DEFTA Partners

DEFTA Partners, established in 1984, is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm. It focuses on early-stage investments, primarily in the information technology sector, with a global outlook. The firm also considers opportunities in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare. DEFTA has a presence in the United States, Japan, Israel, and the United Kingdom, enabling it to support and accelerate the growth of its portfolio companies worldwide.

Elona Baum

Managing Director

Masahide (Masa) Isono

Principal

Kyoko Watanabe

Managing Director

Jingfei (Jennifer) Yu

Analyst

31 past transactions

Endogena

Series A in 2021
Endogena is a biotech company that develops endogenous regenerative medicines to repair and regenerate tissues and organs. Endogena's approach has the potential of a paradigm shift to treat degenerative conditions related to ageing and genetic disorders. The company implements innovation in the field of regenerative medicine. Their science combines the latest developments in stem cell biology, AI, and expertise in small-molecule drug design to develop breakthrough treatments for degenerative diseases.

DiA Imaging Analysis

Venture Round in 2021
DiA Imaging Analysis Ltd. is a technology company based in Beersheba, Israel, specializing in AI-powered ultrasound analysis designed to enhance the evaluation of cardiac function and other medical conditions. Founded in 2009, DiA offers a range of innovative applications, including LVivo EF for automated ejection fraction evaluation, LVivo RV for right ventricle analysis, and LVivo Strain, which assesses myocardial strain as an early indicator of reduced left ventricular function. Their tools simplify the ultrasound imaging process by providing automated analysis and optimal view selection, improving the diagnostic capabilities of clinicians. DiA's technology is compatible with various ultrasound devices and healthcare IT systems, streamlining the detection of clinical abnormalities. The company holds FDA and CE clearances and serves thousands of users globally, addressing critical challenges in ultrasound utilization by enabling more accurate and efficient image analysis through advanced pattern recognition and machine learning algorithms.

InformAI

Seed Round in 2021
InformAI provides artificial intelligence and analytics solutions for healthcare, enabling faster diagnoses, improved radiology productivity, and enhanced patient outcome analysis. The company develops AI-enabled tools for image classification in MRI and CT scans, natural language processing of medical reports for business analytics, and predictive models for patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Its software targets healthcare systems, imaging/PACS providers, medical device companies, and research institutes, supporting diagnostic decision-making, workflow optimization, and risk assessment across clinical care. Founded in 2017 and based in Houston, InformAI aims to synthesize large clinical datasets and deliver actionable insights to drive improved patient outcomes and operational performance.

Acepodia

Series B in 2021
Acepodia is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative, first-in-class cell therapies for cancer treatment. The company utilizes its proprietary Antibody-Cell Conjugation (ACC) platform technology to attach tumor-targeting antibodies directly to immune cell receptors, enhancing the interaction between immune and cancer cells. This approach generates highly specific and potent cell therapies without requiring genetic engineering. Acepodia is dedicated to expanding its research, clinical development, and manufacturing capabilities to provide effective immunotherapeutic strategies against various types of cancer. The company maintains a broad pipeline portfolio, each targeting different cancer indications.

Endogena

Venture Round in 2021
Endogena is a biotech company that develops endogenous regenerative medicines to repair and regenerate tissues and organs. Endogena's approach has the potential of a paradigm shift to treat degenerative conditions related to ageing and genetic disorders. The company implements innovation in the field of regenerative medicine. Their science combines the latest developments in stem cell biology, AI, and expertise in small-molecule drug design to develop breakthrough treatments for degenerative diseases.

Aegle Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Founded in 2013, Aegle Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing extracellular vesicle (EV) therapies derived from mesenchymal stem cells. Its lead product aims to treat dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, a rare pediatric skin disorder, by promoting healing and reducing scarring.

InformAI

Seed Round in 2020
InformAI provides artificial intelligence and analytics solutions for healthcare, enabling faster diagnoses, improved radiology productivity, and enhanced patient outcome analysis. The company develops AI-enabled tools for image classification in MRI and CT scans, natural language processing of medical reports for business analytics, and predictive models for patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Its software targets healthcare systems, imaging/PACS providers, medical device companies, and research institutes, supporting diagnostic decision-making, workflow optimization, and risk assessment across clinical care. Founded in 2017 and based in Houston, InformAI aims to synthesize large clinical datasets and deliver actionable insights to drive improved patient outcomes and operational performance.

TARA Biosystems

Series A in 2020
TARA Biosystems, Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in developing organ-on-a-chip technology for evaluating new therapies and drug compounds, particularly in the field of cardiac medicine. Founded in 2014 and based in the United States, the company produces predictive in vitro human cardiac tissue models derived from human stem cells. These models are matured to physiologically relevant adult-like levels, allowing for accurate measurement of cardiac functionality, including contractile force. TARA Biosystems focuses on enhancing drug discovery and safety assessment processes by providing high-fidelity solutions that enable faster and safer development of new medicines. By harnessing human biology and data, the company aims to transform cardiac drug discovery and improve patient health outcomes.

1World Online

Series A in 2020
Founded in 2011, 1World Online develops a consumer intelligence platform that enhances user engagement and generates revenue for publishers. Its platform offers interactive tools like polls, quizzes, and surveys, along with advertising options. With offices across North America, Europe, Asia, and India, the company serves clients globally.

Aegle Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Founded in 2013, Aegle Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing extracellular vesicle (EV) therapies derived from mesenchymal stem cells. Its lead product aims to treat dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, a rare pediatric skin disorder, by promoting healing and reducing scarring.

Actuate Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
Actuate Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing therapies that inhibit glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) to treat cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. The company is advancing elraglusib (formerly 9-ING-41), a small-molecule GSK-3β inhibitor designed to disrupt signaling pathways that support tumor cell survival, growth, migration and invasion, with activity reported in challenging cancers such as glioblastoma, pancreatic, ovarian, and breast cancers. Actuate Therapeutics pursues combination approaches and aims to bring new agents to clinical development. Established in 2015, the company is based in Fort Worth, Texas, with an additional office in Dublin, Ireland.

BioEclipse Therapeutics

Series A in 2019
BioEclipse Therapeutics is a clinical-stage oncology company developing immuno-oncology therapeutics using its proprietary technology. It aims to improve cancer patient outcomes by harnessing insights into the human immune system, pairing activated immune cells with adapted oncolytic viruses that selectively target and kill malignant cells.

Actuate Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
Actuate Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing therapies that inhibit glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) to treat cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. The company is advancing elraglusib (formerly 9-ING-41), a small-molecule GSK-3β inhibitor designed to disrupt signaling pathways that support tumor cell survival, growth, migration and invasion, with activity reported in challenging cancers such as glioblastoma, pancreatic, ovarian, and breast cancers. Actuate Therapeutics pursues combination approaches and aims to bring new agents to clinical development. Established in 2015, the company is based in Fort Worth, Texas, with an additional office in Dublin, Ireland.

Immusoft

Series B in 2019
Immusoft Corporation is a biotechnology company focused on developing an autologous cell therapy platform aimed at treating a range of human diseases through its proprietary Immune System Programming (ISP) technology. Founded in 2009 and based in Seattle, Washington, Immusoft specializes in modifying the DNA of a patient's immune cells to create biofactories capable of producing gene-encoded medicines, including essential proteins and enzymes that may be missing or defective. The company's innovative approach involves reprogramming B cells, a type of immune cell, which enables them to manufacture and secrete various antibodies. This process not only provides a potential long-term solution for patients but also positions Immusoft at the forefront of biotechnology in addressing rare and infectious diseases.

Savonix

Series A in 2018
Savonix develops an evidence-based digital neuro-cognitive assessment and brain health platform. Its Savonix Mobile enables individuals to conduct clinically recognized cognitive assessments on smartphones or tablets, with results usable by patients, clinicians, employers, and healthcare providers to guide brain health decisions. The company offers a suite of tools to interpret results and support monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment planning. It has partnerships with New York University, CereScan, Proove Biosciences, Alkahest, and Senescence Life Sciences. Founded in 2014 and based in San Francisco, Savonix tests cognitive domains from memory to implicit learning, including a 3D game platform that derives novel metrics from in-app performance. The platform supports early detection of cognitive change and dementia risk, and serves doctors, researchers, insurers, and government clients with accessible, scalable cognitive screening.

Touchence

Venture Round in 2018
Touchence, Inc., founded in 2011 and headquartered in Taito, Japan, specializes in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of advanced tactile sensor solutions. The company focuses on creating innovative sensors that are composed of a foam-like material, allowing them to respond to touch and pressure in three dimensions. These tactile sensors are designed to enhance the interaction between humans and robots, making the experience of touching robots more natural and intuitive. By offering a comprehensive service for businesses, Touchence aims to facilitate the integration of soft sensors into robotic products, thereby advancing the capabilities of robots and artificial intelligence applications.

DiA Imaging Analysis

Series A in 2018
DiA Imaging Analysis Ltd. is a technology company based in Beersheba, Israel, specializing in AI-powered ultrasound analysis designed to enhance the evaluation of cardiac function and other medical conditions. Founded in 2009, DiA offers a range of innovative applications, including LVivo EF for automated ejection fraction evaluation, LVivo RV for right ventricle analysis, and LVivo Strain, which assesses myocardial strain as an early indicator of reduced left ventricular function. Their tools simplify the ultrasound imaging process by providing automated analysis and optimal view selection, improving the diagnostic capabilities of clinicians. DiA's technology is compatible with various ultrasound devices and healthcare IT systems, streamlining the detection of clinical abnormalities. The company holds FDA and CE clearances and serves thousands of users globally, addressing critical challenges in ultrasound utilization by enabling more accurate and efficient image analysis through advanced pattern recognition and machine learning algorithms.

ORIG3N

Series B in 2018
ORIG3N, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative treatments for rare genetically inherited diseases, particularly targeting conditions related to the heart, liver, and neurodegeneration. Founded in 2014 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, ORIG3N utilizes induced pluripotent stem cell technology that allows for the differentiation of cells into any type found in the body. This technology is employed to test drug efficacy, screen for medication toxicity, and create personalized treatment pathways. The company offers a range of products, including LifeProfiles, which provides genetic insights related to fitness, metabolism, and exercise recovery; the Run DNA test for optimizing running performance; AURA, which assesses skin health; and Life Capsule, a repository for blood cells aimed at regenerative medicine development.

ORIG3N

Venture Round in 2017
ORIG3N, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative treatments for rare genetically inherited diseases, particularly targeting conditions related to the heart, liver, and neurodegeneration. Founded in 2014 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, ORIG3N utilizes induced pluripotent stem cell technology that allows for the differentiation of cells into any type found in the body. This technology is employed to test drug efficacy, screen for medication toxicity, and create personalized treatment pathways. The company offers a range of products, including LifeProfiles, which provides genetic insights related to fitness, metabolism, and exercise recovery; the Run DNA test for optimizing running performance; AURA, which assesses skin health; and Life Capsule, a repository for blood cells aimed at regenerative medicine development.

ORIG3N

Series A in 2015
ORIG3N, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative treatments for rare genetically inherited diseases, particularly targeting conditions related to the heart, liver, and neurodegeneration. Founded in 2014 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, ORIG3N utilizes induced pluripotent stem cell technology that allows for the differentiation of cells into any type found in the body. This technology is employed to test drug efficacy, screen for medication toxicity, and create personalized treatment pathways. The company offers a range of products, including LifeProfiles, which provides genetic insights related to fitness, metabolism, and exercise recovery; the Run DNA test for optimizing running performance; AURA, which assesses skin health; and Life Capsule, a repository for blood cells aimed at regenerative medicine development.

1World Online

Series A in 2015
Founded in 2011, 1World Online develops a consumer intelligence platform that enhances user engagement and generates revenue for publishers. Its platform offers interactive tools like polls, quizzes, and surveys, along with advertising options. With offices across North America, Europe, Asia, and India, the company serves clients globally.

MeeVee

Series D in 2007
MeeVee is an online platform that specializes in providing personalized TV guides, allowing users to curate their viewing experience based on their interests. By selecting favorite actors, genres, or specific keywords, users receive customized listings of upcoming programming that align with their preferences. The service continuously updates these listings, ensuring users are informed about relevant shows and movies until they choose to change their interests. MeeVee also offers summaries, episode trailers, and detailed information about various TV shows across numerous cable and satellite channels, all at no cost to the user. Additionally, the MeeVee Guide widget can be integrated into other websites, enabling visitors to access personalized TV listings directly from those pages. This approach creates a tailored web experience, moving away from traditional, universal TV grids.

MeeVee

Series B in 2006
MeeVee is an online platform that specializes in providing personalized TV guides, allowing users to curate their viewing experience based on their interests. By selecting favorite actors, genres, or specific keywords, users receive customized listings of upcoming programming that align with their preferences. The service continuously updates these listings, ensuring users are informed about relevant shows and movies until they choose to change their interests. MeeVee also offers summaries, episode trailers, and detailed information about various TV shows across numerous cable and satellite channels, all at no cost to the user. Additionally, the MeeVee Guide widget can be integrated into other websites, enabling visitors to access personalized TV listings directly from those pages. This approach creates a tailored web experience, moving away from traditional, universal TV grids.

MeeVee

Series A in 2005
MeeVee is an online platform that specializes in providing personalized TV guides, allowing users to curate their viewing experience based on their interests. By selecting favorite actors, genres, or specific keywords, users receive customized listings of upcoming programming that align with their preferences. The service continuously updates these listings, ensuring users are informed about relevant shows and movies until they choose to change their interests. MeeVee also offers summaries, episode trailers, and detailed information about various TV shows across numerous cable and satellite channels, all at no cost to the user. Additionally, the MeeVee Guide widget can be integrated into other websites, enabling visitors to access personalized TV listings directly from those pages. This approach creates a tailored web experience, moving away from traditional, universal TV grids.

Fortinet

Series E in 2004
Fortinet is a global cybersecurity company offering network security appliances and solutions. It serves enterprises of all sizes, managed service providers, and telecommunications carriers, providing high-level security while reducing total cost of ownership.

Fortinet

Series D in 2003
Fortinet is a global cybersecurity company offering network security appliances and solutions. It serves enterprises of all sizes, managed service providers, and telecommunications carriers, providing high-level security while reducing total cost of ownership.

BroadWare Technologies

Series A in 2003
As of June 11, 2007, BroadWare Technologies, Inc. was acquired by Cisco Systems, Inc. BroadWare Technologies, Inc., a network video systems company, engages in the development and delivery of platforms and end-to-end browser-based solutions for collecting, recording, routing, and managing live and archived surveillance video. It offers Media Platform, a suite of server-based technologies for management, distribution, and storage of video surveillance data in a network environment; and Application Server, which enables users to determine levels of authority for viewing cameras, creating or viewing archives, and controlling movable cameras. The company offers Command Server, a digital matrix switch that allows each operator and intelligent application to control the video being displayed on various monitors; and Media Server that enables distribution, archiving, and management of video feeds. In addition, BroadWare Technologies provides specialty professional services, education and training, and support services. The company provides its products for use in applications, such as military bases, unmanned vehicles, embassies, corrections, border control, perimeter montoring, law enforcement, airports and seaports, homeland security, traffic montoring, and public infrastructure montoring, as well as corporate security, retail, public transit systems, gaming, health care, colleges and universities monitoring, petro-chemical, utlitites, and financial services. It serves airports and seaports, transportation systems, and various federal agencies and military branches. The company, formerly known as Graham Technology Solutions, was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California.

Fortinet

Venture Round in 2002
Fortinet is a global cybersecurity company offering network security appliances and solutions. It serves enterprises of all sizes, managed service providers, and telecommunications carriers, providing high-level security while reducing total cost of ownership.

Oplus Technologies

Series A in 2001
Oplus Technologies Ltd., a fabless semiconductor company, designs, develops, and markets integrated circuit display processors and software solutions for the digital display market. It offers multimedia display and video processors for flat panel plasma and LCD displays, TVs, projection systems, LCD monitors, and digital display applications. The company also provides system-on-chip solutions. It serves consumer electronics companies and display device manufacturers in Israel and internationally. Oplus Technologies Ltd. was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Yokneam, Israel.

SourceGate Systems

Series A in 2000
SourceGate Systems is a developer of an internet-based content delivery system tailored for Internet Service Providers (ISPs). The company offers managed services that allow ISPs to create new advertising-based revenue streams, enhancing their traditional subscription-based models. By providing access to personalized and content-rich services, SourceGate Systems enables its clients to diversify their offerings and improve customer engagement. The company's innovative solutions aim to empower ISPs to effectively capitalize on emerging digital advertising opportunities while meeting the evolving needs of their customer base.

Intraspect Software

Venture Round in 2000
Intraspect Software is a U.S.-based company founded in 1995 that specializes in knowledge management and collaborative software solutions for enterprises. The company's offerings focus on improving inter-enterprise collaboration, particularly in complex industries such as financial services and high technology. Intraspect's products enable organizations to create shared communities and facilitate collaboration on strategic accounts and business processes. Its notable product, Intraspect 5.5, features architectural enhancements designed for inter-enterprise deployments, while the C-mail Services facilitate communication between users and the software. Intraspect Software aims to enhance communication and collaboration across functional, organizational, and geographic boundaries, streamlining interactions among cross-functional teams, customers, suppliers, and partners. The company was acquired by Vignette in 2003.
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