Dementia Discovery Fund

The Dementia Discovery Fund is a global venture capital initiative focused on financing companies developing novel therapeutics and enabling technologies for dementia. It leverages a broad network of venture partners, scientists, entrepreneurs, and strategic collaborators to identify, fund, and develop biotech ventures that advance dementia research and treatment. With offices in London and Boston, the initiative mobilizes capital and expertise to accelerate scientific progress and seeks meaningful patient impact alongside financial returns. It is supported by a diverse base of partners from the pharmaceutical industry and philanthropic organizations.

James Costine

Finance Partner

Georgia Frost

Investment Associate

Lynne Hughes

Venture Partner

Christian Jung

Partner

Tetsu Maruyama

Venture Partner

Ruth McKernan

Venture Partner

James Summers

Venture Partner

Barbara Tate

Venture Partner

Huiyuan Zhang

Senior Associate

44 past transactions

Montara Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2025
Montara Therapeutics is a biotechnology company specializing in brain-specific pharmacology. It leverages human genetics and machine learning to identify and validate drug targets, aiming to enhance the safety and efficacy of treatments for neurological diseases.

TRIMTECH Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2025
TRIMTECH Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing targeted protein degradation therapies to treat neurodegenerative diseases. Their innovative platform aims to degrade toxic protein aggregates, offering oral therapeutics with high specificity, a strong safety profile, and potential for personalized treatment approaches. This enables patients to access effective and safe treatments for neurological, inflammatory, and oncological conditions.

Harness Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2025
Harness Therapeutics is a private biotechnology company focused on developing SINEUPs, a novel class of therapeutic RNAs that upregulate protein expression with precise control and specificity. The company’s platform uses mRNA-targeted oligonucleotides to modulate post-transcriptional protein synthesis, enabling disease-modifying protein upregulation for conditions that have resisted traditional approaches. Its work centers on central nervous system and ophthalmologic disorders, with potential applications across multiple therapy areas by expanding the druggable proteome beyond what conventional small molecules, biologics, or gene therapies can address.

LOQUS23 THERAPEUTICS

Series A in 2024
LoQus23 is a DDF-formed company focussing on targeting DNA damage repair pathways to treat Huntington’s disease and other triplet repeat diseases.

Montara Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2024
Montara Therapeutics is a biotechnology company specializing in brain-specific pharmacology. It leverages human genetics and machine learning to identify and validate drug targets, aiming to enhance the safety and efficacy of treatments for neurological diseases.

AstronauTx

Series A in 2023
AstronauTx focuses on restoring healthy function of astrocytes, a type of brain cell crucial for neuronal health and blood-brain barrier integrity. Its primary goal is to develop treatments targeting astrocyte dysfunction in dementias like Alzheimer's disease.

Violet Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2023
Violet Therapeutics is a pre-clinical stage biotechnology company focused on drug discovery for central nervous system diseases. The company utilizes innovative platforms that identify, map, and analyze cellular connectomes through barcoded viral tracing, offering insights into cell-cell interactions at a single-cell level. This approach aims to facilitate advancements in the understanding and treatment of neuroinflammation. Co-founded by Mass General Brigham Ventures and researchers from Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Violet Therapeutics is committed to exploring novel therapeutic targets to develop effective treatments for complex neurological conditions.

Therini Bio

Series A in 2023
Therini Bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing fibrin-targeting therapies for treating inflammatory neurological and retinal diseases. Its therapeutics are based on unique insights into the role of fibrin in driving chronic innate immune activation, addressing high unmet needs in various diseases.

Cerevance

Series B in 2023
Cerevance develops novel therapeutics for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other chronic neurodegenerative conditions. It uses a proprietary platform to profile specific brain cell types in human tissue samples, enabling the identification of promising targets for new treatments.

Amphista Therapeutics

Series B in 2022
Founded in 2017, Amphista Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company based in Motherwell, UK. It specializes in developing first-in-class cancer therapeutics using targeted protein degradation technology to selectively remove disease-causing proteins.

Harness Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2022
Harness Therapeutics is a private biotechnology company focused on developing SINEUPs, a novel class of therapeutic RNAs that upregulate protein expression with precise control and specificity. The company’s platform uses mRNA-targeted oligonucleotides to modulate post-transcriptional protein synthesis, enabling disease-modifying protein upregulation for conditions that have resisted traditional approaches. Its work centers on central nervous system and ophthalmologic disorders, with potential applications across multiple therapy areas by expanding the druggable proteome beyond what conventional small molecules, biologics, or gene therapies can address.

AviadoBio

Series A in 2021
AviadoBio focuses on developing transformative gene therapies for devastating neurodegenerative disorders such as frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The company's platform combines proprietary technologies with a deep understanding of the brain to deliver effective treatments.

LOQUS23 THERAPEUTICS

Seed Round in 2021
LoQus23 is a DDF-formed company focussing on targeting DNA damage repair pathways to treat Huntington’s disease and other triplet repeat diseases.

Nitrase Therapeutics

Series A in 2021
Nitrase Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company developing therapies against a novel class of enzymes called nitrases, initially focusing on Parkinson’s disease. Its proprietary platform enables the identification and targeting of these enzymes to potentially slow or halt disease progression.

Harness Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2021
Harness Therapeutics is a private biotechnology company focused on developing SINEUPs, a novel class of therapeutic RNAs that upregulate protein expression with precise control and specificity. The company’s platform uses mRNA-targeted oligonucleotides to modulate post-transcriptional protein synthesis, enabling disease-modifying protein upregulation for conditions that have resisted traditional approaches. Its work centers on central nervous system and ophthalmologic disorders, with potential applications across multiple therapy areas by expanding the druggable proteome beyond what conventional small molecules, biologics, or gene therapies can address.

Therini Bio

Seed Round in 2021
Therini Bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing fibrin-targeting therapies for treating inflammatory neurological and retinal diseases. Its therapeutics are based on unique insights into the role of fibrin in driving chronic innate immune activation, addressing high unmet needs in various diseases.

Cumulus Neuroscience

Venture Round in 2021
Cumulus Neuroscience develops an AI-based digital biomarker platform to aid in the resolution of the most pressing healthcare challenges in neurodegeneration and psychiatry. Cumulus Neuroscience's platform is intended to provide the critical data and insight required for more rapid, robust, and cost-effective clinical trials that improve patient access to new therapies. The platform's novel insights change the future of clinical trials in brain disorders, allowing life-changing therapies to reach patients faster and more affordably.

BrainWaveBank

Convertible Note in 2020
BrainWaveBank, established in 2015, is a UK-based brain health research company. It specializes in developing data-centric solutions to track and understand cognitive health. The company's flagship product, also named BrainWaveBank, is a wearable EEG headset that measures brain activity while users engage in mobile games, enabling daily tracking of cognitive health at home. This data is securely stored and analyzed, creating neurocognitive profiles for individuals and populations, and aiding clinical professionals in advancing brain health research and treatments. The company has offices in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and Dublin, Ireland.

Alchemab Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Alchemab Therapeutics Ltd is a biotechnology company based in London, United Kingdom, focusing on the discovery and development of novel therapeutics aimed at patients with hard-to-treat diseases. Established in 2019 by Uri Laserson and Jane Osbourn, the company utilizes a transformative approach to identify drug targets and build a pipeline of antibody therapeutics. Alchemab's strategy involves harnessing naturally protective antibodies through an unbiased and function-first methodology that employs complementary processes and technologies. This innovative approach aims to provide treatments for various challenging conditions, including hard-to-treat cancers, neurodegenerative disorders, and infectious diseases.

QurAlis Corporation

Series A in 2020
QurAlis Corporation is a Cambridge, Massachusetts-based clinical-stage biotechnology company developing precision therapeutics for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases. It focuses on drugs that directly target disease-causing genetic alterations using proprietary platforms and biomarkers to identify and treat patients with specific genetic mutations, aiming to halt disease progression and improve outcomes.

Nitrase Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Nitrase Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company developing therapies against a novel class of enzymes called nitrases, initially focusing on Parkinson’s disease. Its proprietary platform enables the identification and targeting of these enzymes to potentially slow or halt disease progression.

Cerevance

Series B in 2020
Cerevance develops novel therapeutics for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other chronic neurodegenerative conditions. It uses a proprietary platform to profile specific brain cell types in human tissue samples, enabling the identification of promising targets for new treatments.

Caraway Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2020
Caraway Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that focuses on developing innovative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases by modulating mitophagy and autophagy. The company aims to address the degradation of toxic cellular components, which is a key factor in various neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. By leveraging an understanding of critical neural pathways, Caraway Therapeutics seeks to discover and develop novel small molecules that can restore cellular balance and improve lysosomal function. Founded in 2018 and initially known as Rheostat Therapeutics, Inc., the company rebranded in 2019 to reflect its commitment to finding effective therapies for patients affected by these debilitating diseases.

Harness Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2020
Harness Therapeutics is a private biotechnology company focused on developing SINEUPs, a novel class of therapeutic RNAs that upregulate protein expression with precise control and specificity. The company’s platform uses mRNA-targeted oligonucleotides to modulate post-transcriptional protein synthesis, enabling disease-modifying protein upregulation for conditions that have resisted traditional approaches. Its work centers on central nervous system and ophthalmologic disorders, with potential applications across multiple therapy areas by expanding the druggable proteome beyond what conventional small molecules, biologics, or gene therapies can address.

AviadoBio

Seed Round in 2020
AviadoBio focuses on developing transformative gene therapies for devastating neurodegenerative disorders such as frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The company's platform combines proprietary technologies with a deep understanding of the brain to deliver effective treatments.

Alchemab Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2019
Alchemab Therapeutics Ltd is a biotechnology company based in London, United Kingdom, focusing on the discovery and development of novel therapeutics aimed at patients with hard-to-treat diseases. Established in 2019 by Uri Laserson and Jane Osbourn, the company utilizes a transformative approach to identify drug targets and build a pipeline of antibody therapeutics. Alchemab's strategy involves harnessing naturally protective antibodies through an unbiased and function-first methodology that employs complementary processes and technologies. This innovative approach aims to provide treatments for various challenging conditions, including hard-to-treat cancers, neurodegenerative disorders, and infectious diseases.

Ribometrix

Venture Round in 2019
Ribometrix is a biotechnology company that develops platform therapeutics to discover and advance small molecule drugs that target functional three-dimensional RNA structures to treat human diseases. Founded in 2014 and based in Durham, North Carolina, it focuses on leveraging RNA structure analysis and proprietary tools, along with artificial intelligence, to identify compounds that modulate RNA biology and reduce disease-associated protein production.

Amathus Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2019
Amathus Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing small-molecule therapeutics to improve mitochondrial function. Their primary focus is on treating rare lysosomal storage disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease.

AstronauTx

Venture Round in 2019
AstronauTx focuses on restoring healthy function of astrocytes, a type of brain cell crucial for neuronal health and blood-brain barrier integrity. Its primary goal is to develop treatments targeting astrocyte dysfunction in dementias like Alzheimer's disease.

Therini Bio

Seed Round in 2019
Therini Bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing fibrin-targeting therapies for treating inflammatory neurological and retinal diseases. Its therapeutics are based on unique insights into the role of fibrin in driving chronic innate immune activation, addressing high unmet needs in various diseases.

LOQUS23 THERAPEUTICS

Seed Round in 2019
LoQus23 is a DDF-formed company focussing on targeting DNA damage repair pathways to treat Huntington’s disease and other triplet repeat diseases.

Caraway Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Caraway Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that focuses on developing innovative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases by modulating mitophagy and autophagy. The company aims to address the degradation of toxic cellular components, which is a key factor in various neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. By leveraging an understanding of critical neural pathways, Caraway Therapeutics seeks to discover and develop novel small molecules that can restore cellular balance and improve lysosomal function. Founded in 2018 and initially known as Rheostat Therapeutics, Inc., the company rebranded in 2019 to reflect its commitment to finding effective therapies for patients affected by these debilitating diseases.

Ribometrix

Series A in 2018
Ribometrix is a biotechnology company that develops platform therapeutics to discover and advance small molecule drugs that target functional three-dimensional RNA structures to treat human diseases. Founded in 2014 and based in Durham, North Carolina, it focuses on leveraging RNA structure analysis and proprietary tools, along with artificial intelligence, to identify compounds that modulate RNA biology and reduce disease-associated protein production.

Evelo Biosciences

Venture Round in 2018
Evelo Biosciences, Inc., established in 2015, is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It specializes in the discovery and development of a novel class of medicines known as monoclonal microbials, which are orally delivered and designed to modulate systemic immunology and biology by interacting with human cells in the gut. Evelo's pipeline includes EDP1815, currently in a Phase 1b clinical trial for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, and EDP1503, in a Phase 1/2 study for various cancer types, including colorectal, triple-negative breast, and melanoma. The company aims to apply this innovative approach across a broad range of diseases, including autoimmune, immunoinflammatory, metabolic, neurological, neuroinflammatory conditions, and cancer.

Cerevance

Venture Round in 2018
Cerevance develops novel therapeutics for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other chronic neurodegenerative conditions. It uses a proprietary platform to profile specific brain cell types in human tissue samples, enabling the identification of promising targets for new treatments.

Ribometrix

Seed Round in 2017
Ribometrix is a biotechnology company that develops platform therapeutics to discover and advance small molecule drugs that target functional three-dimensional RNA structures to treat human diseases. Founded in 2014 and based in Durham, North Carolina, it focuses on leveraging RNA structure analysis and proprietary tools, along with artificial intelligence, to identify compounds that modulate RNA biology and reduce disease-associated protein production.

Mitoconix Bio

Series A in 2017
Mitoconix Bio Ltd is a biotechnology company established in 2016 and headquartered in Jerusalem, Israel, focused on developing innovative therapies aimed at enhancing mitochondrial health to treat neurodegenerative diseases. The company employs a disease-modifying approach that targets the functions of mitochondria, which are essential for generating ATP, regulating calcium, and maintaining cellular balance. Mitochondria play a crucial role in neuron function, undergoing constant changes in structure through processes known as fission and fusion. Disruptions in these processes can lead to reduced energy production and increased oxidative stress, contributing to cellular dysfunction and death. Mitoconix's lead drug is a first-in-class inhibitor designed to counteract pathological mitochondrial fragmentation and has shown promising efficacy in preclinical models of Huntington's disease and Parkinson's disease, as well as beneficial effects in patient-derived cells associated with these conditions and Alzheimer's disease.

Cerevance

Series A in 2017
Cerevance develops novel therapeutics for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other chronic neurodegenerative conditions. It uses a proprietary platform to profile specific brain cell types in human tissue samples, enabling the identification of promising targets for new treatments.

Autifony Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2017
Autifony Therapeutics Limited is a biotechnology company based in London, United Kingdom, established in 2011. The company specializes in developing innovative medicines aimed at treating hearing disorders, including hearing loss and tinnitus. In addition to its focus on auditory conditions, Autifony is also involved in drug discovery for central nervous system disorders, addressing challenges related to conditions such as schizophrenia, fragile X syndrome, and Alzheimer's disease. By leveraging its platform, the company seeks to alleviate symptoms associated with these disorders and meet the unmet medical needs of patients.

Gen2 Neuroscience

Seed Round in 2016
Gen2 Neuroscience develops therapeutics for the treatment of dementia targeting abnormal forms of the essential cellular protein tau.

Alector

Series D in 2016
Alector, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, the company utilizes advanced antibody technology and insights from neuroimmunology and human genetics to create innovative treatments. Alector’s pipeline includes several candidates, such as AL001, which is undergoing phase II clinical trials for frontotemporal dementia, and AL101, currently in phase I trials for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Additionally, AL002 and AL003 are in phase 1b trials for Alzheimer’s disease. The company is actively engaged in research and development, with a total of ten programs at various stages. Alector has formed a strategic collaboration with Adimab, LLC to enhance its antibody research and development capabilities, aiming to efficiently generate and validate antibody drugs that target key disease-related mechanisms.

Nordic

Seed Round in 2010
Based in Madison, Wisconsin, Nordic is the largest consulting practice specializing in Epic software, providing electronic health record (EHR) consulting services to healthcare organizations. Founded in 2010, the company has established itself as an industry leader, consistently earning the top ranking by KLAS for Epic Implementation Support and Staffing since the report's inception in 2012. In the latest Best in KLAS Report, Nordic was recognized as the Category Leader in the "Other Implementation" category, which encompasses services related to revenue cycle, integration, lab, and reporting. With a client base exceeding 125 organizations across 40 states, Nordic collaborates with over a third of Epic's clientele, demonstrating its significant impact and expertise in the healthcare technology sector.

Therini Bio

Therini Bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing fibrin-targeting therapies for treating inflammatory neurological and retinal diseases. Its therapeutics are based on unique insights into the role of fibrin in driving chronic innate immune activation, addressing high unmet needs in various diseases.
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.