Berkeley Catalyst Fund (BCF)

Founded in 2018 and based in Redwood City, California, Bone Health Technologies designs and manufactures OsteoBoost, a wearable medical device that uses whole-body vibration technology to provide weight-bearing exercise and mechanical stimulation to the hips and spine. Clinically proven to slow bone density loss in postmenopausal women with osteopenia, OsteoBoost offers a convenient, non-pharmacological, pain-free treatment option for nearly 64 million Americans at risk of osteoporotic fractures.

Zeda, formerly known as PrinterPrezz and Vertex Manufacturing, is a technology solutions company based in Fremont, California. Established in 2017, Zeda specializes in advanced manufacturing technologies, particularly in the fields of additive manufacturing, nanotechnology, and precision manufacturing. The company develops and manufactures innovative medical devices, such as the GAIA™ Lumbar Interbody Fusion Device, and provides essential tools including 3D printing machines, manipulation software, and scanners. Zeda serves highly regulated industries, including medical, aerospace, space, and defense, with a mission to enhance lives through the integration of groundbreaking technologies and innovative ideas. Its commitment to fostering collaboration and incubating new concepts positions Zeda as a leader in its sector.

Zeda, formerly known as PrinterPrezz and Vertex Manufacturing, is a technology solutions company based in Fremont, California. Established in 2017, Zeda specializes in advanced manufacturing technologies, particularly in the fields of additive manufacturing, nanotechnology, and precision manufacturing. The company develops and manufactures innovative medical devices, such as the GAIA™ Lumbar Interbody Fusion Device, and provides essential tools including 3D printing machines, manipulation software, and scanners. Zeda serves highly regulated industries, including medical, aerospace, space, and defense, with a mission to enhance lives through the integration of groundbreaking technologies and innovative ideas. Its commitment to fostering collaboration and incubating new concepts positions Zeda as a leader in its sector.

Telesair is a medical device company focused on creating innovative respiratory care solutions aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals with lung diseases. By leveraging real clinical data, advanced engineering design, software, and Internet of Things (IoT) technology, Telesair develops respiratory care equipment that is both safer and more efficient for use in clinical and home settings. Their solutions facilitate the transition of patients from hospital environments to home care, thereby improving overall standards of care within the healthcare system.

Valitor, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Berkeley, California, founded in 2010. The company specializes in the development of advanced, protein-based drugs and has established innovative methods for modifying therapeutic proteins. This technology enables enhanced control over pharmacokinetics, target specificity, and bioactivity, thus improving the pharmacological properties of existing and emerging protein drugs. Valitor's research and development efforts are focused on three key areas: dermatology, ophthalmology, and orthopedics, where they are advancing novel drug products designed to address unmet medical needs in these fields.

Vicinitas Therapeutics is a biotech startup that specializes in developing medicines that impact patient lives. Its vision is to use its proprietary Deubiquitinase Targeting Chimera (DUBTAC) platform to restore the levels of aberrantly degraded proteins that cause disease to confer therapeutic benefit.

Applaud Medical, Inc. is a medical device company based in San Francisco, California, focused on developing and commercializing innovative treatments for kidney stones, a condition affecting over 2 million individuals annually in the United States. Established in 2014, the company aims to address the limitations of existing treatments, which often require anesthesia and are only partially effective. Applaud Medical's novel approach will enable urologists to treat kidney stones measuring between 5 to 15 millimeters through a simple outpatient procedure, significantly improving patient outcomes and convenience.

Arima Genomics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in developing innovative solutions for genome sequencing and structural analysis, with a focus on human health, disease, and species evolution. The company offers the Arima-HiC proximity ligation kit, which captures the three-dimensional organization of chromatin, allowing researchers to understand the spatial relationships of genomic sequences. Additionally, Arima Genomics provides The Arima-HiChIP protocol, a streamlined method for identifying long-range genomic interactions facilitated by proteins, combining Hi-C technology with chromatin immunoprecipitation. These technologies enable various genomic applications, such as identifying promoter-enhancer interactions and scaffolding contigs for genome assemblies. Founded in 2015, Arima Genomics aims to accelerate genomic discovery and improve understanding of the genome's role in health and disease.

Akadeum Life Sciences develops bioseparation products that facilitate the removal of target cells from biological samples using microscopic micro-bubbles. Its products enable medical practitioners to efficiently perform downstream testing and analysis.

Acrigen Biosciences is focused on advancing gene editing technologies to enhance the safety and efficiency of CRISPR-Cas based systems. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Berkeley, California, the company develops precision gene editing solutions aimed at producing effective and safe in vivo drug therapies for various diseases. Acrigen's innovations include Acro proteins that regulate the CRISPR-Cas gene editing process, along with a bioinformatics discovery software platform designed to identify suitable CRISPR systems for human therapeutic applications. By improving anti-CRISPR proteins and optimizing genetic therapies, Acrigen aims to contribute significantly to the field of medicine and the treatment of debilitating conditions.

Filtricine is a Santa Clara, California-based biotechnology company focused on cancer therapy through targeted nutrient depletion. The company develops approaches that remove nutrients critical to cancer cell growth, enabling exploitation of cancer-specific metabolic dependencies without traditional drug substances. Through a nutrient modulation platform, Filtricine aims to identify metabolic vulnerabilities in cancers and apply strategies to deprive tumor cells of essential nutrients, potentially slowing or stopping disease progression. Founded in 2017, Filtricine operates as a clinical-stage, venture-backed biotechnology company dedicated to developing therapies that spare normal cells while targeting cancer metabolism.

SimpleLab connects clients with labs for water quality testing using its Tap Score kits. It operates as a digital marketplace, facilitating transactions between businesses seeking detailed environmental data and accredited laboratories offering analytical services.

Amplicore is a biotechnology company focused on developing injectable therapeutics aimed at treating degenerative musculoskeletal disorders. The company addresses unmet medical needs through a regenerative approach, specifically targeting conditions such as osteoarthritis, cartilage damage, degenerative disc disease, and acute meniscus tears. Amplicore's innovative drugs promote cartilage regeneration and inhibit harmful enzymatic activities, enabling healthcare providers to offer effective relief from joint pain to patients suffering from these debilitating conditions.

Invenio Imaging, Inc. is a privately held company founded in 2012 and based in Santa Clara, California. It specializes in the development of advanced technology for non-destructive microscopic analysis of the molecular composition of tissues and various materials. The company offers a multi-modal coherent Raman scattering microscope aimed at research and development as well as medical applications. Invenio Imaging's innovative platform technology is designed to facilitate intraoperative histology by providing high-resolution imaging that allows for the examination of specimens from multiple sites within a surgical cavity. The company was established based on research conducted by Professor Sunney Xie at Harvard University and has received funding from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health's Small Business Innovation Research programs.

Aligned Carbon Inc. is a manufacturer of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) specifically designed for the integrated circuit industry. Established in 2018 and headquartered in Santa Clara, California, the company produces semiconductor-pure, aligned CNTs that are available on industry-standard wafers at a manufacturing scale. These CNTs are uniquely aligned in arrays that cover full semiconductor substrates and can be purified to be either entirely semiconducting or metallic. Aligned Carbon's technology facilitates a transition away from traditional silicon, allowing semiconductor foundries to achieve significant improvements in speed, energy efficiency, and performance in applications such as logic processing, signal processing, and advanced sensing technologies. The company's innovations enable clients to enhance computing applications through the integration of carbon nanotube logic with conventional silicon logic and memory, thereby addressing growing demands in the semiconductor sector.

Oyla, founded in 2018 and based in San Carlos, California, specializes in advanced 3D spatial intelligence for transportation and monitoring. The company develops optical sensors that combine 3D and video data collection, enhancing the accuracy of video AI by utilizing a low-cost, fused RGB-Depth camera system. This technology allows for real-time detection of people and objects within a defined three-dimensional space, enabling the identification of unusual activities. Oyla's 3D sensors are equipped with their own infra-red illumination, allowing them to function effectively in complete darkness. The system can establish precise intrusion detection perimeters, providing clients with robust surveillance capabilities.

Resilient Biotics is a developer of microbiome-based therapeutics focused on addressing complex respiratory infections in both livestock animals and humans. By harnessing big data analytics and a proprietary discovery platform, the company employs high-resolution genomic analyses and machine learning algorithms to identify naturally occurring strains with immune-activating and pathogen-inhibiting capabilities. Resilient Biotics aims to create advanced screening methods and effective treatment strategies that combat deadly infectious diseases while reducing the livestock industry's reliance on antibiotics.

Zeda, formerly known as PrinterPrezz and Vertex Manufacturing, is a technology solutions company based in Fremont, California. Established in 2017, Zeda specializes in advanced manufacturing technologies, particularly in the fields of additive manufacturing, nanotechnology, and precision manufacturing. The company develops and manufactures innovative medical devices, such as the GAIA™ Lumbar Interbody Fusion Device, and provides essential tools including 3D printing machines, manipulation software, and scanners. Zeda serves highly regulated industries, including medical, aerospace, space, and defense, with a mission to enhance lives through the integration of groundbreaking technologies and innovative ideas. Its commitment to fostering collaboration and incubating new concepts positions Zeda as a leader in its sector.

Madorra Inc. is a medical device company headquartered in Portland, Oregon, founded in 2014. It specializes in developing and marketing solutions for vaginal dryness, primarily targeting post-menopausal women and breast cancer survivors. Madorra aims to empower these women by providing a non-hormonal treatment option, thereby shifting the focus from traditional pharmaceutical approaches to a more innovative device-based solution. The company's products are designed to restore vaginal vibrancy and address vaginal atrophy, enabling women to achieve a fuller and healthier quality of life.

Newomics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Berkeley, California, established in 2011. The company specializes in developing innovative platforms for personalized healthcare, utilizing proprietary technology based on silicon-microfluidic chips for liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). This technology provides exceptional robustness, sensitivity, specificity, and throughput for analyzing biomolecules from small volumes of biospecimens, such as blood and urine. Newomics focuses on creating multi-omics diagnostic assays, particularly for conditions like diabetes and Alzheimer's. Its platform facilitates analyses in proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics, allowing for the effective examination of biological samples, including human plasma and mammalian cells. Through its advancements, Newomics aims to enhance the capabilities of mass spectrometry by integrating and miniaturizing diagnostic processes.

Inhalon Biopharma, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing monoclonal antibodies aimed at treating and preventing respiratory infections. Founded in 2018 and based in Carrboro, North Carolina, Inhalon utilizes a unique technology that allows for the trapping of pathogens in mucus secretions. This innovative approach is particularly effective in addressing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a significant cause of lung and respiratory tract infections in children. The company's inhaled immunotherapy platform leverages biologics for mucosal applications, enhancing the ability to trace and combat pathogens associated with various acute respiratory infections.

Nelumbo is a materials innovation company focused on HVAC efficiency and corrosion resistance. It develops a platform of structural materials and advanced surface coatings, including thin superomnophobic nanocoatings for cooling coils, and designs improved heat exchangers for refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. The coatings aim to reduce frost buildup and defrost downtime, while the heat exchangers target better energy performance and lower maintenance. The company positions its technologies to unlock mass-market opportunities with potential carbon emission and energy-use reductions worldwide. It was founded in 2015 and is based in Menlo Park, California.

Circle Pharma, Inc. is an early-stage biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, founded in 2012 by Matt Jacobson and Scott Lokey. The company specializes in developing cell-permeable macrocyclic peptide therapeutics aimed at critical clinical targets. It employs proprietary computational design algorithms and innovative synthetic chemistry to create first-in-class macrocycle therapies that can be administered through various routes, including oral delivery. Circle Pharma's platform utilizes structure-based rational drug design and an iterative process to generate large virtual libraries of diverse macrocycle scaffolds, which are selected for their permeability. This approach enables the company to address challenging targets, particularly in the context of intracellular protein-protein interactions that play a significant role in cancer, thereby fulfilling unmet clinical needs. The company is led by David J. Earp.

SwineTech is a technology company that develops AI and sensor-based solutions for sow farming. Its flagship SmartGuard farrowing platform monitors pregnancy and piglet health to identify trouble early and help prevent piglet crushing, contributing to increased pork production. The company's livestock management platform also uses machine learning and sensors to assign and monitor tasks, improve operational visibility, and alert farm teams to urgent care needs, enabling pork producers to optimize daily operations and herd health. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, SwineTech focuses on data-driven automation to reduce piglet mortality and enhance productivity.

Arima Genomics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in developing innovative solutions for genome sequencing and structural analysis, with a focus on human health, disease, and species evolution. The company offers the Arima-HiC proximity ligation kit, which captures the three-dimensional organization of chromatin, allowing researchers to understand the spatial relationships of genomic sequences. Additionally, Arima Genomics provides The Arima-HiChIP protocol, a streamlined method for identifying long-range genomic interactions facilitated by proteins, combining Hi-C technology with chromatin immunoprecipitation. These technologies enable various genomic applications, such as identifying promoter-enhancer interactions and scaffolding contigs for genome assemblies. Founded in 2015, Arima Genomics aims to accelerate genomic discovery and improve understanding of the genome's role in health and disease.

Anord Mardix is a global leader in critical power distribution and protection, with a century of engineering expertise. The company operates in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, employing over 750 skilled professionals dedicated to addressing customer challenges. Anord Mardix offers a comprehensive range of products, including high and low voltage switchgear, custom-built modular solutions, and advanced busbar and busway systems. With nine world-class manufacturing facilities totaling over 450,000 square feet, the company ensures total quality control and rapid expansion capabilities. Their products are integrated with proprietary power management systems, and they provide unique service capabilities, catering to blue-chip clients in data centers, energy, and industrial applications worldwide.

Akadeum Life Sciences develops bioseparation products that facilitate the removal of target cells from biological samples using microscopic micro-bubbles. Its products enable medical practitioners to efficiently perform downstream testing and analysis.

WaHa is a technology company that has created the WaHa Vaporator, a solid desiccant regeneration engine that improves air conditioning, dehumidification, and atmospheric water generation. The patented system allows independent control of dew point and dry bulb temperatures, produces pure water for evaporative cooling, and works with ultra‑low global warming potential refrigerants. It can reduce energy consumption by up to 90% compared with conventional systems while maintaining comparable size and weight, making it installable by existing tradespeople. The Vaporator is suitable for any climate, including arid and cold regions, and offers lower operating costs and higher reliability than competing technologies. Founded in 2018, WaHa commercializes desiccant materials and technologies developed at UC Berkeley over two decades and has received seed funding from the university, Berkeley Catalyst Fund, Mitsui‑Kinzoku, TAQNIA, and strategic angel investors.

Demetrix, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Berkeley, California, specializing in the manufacture of natural medicines through synthetic biology and fermentation technology. Founded in 2015, the company focuses on identifying and producing rare cannabinoids and bioactive compounds that hold significant potential for health and wellness applications. Utilizing advanced genetics and computing technologies, Demetrix engineers microbial hosts to efficiently synthesize these compounds in a manner that mirrors natural processes, while also maintaining an environmentally responsible approach. The company supplies its medicinal cannabinoids to various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, supplements, and consumer products, thereby contributing to the advancement of innovative health solutions. Demetrix also has a presence in Raleigh, North Carolina, to support its operations.

Frontier Medicines Corporation, established in 2018 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, is a pre-clinical stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in cancer research. The company employs chemoproteomics to discover and develop novel medicines targeting cancer-causing proteins. Frontier Medicines' innovative platform integrates advanced computational methods and machine learning algorithms to identify and pharmacologically target new binding pockets on proteins, thereby enabling small-molecule drug discovery and development for previously inaccessible targets.

Valitor, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Berkeley, California, founded in 2010. The company specializes in the development of advanced, protein-based drugs and has established innovative methods for modifying therapeutic proteins. This technology enables enhanced control over pharmacokinetics, target specificity, and bioactivity, thus improving the pharmacological properties of existing and emerging protein drugs. Valitor's research and development efforts are focused on three key areas: dermatology, ophthalmology, and orthopedics, where they are advancing novel drug products designed to address unmet medical needs in these fields.

Sugarlogix is creating prebiotic sugars with functional benefits for your gut health. Found naturally in human breast milk, their functional sugars restore balance to the gut microbiome, thus enhancing the immune system and reducing inflammation.

4D Molecular Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage gene therapy company based in Emeryville, California, focused on developing innovative gene therapies for unmet medical needs. The company utilizes targeted and evolved adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors to create its product candidates, which are concentrated in the therapeutic areas of ophthalmology, cardiology, and pulmonology. Key candidates in its portfolio include 4D-125, currently in a Phase I/II trial for X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, and 4D-110, undergoing Phase I trials for choroideremia. Additionally, 4D-310 is in Phase I/II trials for Fabry disease, while investigational drugs 4D-150 and 4D-710 are being developed for wet age-related macular degeneration and cystic fibrosis lung disease, respectively. Founded in 2013, 4D Molecular Therapeutics aims to advance its gene therapies to address significant health challenges.

Newomics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Berkeley, California, established in 2011. The company specializes in developing innovative platforms for personalized healthcare, utilizing proprietary technology based on silicon-microfluidic chips for liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). This technology provides exceptional robustness, sensitivity, specificity, and throughput for analyzing biomolecules from small volumes of biospecimens, such as blood and urine. Newomics focuses on creating multi-omics diagnostic assays, particularly for conditions like diabetes and Alzheimer's. Its platform facilitates analyses in proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics, allowing for the effective examination of biological samples, including human plasma and mammalian cells. Through its advancements, Newomics aims to enhance the capabilities of mass spectrometry by integrating and miniaturizing diagnostic processes.

DNALite Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative gene therapy treatments for the gastrointestinal tract. Founded in 2016 and based in San Francisco, California, the company utilizes advanced oral lipid nanoparticle technology to deliver mRNA and plasmid DNA directly to intestinal stem cells. This approach aims to address the root causes of gastrointestinal diseases, including Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), a hereditary condition that can lead to colorectal cancer and often necessitates invasive surgical interventions. DNALite's therapies seek to transform protein biologics into oral drugs, allowing for more effective and less invasive treatment options.

Nelumbo is a materials innovation company focused on HVAC efficiency and corrosion resistance. It develops a platform of structural materials and advanced surface coatings, including thin superomnophobic nanocoatings for cooling coils, and designs improved heat exchangers for refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. The coatings aim to reduce frost buildup and defrost downtime, while the heat exchangers target better energy performance and lower maintenance. The company positions its technologies to unlock mass-market opportunities with potential carbon emission and energy-use reductions worldwide. It was founded in 2015 and is based in Menlo Park, California.

LogicInk is a company that specializes in developing electronics-free wearables designed to monitor health parameters and provide information about the user's body and environment. Their innovative platform utilizes programmable chemistry and biology to create lifestyle sensors that seamlessly integrate into everyday life. By transforming these wearables, LogicInk enables users to easily access vital health information, fostering health awareness and self-expression. The company's products aim to eliminate the barriers associated with traditional, bulky, and expensive health monitoring devices, promoting a more accessible and user-friendly approach to personal health management.