DNA with higher accuracy and scale, which enhances accessibility for researchers. This platform enables scientists to utilize synthetic biology on a previously unattainable scale, fundamentally changing how DNA is accessed, produced, and utilized for gene synthesis. The engineering team at Evonetix boasts extensive experience in creating high-integrity automated systems, bringing together a diverse range of expertise from various scientific and engineering disciplines to support its mission.

Nest Genomics (YC W22)

Seed Round in 2023
Nest Genomics is a lab-agnostic, comprehensive software solution for implementing genomic programs at scale.

Novome Biotechnologies

Series B in 2022
Novome Biotechnologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company that focuses on engineering bacteria from the human gut to develop innovative treatments for chronic diseases. Its proprietary platform, which allows for the controlled colonization of the gut with genetically engineered microbial medicines (GEMMs), is designed to provide sustained therapeutic effects. Novome's lead preclinical program targets hyperoxaluria by developing a therapeutic strain of bacteria that degrades oxalate, thereby preventing kidney stone formation. The company aims to leverage its synthetic biology tools to expand its applications into additional health conditions, enhancing its ability to deliver precise therapeutic activities through engineered gut microbiota. Founded in 2015, Novome is headquartered in South San Francisco, California.

Relation Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2022
Relation Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on advancing drug discovery and development. It utilizes human genetics and clinical omics data, alongside patient-derived tissue samples, to identify and validate therapeutic programs. The company employs machine learning to explore the relationships between genes, proteins, and drugs, generating insights that have real translational validity. By combining single-cell multi-omics from patient tissues with functional assays, Relation Therapeutics aims to deepen the understanding of biological processes in human health and disease. This approach enables healthcare providers to discover and develop novel treatments, particularly in areas with unmet medical needs.

Totus Medicines

Series A in 2021
Totus Medicines specializes in developing innovative therapies to address previously untreatable diseases by harnessing advanced chemical biology techniques. The company utilizes a proprietary platform that enables high-throughput drug discovery, allowing it to screen billions of drug candidates against thousands of biological targets. This approach focuses on identifying effective molecules for traditionally challenging and undruggable targets, including those associated with cancer, Alzheimer's, infectious diseases, and the aging process. By converting genetic insights into viable therapeutic options, Totus Medicines aims to make a significant impact on the treatment landscape for various complex diseases.

Genedit

Series A in 2021
GenEdit Inc., founded in 2016 and based in Berkeley, California, focuses on advancing gene therapy through its innovative genome editing tools, particularly the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The company aims to address the challenges associated with gene therapy delivery by utilizing its proprietary NanoGalaxy™ platform, which systematically screens a library of nanoparticles to enhance the safety and efficiency of delivering genetic material to target tissues. GenEdit's technology is designed to facilitate therapeutic gene editing, offering a solution that is easier, faster, and more accurate than traditional methods. This positions GenEdit to potentially enable the treatment of previously incurable genetic diseases, significantly contributing to the future of non-viral, gene editing-based therapeutics.

Zymergen

Series D in 2020
Zymergen, Inc. is a biotechnology company that focuses on researching, developing, and manufacturing microbes for various industries, including agriculture, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and personal care. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Emeryville, California, Zymergen employs a platform that integrates automation, machine learning, and genomics to enhance the efficiency of microbial strain optimization and production processes. This technology enables the company to improve existing manufacturing strains and facilitates the development of new products by engineering novel molecules from microbes. With additional offices in Boise, Idaho; Medford, Massachusetts; Seattle, Washington; and Tokyo, Japan, Zymergen aims to partner with nature to create innovative materials and products that deliver significant value across multiple sectors.

Evonetix

Series B in 2020
Evonetix Ltd is a biotechnology company based in Little Chesterford, United Kingdom, established in 2015. The company focuses on developing innovative technology for the parallel synthesis of DNA on silicon arrays, thereby advancing the field of synthetic biology. By employing novel techniques, Evonetix aims to synthesize DNA with higher accuracy and scale, which enhances accessibility for researchers. This platform enables scientists to utilize synthetic biology on a previously unattainable scale, fundamentally changing how DNA is accessed, produced, and utilized for gene synthesis. The engineering team at Evonetix boasts extensive experience in creating high-integrity automated systems, bringing together a diverse range of expertise from various scientific and engineering disciplines to support its mission.

Empirico

Series A in 2020
Empirico is a company focused on developing an insights platform that leverages biological insights derived from human genetics to create new medicines. Its platform utilizes biological datasets and programmable biology to facilitate target discovery and development. This enables scientists to systematically generate, examine, and prioritize high-confidence therapeutic hypotheses, ultimately advancing the field of drug development through innovative approaches grounded in human genetic research.

Novome Biotechnologies

Series A in 2020
Novome Biotechnologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company that focuses on engineering bacteria from the human gut to develop innovative treatments for chronic diseases. Its proprietary platform, which allows for the controlled colonization of the gut with genetically engineered microbial medicines (GEMMs), is designed to provide sustained therapeutic effects. Novome's lead preclinical program targets hyperoxaluria by developing a therapeutic strain of bacteria that degrades oxalate, thereby preventing kidney stone formation. The company aims to leverage its synthetic biology tools to expand its applications into additional health conditions, enhancing its ability to deliver precise therapeutic activities through engineered gut microbiota. Founded in 2015, Novome is headquartered in South San Francisco, California.

Zymergen

Series C in 2018
Zymergen, Inc. is a biotechnology company that focuses on researching, developing, and manufacturing microbes for various industries, including agriculture, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and personal care. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Emeryville, California, Zymergen employs a platform that integrates automation, machine learning, and genomics to enhance the efficiency of microbial strain optimization and production processes. This technology enables the company to improve existing manufacturing strains and facilitates the development of new products by engineering novel molecules from microbes. With additional offices in Boise, Idaho; Medford, Massachusetts; Seattle, Washington; and Tokyo, Japan, Zymergen aims to partner with nature to create innovative materials and products that deliver significant value across multiple sectors.

Genedit

Seed Round in 2018
GenEdit Inc., founded in 2016 and based in Berkeley, California, focuses on advancing gene therapy through its innovative genome editing tools, particularly the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The company aims to address the challenges associated with gene therapy delivery by utilizing its proprietary NanoGalaxy™ platform, which systematically screens a library of nanoparticles to enhance the safety and efficiency of delivering genetic material to target tissues. GenEdit's technology is designed to facilitate therapeutic gene editing, offering a solution that is easier, faster, and more accurate than traditional methods. This positions GenEdit to potentially enable the treatment of previously incurable genetic diseases, significantly contributing to the future of non-viral, gene editing-based therapeutics.

Empirico

Series A in 2018
Empirico is a company focused on developing an insights platform that leverages biological insights derived from human genetics to create new medicines. Its platform utilizes biological datasets and programmable biology to facilitate target discovery and development. This enables scientists to systematically generate, examine, and prioritize high-confidence therapeutic hypotheses, ultimately advancing the field of drug development through innovative approaches grounded in human genetic research.

Evonetix

Series A in 2018
Evonetix Ltd is a biotechnology company based in Little Chesterford, United Kingdom, established in 2015. The company focuses on developing innovative technology for the parallel synthesis of DNA on silicon arrays, thereby advancing the field of synthetic biology. By employing novel techniques, Evonetix aims to synthesize DNA with higher accuracy and scale, which enhances accessibility for researchers. This platform enables scientists to utilize synthetic biology on a previously unattainable scale, fundamentally changing how DNA is accessed, produced, and utilized for gene synthesis. The engineering team at Evonetix boasts extensive experience in creating high-integrity automated systems, bringing together a diverse range of expertise from various scientific and engineering disciplines to support its mission.

Asimov

Seed Round in 2017
Asimov, Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in the design and development of genetically engineered therapeutics. Established in 2017 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Asimov focuses on creating tools for programming living cells to enhance the design and manufacturing processes of biologics and gene therapies. The company's platform integrates synthetic biology, computer-aided design, and machine learning, allowing for the engineering of genetic circuits. Asimov's multidisciplinary team employs machine-learning algorithms that connect large-scale datasets with biological models, facilitating advancements in molecular manufacturing and therapeutic applications. The company is dedicated to optimizing the production of protein biologics, viral vectors, and cell and gene therapies.

Molecular Assemblies

Venture Round in 2017
Molecular Assemblies, Inc. is a San Diego-based company specializing in enzymatic DNA synthesis technology, which facilitates the development of DNA-based products across various industries. Founded in 2013, the company focuses on creating long, high-quality, sequence-specific DNA in a reliable, affordable, and sustainable manner, inspired by natural processes. Its technology has applications in industrial synthetic biology, personalized therapeutics, precision diagnostics, information storage, nanotechnology, and DNA electronics. The firm boasts a skilled executive and scientific team, supported by a robust intellectual property portfolio. Molecular Assemblies has garnered investments from a range of venture capital sources, indicating strong interest in its innovative approach to DNA synthesis.

Karius

Series A in 2017
Karius, Inc. is a life sciences company based in Redwood City, California, specializing in genomic insights for infectious diseases. The company offers a non-invasive blood test known as the Karius Test, which utilizes sequencing of microbial cell-free DNA to identify and quantify various pathogens, including bacteria, DNA viruses, fungi, and parasites. This test is particularly useful for diagnosing complicated pneumonia, infections in immunocompromised patients, and endocarditis. By mapping the microbial landscape of each patient from a single blood draw, Karius aims to assist clinicians in making rapid and informed treatment decisions. The company's laboratory is CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited, ensuring high standards in clinical laboratory testing. Additionally, Karius provides laboratory services for pathogen biomarker detection tailored to biopharmaceutical companies.

Superfluid DX

Seed Round in 2017
Superfluid DX is focused on developing a translational science and data analysis platform that leverages cell-free mRNA to diagnose neurodegenerative and other diseases. The company utilizes innovative molecular diagnostics technology to extract genetic information from blood samples, specifically analyzing tissue-specific cell-free circulating RNA. This novel approach aims to enhance disease monitoring by enabling early detection of health issues and providing physicians with valuable insights into a patient's health status versus disease state. Through its advanced testing methods, Superfluid DX seeks to improve patient outcomes by facilitating timely interventions and better management of various medical conditions.

Zymergen

Series B in 2016
Zymergen, Inc. is a biotechnology company that focuses on researching, developing, and manufacturing microbes for various industries, including agriculture, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and personal care. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Emeryville, California, Zymergen employs a platform that integrates automation, machine learning, and genomics to enhance the efficiency of microbial strain optimization and production processes. This technology enables the company to improve existing manufacturing strains and facilitates the development of new products by engineering novel molecules from microbes. With additional offices in Boise, Idaho; Medford, Massachusetts; Seattle, Washington; and Tokyo, Japan, Zymergen aims to partner with nature to create innovative materials and products that deliver significant value across multiple sectors.

Sequence Bio

Seed Round in 2016
Sequence Bio is a biotechnology company focused on enhancing drug discovery and development by leveraging the genetic diversity found in isolated populations, particularly in Newfoundland. The company aims to improve the treatment of complex and inherited diseases through its genome therapy platform, which involves collecting DNA and health information from these unique populations. By understanding the genetic factors that contribute to disease, Sequence Bio seeks to identify better drug targets and create more effective medicines, ultimately addressing the high failure rate of drug candidates and expediting the delivery of much-needed therapies to patients.

Agenovir

Series A in 2016
Agenovir Corporation is focused on the research and development of antiviral therapeutics aimed at tackling diseases linked to latent or persistent viral reservoirs. The company employs advanced nucleases, including CRISPR/Cas9 technology, to precisely target and disrupt viral DNA. Established in 2014 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, Agenovir operates as a subsidiary of Vir Biotechnology, Inc. Its innovative approach seeks to create a new class of nuclease-based antiviral therapeutics that can effectively eliminate pathogenic viral genomes, thereby providing healthcare providers with tools to treat patients suffering from severe and persistent viral infections.

Ginkgo Bioworks

Series B in 2015
Ginkgo Bioworks is a biotechnology firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, that specializes in designing, engineering, and developing custom microbes and organisms for various applications. Founded in 2008, the company focuses on discovering and licensing molecules used in flavors, sweeteners, cosmetic ingredients, crop treatments, and pharmaceuticals. In addition to these capabilities, Ginkgo Bioworks provides probiotic bacteria that help protect against infections and creates extensive libraries of molecules. The firm operates across multiple markets, including cultured ingredients, carbon mitigation, probiotics, and natural product discovery. It has reorganized its operations into two primary segments: Cell Engineering and Biosecurity, with a significant portion of its revenue generated from biosecurity-related data analytics and services.

Zymergen

Series A in 2015
Zymergen, Inc. is a biotechnology company that focuses on researching, developing, and manufacturing microbes for various industries, including agriculture, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and personal care. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Emeryville, California, Zymergen employs a platform that integrates automation, machine learning, and genomics to enhance the efficiency of microbial strain optimization and production processes. This technology enables the company to improve existing manufacturing strains and facilitates the development of new products by engineering novel molecules from microbes. With additional offices in Boise, Idaho; Medford, Massachusetts; Seattle, Washington; and Tokyo, Japan, Zymergen aims to partner with nature to create innovative materials and products that deliver significant value across multiple sectors.

One Codex

Seed Round in 2015
One Codex is a data platform focused on applied microbial genomics, offering bioinformatics solutions that facilitate applications in clinical diagnostics, food safety, and biosecurity. The company specializes in developing scalable and secure platforms for metagenomics and microbial genomics, emphasizing usability to cater to applied microbiologists. By providing access to a comprehensive microbial reference database, One Codex enables rapid and straightforward microbiome analysis, enhancing the capabilities of professionals in the field.

Ginkgo Bioworks

Series A in 2015
Ginkgo Bioworks is a biotechnology firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, that specializes in designing, engineering, and developing custom microbes and organisms for various applications. Founded in 2008, the company focuses on discovering and licensing molecules used in flavors, sweeteners, cosmetic ingredients, crop treatments, and pharmaceuticals. In addition to these capabilities, Ginkgo Bioworks provides probiotic bacteria that help protect against infections and creates extensive libraries of molecules. The firm operates across multiple markets, including cultured ingredients, carbon mitigation, probiotics, and natural product discovery. It has reorganized its operations into two primary segments: Cell Engineering and Biosecurity, with a significant portion of its revenue generated from biosecurity-related data analytics and services.

Karius

Seed Round in 2014
Karius, Inc. is a life sciences company based in Redwood City, California, specializing in genomic insights for infectious diseases. The company offers a non-invasive blood test known as the Karius Test, which utilizes sequencing of microbial cell-free DNA to identify and quantify various pathogens, including bacteria, DNA viruses, fungi, and parasites. This test is particularly useful for diagnosing complicated pneumonia, infections in immunocompromised patients, and endocarditis. By mapping the microbial landscape of each patient from a single blood draw, Karius aims to assist clinicians in making rapid and informed treatment decisions. The company's laboratory is CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited, ensuring high standards in clinical laboratory testing. Additionally, Karius provides laboratory services for pathogen biomarker detection tailored to biopharmaceutical companies.

Omniome

Seed Round in 2014
Omniome, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, focused on developing a DNA sequencing platform that aims to deliver high accuracy in clinical sequencing. Founded in 2013, the company utilizes its proprietary Sequencing By Binding technology, which enhances nucleotide and DNA matching by harnessing the natural capabilities of polymerase. This innovative approach allows researchers to obtain accurate and rapid sequencing results at a lower cost, with the potential to significantly advance cancer diagnostics. Omniome is supported by prominent life sciences venture investors and is committed to becoming a trusted leader in the field of DNA sequencing.

Zymergen

Seed Round in 2014
Zymergen, Inc. is a biotechnology company that focuses on researching, developing, and manufacturing microbes for various industries, including agriculture, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and personal care. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Emeryville, California, Zymergen employs a platform that integrates automation, machine learning, and genomics to enhance the efficiency of microbial strain optimization and production processes. This technology enables the company to improve existing manufacturing strains and facilitates the development of new products by engineering novel molecules from microbes. With additional offices in Boise, Idaho; Medford, Massachusetts; Seattle, Washington; and Tokyo, Japan, Zymergen aims to partner with nature to create innovative materials and products that deliver significant value across multiple sectors.

Moleculo

Seed Round in 2012
Moleculo is a biotech company specializing in advanced DNA sequencing technologies aimed at enhancing genome analysis. The company has created a novel sequencing method that delivers long and accurate reads, significantly improving the efficiency and precision of various DNA sequencing applications. This innovation allows clients to explore a broader array of applications in genomics, thereby advancing research and development in the field.
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