Codon Capital

Codon Capital is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2013 by Karl Handelsman. The firm specializes in investing in biotechnology companies, particularly in the fields of therapeutics and synthetic biology. By fostering collaboration between entrepreneurs and researchers, Codon Capital aims to translate innovative ideas into viable products and startup ventures. The firm focuses on the transformative potential of these two biology disciplines, which are poised to redefine approaches in healthcare and agriculture.

Karl Handelsman

Founder and General Partner

3 past transactions

Ansa Biotechnologies

Series A in 2022
Ansa Biotechnologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Berkeley, California, focused on developing innovative DNA synthesis technology utilizing enzymes. Established in 2018, the company aims to improve upon traditional chemical methods of DNA synthesis that have remained largely unchanged for decades. Ansa's enzymatic approach offers significant advantages, including increased speed, accuracy, and cleanliness in the production of DNA fragments such as oligonucleotides. This technology enhances the capabilities of biological research, therapeutics, diagnostics, and biomanufacturing by enabling the synthesis of gene-length oligonucleotides. Through its advancements, Ansa Biotechnologies seeks to facilitate innovation in the fields of biological research and engineering, ultimately providing valuable services to medical researchers and contributing to the broader biotechnology landscape.

Good Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Good Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2016. The company specializes in the development of biotherapeutics and self-regulating drugs that deliver therapeutic effects precisely when and where needed. Its innovative approach involves creating context-dependent protein drugs that can sense biomarkers and respond accordingly, thus minimizing systemic toxicity while maintaining therapeutic efficacy. Good Therapeutics employs an algorithm designed for allosterically-regulated proteins, which alter their shape upon binding with specific biomarkers or metabolites, activating their therapeutic functions. The company's primary focus is on applications within immuno-oncology, aiming to enhance treatment outcomes while ensuring patient safety.

Pivot Bio

Series C in 2020
Pivot Bio is a biotechnology company founded in 2010 and based in Emeryville, California, that focuses on enhancing crop nutrition through the use of engineered microbes. The company leverages its deep understanding of the plant microbiome, employing engineering principles and data science to map microbial dynamics and develop beneficial traits. Pivot Bio's proprietary ON Technology utilizes naturally occurring microbes to provide crops with essential nutrients, particularly nitrogen, which is crucial for growth. This innovative approach aims to replace synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, thereby reducing the environmental impact associated with conventional farming practices. By enhancing crops' ability to capture and metabolize atmospheric nitrogen, Pivot Bio seeks to lower farming costs, improve crop yields, and contribute to a sustainable agricultural future that benefits both the planet and food supply.
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.