Nitrase Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing drugs targeting a newly identified class of enzymes known as Nitrases. Initially concentrating on Parkinson’s disease, Nitrase aims to create therapies that may slow or halt the progression of this neurodegenerative condition. Beyond its primary focus, the company plans to expand its research to address other aging-related diseases, including Type II diabetes, heart disease, and various cancer types. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Jackson, Wyoming, with additional facilities in San Francisco, California, Nitrase Therapeutics is positioned to contribute significantly to the treatment of complex diseases associated with aging.
Nobell Foods is a biotech company based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in developing and producing animal-based food substitutes using plant materials. Founded in 2016, the company aims to transform plants into bioreactors to generate protein, unlocking their potential to create innovative food alternatives. By focusing on plant-based solutions, Nobell Foods seeks to provide sustainable options that can replace traditional animal products, contributing to a more environmentally friendly food system.
Symbiome, Inc. is a skincare company based in San Francisco, California, specializing in products formulated with microbiomic and plant-based ingredients. Founded in 2017, the company aims to provide skincare solutions that reflect natural principles and utilize ancestral ingredients. Originally known as Persona Biome, Inc., it adopted the name Symbiome, Inc. in December 2019. By combining scientific research with traditional knowledge, Symbiome develops products designed to promote healthy skin.
Nitrase Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing drugs targeting a newly identified class of enzymes known as Nitrases. Initially concentrating on Parkinson’s disease, Nitrase aims to create therapies that may slow or halt the progression of this neurodegenerative condition. Beyond its primary focus, the company plans to expand its research to address other aging-related diseases, including Type II diabetes, heart disease, and various cancer types. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Jackson, Wyoming, with additional facilities in San Francisco, California, Nitrase Therapeutics is positioned to contribute significantly to the treatment of complex diseases associated with aging.
Glycomine, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Carlos, California, focused on developing nanomedicines for rare genetic disorders, particularly those related to protein and lipid glycosylation. Founded in 2014, Glycomine aims to address the significant unmet medical needs of patients suffering from approximately 7,000 rare disorders, many of which currently lack FDA-approved treatments. The company specializes in creating orphan drugs that combine replacement therapies—such as substrates, enzymes, and proteins—with innovative intracellular delivery systems. These bio-nano materials and ligands are designed to effectively target and deliver therapeutic molecules to the relevant cells in clinically significant organs, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy for patients with debilitating conditions caused by metabolic disorders and protein misfolding.
Alector, Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. The company's lead product, AL001, is a humanized recombinant monoclonal antibody currently in phase II clinical trials for frontotemporal dementia. Additionally, AL101 is in phase I clinical trials for various neurodegenerative diseases, while AL002 and AL003 are undergoing phase 1b trials specifically for Alzheimer's disease. Alector is leveraging advancements in antibody technology, neuroimmunology, and human genetics to create innovative therapeutics. The company maintains a collaboration with Adimab, LLC, which aids in the discovery and optimization of antibody therapeutics. Alector has a pipeline of ten programs in the research and development stage and aims to advance several candidates through pre-clinical development within the next two years. Founded in 2013, Alector is headquartered in South San Francisco, California.
GraphWear Technologies Inc. is a Philadelphia-based company that develops an advanced nanotechnology sensing platform capable of non-invasively monitoring vital body metrics in real-time through sweat, breath, and saliva. The company specializes in wearable patch sensors that measure lactic acid and glucose levels, offering solutions for dehydration monitoring and glucose detection. These devices are particularly beneficial for professional sports teams, college athletics, and amateur athletes, as they help optimize performance and prevent dehydration. Founded in 2015, GraphWear aims to revolutionize healthcare by providing continuous monitoring of hydration and sugar levels without the need for blood or urine samples, using innovative technology to ensure a hassle-free health tracking experience.
Wild Type, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that produces meat, poultry, and seafood through cellular agriculture, eliminating the need for raising or slaughtering animals. Founded in 2016, Wild Type offers a sustainable alternative to traditional food sources, addressing critical issues such as climate change, food security, and public health. By leveraging advanced cellular agriculture technologies, the company aims to redefine how society sources healthy and delicious meat, contributing to a more sustainable food ecosystem.
ViewPoint Therapeutics, a biotechnology company founded in 2014 and based in San Francisco, focuses on developing treatments for diseases caused by protein misfolding, particularly cataracts. The company is advancing its research on crystallin stabilizers, which are small molecules designed to prevent and treat age-related cataracts and presbyopia. These stabilizers have shown promise in preclinical models through a systematic screening and optimization process. By targeting protein misfolding, ViewPoint Therapeutics aims to provide effective therapies for common age-related disorders, including cataracts and neurodegenerative diseases, ultimately enhancing treatment options for physicians and their patients.
Pionyr Immunotherapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Francisco, California, focused on developing innovative cancer immunotherapies. Established in 2015, the company aims to enhance the body’s antitumor immunity by targeting the tumor microenvironment. Pionyr employs advanced technologies for novel target discovery and antibody generation, which underpin its next-generation immuno-oncology therapeutics. Central to its strategy is the Myeloid Tuning™ approach, designed to specifically modify the cellular composition within the tumor microenvironment, thereby improving the immune system's ability to combat tumors.
Sound Agriculture Company develops innovative crop protection and enhancement products aimed at improving agricultural yields and farm revenues while addressing challenges such as drought. The company offers Source, a solution that enhances in-season nutrient uptake by unlocking existing nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil, thereby helping growers optimize crop performance sustainably. Additionally, Sound Agriculture focuses on improving photosynthesis, water capture, and crop efficiency, contributing to healthier and more flavorful food while reducing waste. Founded in 2012 and based in Emeryville, California, the company employs molecular discovery and life science approaches to create climate-resilient crops, ultimately enhancing productivity for farmers. Originally known as Asilomar Bio, Inc., it rebranded to Sound Agriculture Company in September 2018.
Asilomar Bio is creating crop protection tools to enhance harvest yields and efficiency by leveraging their breakthrough technology in plant science and chemical manufacturing.
Vivace Therapeutics, Inc. is a small molecule discovery and development company focused on creating innovative cancer therapeutics by targeting the Hippo pathway, which plays a critical role in tissue regeneration and organ development. Founded in 2014, the company is based in San Mateo, California, and operates with a commitment to advancing novel therapies that can improve outcomes for cancer patients. Vivace Therapeutics emphasizes a capital-efficient and modality-indifferent approach, collaborating with leading academic laboratories to leverage cutting-edge research. Its experienced management team and top-tier scientists aim to develop treatments that can be used independently or in combination with existing therapies, ultimately striving to enhance the lives of individuals affected by cancer.
LogicInk is a developer of an innovative electronics-free wearable technology that monitors health parameters and provides valuable information about the user's body and environment. The company focuses on creating a lifestyle sensor platform that transforms to convey essential health insights, allowing users to maintain awareness of their well-being. By eliminating the need for bulky and expensive devices, LogicInk's wearables aim to seamlessly integrate into daily life, promoting health awareness and self-expression in a user-friendly manner. Their vision is to leverage programmable chemistry and biology to enhance the functionality of their products, ultimately enabling individuals to lead healthier lives with ease.
SiteOne, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapeutics and diagnostics for the treatment of acute and chronic pain. Established in 2010 and based in Bozeman, Montana, the company aims to provide safe and effective alternatives to existing pain management therapies, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids. SiteOne's lead therapeutic candidates are selective inhibitors of the voltage-gated sodium ion channel Naᵥ1.7, which is essential for transmitting pain signals in the nervous system. By targeting this specific channel, SiteOne seeks to offer new solutions for patients suffering from various pain conditions.
Pionyr Immunotherapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Francisco, California, focused on developing innovative cancer immunotherapies. Established in 2015, the company aims to enhance the body’s antitumor immunity by targeting the tumor microenvironment. Pionyr employs advanced technologies for novel target discovery and antibody generation, which underpin its next-generation immuno-oncology therapeutics. Central to its strategy is the Myeloid Tuning™ approach, designed to specifically modify the cellular composition within the tumor microenvironment, thereby improving the immune system's ability to combat tumors.
Circle Pharma, Inc. is an early-stage biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing cell-permeable macrocyclic peptide therapeutics. Founded in 2012 by Professors Matt Jacobson and Scott Lokey, the company utilizes proprietary computational design algorithms and innovative synthetic chemistry to create macrocycles targeting significant clinical challenges. Their approach involves an iterative design process that leverages large virtual libraries of diverse macrocycle scaffolds, selected for their permeability. Circle Pharma aims to address unmet clinical needs, particularly in the treatment of cancer, by focusing on intracellular protein-protein interactions through its novel macrocycle therapies, which can be delivered via multiple routes, including oral administration. The company's work is intended to enable healthcare professionals to advance internal development efforts in this critical area of medicine.
Tangible Science, LLC specializes in the development of innovative products aimed at enhancing the comfort of contact lens users, particularly those suffering from dry eye conditions. Founded in 2011 and based in Redwood City, California, the company has created a polymer coating technology that provides a bio-compatible and highly hydrated surface for contact lenses. This technology helps maintain the natural tear film, significantly reducing discomfort associated with lens wear. Tangible Science's product offerings include contact lens coatings, cleaners, rejuvenators, and a line of disposable lenses, all designed to improve the overall experience for patients, eye care professionals, and contact lens manufacturers.
Chrono Therapeutics Inc., a digital transdermal drug delivery company, develops SmartStop, a digital nicotine replacement therapy. Its wearable solution tailors the timing and dose sizes of drugs, preempts predictable peak disease, and addiction symptoms with a device. The company was incorporated in 2003 and is based in Hayward, California.
Cell Design Labs is a biotherapeutics company pioneering breakthrough science to develop disruptive cell-based therapies for cancer and other devastating diseases. Cell Design Labs leverages the power of the body’s immune system to develop smart, living therapies with the capability to treat our most challenging diseases with unprecedented power, precision, safety and durability
Caribou Biosciences, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Berkeley, California, specializing in cellular engineering and genome analysis through CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Founded in 2011, the company provides a gene editing platform that allows for targeted modifications in the genome. Its applications span various sectors, including human and animal therapeutics, agricultural biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology. Caribou's solutions facilitate the development of new disease models, enhance traits in plants, and support functional genomic screens. The company aims to advance both basic and applied biological research, leveraging its transformative capabilities to impact therapeutic development and bioproduction.
ViewPoint Therapeutics, a biotechnology company founded in 2014 and based in San Francisco, focuses on developing treatments for diseases caused by protein misfolding, particularly cataracts. The company is advancing its research on crystallin stabilizers, which are small molecules designed to prevent and treat age-related cataracts and presbyopia. These stabilizers have shown promise in preclinical models through a systematic screening and optimization process. By targeting protein misfolding, ViewPoint Therapeutics aims to provide effective therapies for common age-related disorders, including cataracts and neurodegenerative diseases, ultimately enhancing treatment options for physicians and their patients.
Alector, Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. The company's lead product, AL001, is a humanized recombinant monoclonal antibody currently in phase II clinical trials for frontotemporal dementia. Additionally, AL101 is in phase I clinical trials for various neurodegenerative diseases, while AL002 and AL003 are undergoing phase 1b trials specifically for Alzheimer's disease. Alector is leveraging advancements in antibody technology, neuroimmunology, and human genetics to create innovative therapeutics. The company maintains a collaboration with Adimab, LLC, which aids in the discovery and optimization of antibody therapeutics. Alector has a pipeline of ten programs in the research and development stage and aims to advance several candidates through pre-clinical development within the next two years. Founded in 2013, Alector is headquartered in South San Francisco, California.
Effector Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in the development of small molecule drugs aimed at treating cancer and other serious diseases. Founded in 2012, the company focuses on creating selective translation regulators that target the regulation of protein synthesis, a critical process in tumor growth and survival. By selectively blocking dysregulated translation, Effector Therapeutics aims to inhibit cancer cell proliferation while providing a potent and targeted therapeutic approach. This innovative strategy positions the company to potentially deliver new and effective treatments to patients facing challenging health conditions.
Atreca, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on discovering and developing antibody-based immunotherapeutics for various solid tumors. Its lead product candidate, ATRC-101, is a monoclonal antibody currently in clinical development, which demonstrates a unique mechanism of action and targets derived from antibodies identified through Atreca's innovative discovery platform. ATRC-101 has shown in vitro reactivity with a significant majority of cancer samples, including those from ovarian, non-small cell lung, colorectal, and breast cancer patients. Additionally, the company has established a strategic research collaboration with Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. to identify antigenic targets of select antibodies with potential applications in oncology. Founded in 2010, Atreca aims to advance its therapies to improve treatment options for cancer patients.
Alector, Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. The company's lead product, AL001, is a humanized recombinant monoclonal antibody currently in phase II clinical trials for frontotemporal dementia. Additionally, AL101 is in phase I clinical trials for various neurodegenerative diseases, while AL002 and AL003 are undergoing phase 1b trials specifically for Alzheimer's disease. Alector is leveraging advancements in antibody technology, neuroimmunology, and human genetics to create innovative therapeutics. The company maintains a collaboration with Adimab, LLC, which aids in the discovery and optimization of antibody therapeutics. Alector has a pipeline of ten programs in the research and development stage and aims to advance several candidates through pre-clinical development within the next two years. Founded in 2013, Alector is headquartered in South San Francisco, California.
SiteOne, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapeutics and diagnostics for the treatment of acute and chronic pain. Established in 2010 and based in Bozeman, Montana, the company aims to provide safe and effective alternatives to existing pain management therapies, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids. SiteOne's lead therapeutic candidates are selective inhibitors of the voltage-gated sodium ion channel Naᵥ1.7, which is essential for transmitting pain signals in the nervous system. By targeting this specific channel, SiteOne seeks to offer new solutions for patients suffering from various pain conditions.
Bolt Threads Inc. is a materials company based in Emeryville, California, founded in 2009. The company specializes in the manufacture of innovative fibers and fabrics, including its signature biofabricated silk fibers known as Microsilk. Utilizing proprietary technology and advanced bioengineering concepts, Bolt Threads develops next-generation performance fibers and fabrics aimed at enhancing quality, performance, and design in various sectors, including apparel, footwear, and beauty. The company focuses on sustainable practices by transforming textile waste into new products, positioning itself as a leader in environmentally responsible textile production.
Caribou Biosciences, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Berkeley, California, specializing in cellular engineering and genome analysis through CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Founded in 2011, the company provides a gene editing platform that allows for targeted modifications in the genome. Its applications span various sectors, including human and animal therapeutics, agricultural biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology. Caribou's solutions facilitate the development of new disease models, enhance traits in plants, and support functional genomic screens. The company aims to advance both basic and applied biological research, leveraging its transformative capabilities to impact therapeutic development and bioproduction.
Tangible Science, LLC specializes in the development of innovative products aimed at enhancing the comfort of contact lens users, particularly those suffering from dry eye conditions. Founded in 2011 and based in Redwood City, California, the company has created a polymer coating technology that provides a bio-compatible and highly hydrated surface for contact lenses. This technology helps maintain the natural tear film, significantly reducing discomfort associated with lens wear. Tangible Science's product offerings include contact lens coatings, cleaners, rejuvenators, and a line of disposable lenses, all designed to improve the overall experience for patients, eye care professionals, and contact lens manufacturers.
Bolt Threads Inc. is a materials company based in Emeryville, California, founded in 2009. The company specializes in the manufacture of innovative fibers and fabrics, including its signature biofabricated silk fibers known as Microsilk. Utilizing proprietary technology and advanced bioengineering concepts, Bolt Threads develops next-generation performance fibers and fabrics aimed at enhancing quality, performance, and design in various sectors, including apparel, footwear, and beauty. The company focuses on sustainable practices by transforming textile waste into new products, positioning itself as a leader in environmentally responsible textile production.
Circle Pharma, Inc. is an early-stage biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing cell-permeable macrocyclic peptide therapeutics. Founded in 2012 by Professors Matt Jacobson and Scott Lokey, the company utilizes proprietary computational design algorithms and innovative synthetic chemistry to create macrocycles targeting significant clinical challenges. Their approach involves an iterative design process that leverages large virtual libraries of diverse macrocycle scaffolds, selected for their permeability. Circle Pharma aims to address unmet clinical needs, particularly in the treatment of cancer, by focusing on intracellular protein-protein interactions through its novel macrocycle therapies, which can be delivered via multiple routes, including oral administration. The company's work is intended to enable healthcare professionals to advance internal development efforts in this critical area of medicine.
Zephyrus Biosciences, Inc. is a life science research tools company based in Berkeley, California, founded in 2013. The company specializes in the development and commercialization of innovative research tools that facilitate protein analysis at the single-cell level. Its flagship product, the scWestern System, allows for western blotting on individual cells, a significant advancement in the field of single-cell analysis. This system employs microfluidics technology to isolate single cells in micro-wells, lysing them and performing SDS-PAGE separation on each lysate. Researchers utilize Zephyrus's tools to explore critical areas such as cancer biology, stem cell research, neurology, and broader human disease studies, ultimately contributing to advancements in diagnostics and therapeutics. As of March 2016, Zephyrus operates as a subsidiary of Bio-Techne Corp.
Principia Biopharma Inc. is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing innovative therapies for immune-mediated diseases. The company's lead candidate, rilzabrutinib, is an inhibitor currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials for pemphigus and pemphigus foliaceus, as well as Phase 1/2 and Phase 2 trials for immune thrombocytopenia and IgG4-related disease, respectively. Additionally, Principia is advancing PRN2246/SAR442168, aimed at treating multiple sclerosis and other central nervous system disorders, which is in Phase II trials. Another candidate, PRN473, is in Phase I trials for various immune-mediated diseases. Principia Biopharma collaborates with Genzyme Corporation to explore treatments for relapsing and progressive multiple sclerosis, enhancing its commitment to addressing significant unmet medical needs in immunology and oncology. Established in 2008, the company operates as a subsidiary of Sanofi.
Tangible Science, LLC specializes in the development of innovative products aimed at enhancing the comfort of contact lens users, particularly those suffering from dry eye conditions. Founded in 2011 and based in Redwood City, California, the company has created a polymer coating technology that provides a bio-compatible and highly hydrated surface for contact lenses. This technology helps maintain the natural tear film, significantly reducing discomfort associated with lens wear. Tangible Science's product offerings include contact lens coatings, cleaners, rejuvenators, and a line of disposable lenses, all designed to improve the overall experience for patients, eye care professionals, and contact lens manufacturers.
Effector Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in the development of small molecule drugs aimed at treating cancer and other serious diseases. Founded in 2012, the company focuses on creating selective translation regulators that target the regulation of protein synthesis, a critical process in tumor growth and survival. By selectively blocking dysregulated translation, Effector Therapeutics aims to inhibit cancer cell proliferation while providing a potent and targeted therapeutic approach. This innovative strategy positions the company to potentially deliver new and effective treatments to patients facing challenging health conditions.
Principia Biopharma Inc. is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing innovative therapies for immune-mediated diseases. The company's lead candidate, rilzabrutinib, is an inhibitor currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials for pemphigus and pemphigus foliaceus, as well as Phase 1/2 and Phase 2 trials for immune thrombocytopenia and IgG4-related disease, respectively. Additionally, Principia is advancing PRN2246/SAR442168, aimed at treating multiple sclerosis and other central nervous system disorders, which is in Phase II trials. Another candidate, PRN473, is in Phase I trials for various immune-mediated diseases. Principia Biopharma collaborates with Genzyme Corporation to explore treatments for relapsing and progressive multiple sclerosis, enhancing its commitment to addressing significant unmet medical needs in immunology and oncology. Established in 2008, the company operates as a subsidiary of Sanofi.
Magnamosis
Seed Round in 2012
Magnamosis develops a medical device designed to create a magnetic compression anastomosis with improved outcomes. Magnamosis' product is an effective alternative to normal surgical staplers, enabling doctors to use them for colorectal and other GI tract.
Calithera Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, dedicated to discovering and developing small molecule therapeutics for cancer treatment. The company focuses on targeting tumor metabolism and tumor immunology to create innovative anti-cancer drugs. Its lead product candidate, CB-839, is an inhibitor of glutaminase currently undergoing Phase II clinical trials for solid tumors. Additionally, Calithera is developing CB-1158, an oral arginase inhibitor in Phase I/II trials for hematology and oncology indications. The company is also working on other candidates, including CB-280 for cystic fibrosis and CB-708, an inhibitor of CD73. Calithera has established collaborations with major pharmaceutical firms, including Bristol-Myers Squibb and Incyte Corporation, to advance its research and development efforts. Founded in 2010, Calithera aims to address critical challenges in cancer therapy through its specialized drug development pipeline.
Redwood Bioscience specializes in precision protein-chemical engineering to create optimized biotherapeutics. The company employs site-specific modification technology, which addresses the challenges of conjugating biologics with synthetic molecules, resulting in homogeneous hybrid biotherapeutics. These hybrid drugs combine the specificity and extended half-life of biologics with the potency of synthetic peptides and small molecules. By utilizing modified carrier scaffolds, Redwood develops peptide therapeutics aimed at enhancing serum half-lives and antibody-drug conjugates that exhibit improved potency and reduced toxicity. Additionally, the company is expanding the chemical space of protein drugs by creating heterofunctional products with unique architectures. Redwood collaborates with partners to enhance the value of existing programs and to jointly develop innovative compounds while also pursuing its own internal biotherapeutic programs.