Foresite Capital

Foresite Capital is a healthcare and life sciences investment firm founded in 2011 and based in Larkspur, California, with additional offices in San Francisco and New York. The firm adopts a data-driven and scientific approach to identify and invest in startups that leverage biology and big data to enhance healthcare outcomes. Foresite Capital focuses on multiple stages of investment in sectors such as healthcare technology, therapeutics, and life sciences. The firm collaborates closely with its portfolio companies, offering not only capital but also access to a multidisciplinary team of experts, including scientists, engineers, analysts, and clinicians. This collaborative approach aims to address significant unmet clinical needs by supporting innovative healthcare solutions across various stages of development. Foresite Capital manages $2 billion in assets and emphasizes investments in companies utilizing data science and machine intelligence to advance healthcare.

Jacob Barlow Ph.D

Senior Associate, Life Sciences Research

Dorothy Margolskee

Managing Director

Jonathan Robbins

Senior Director and member of the investment team

Tananbaum M.D., MBA, James B.

Founder and CEO

Brett Zbar

Managing Director

Past deals in Life Science

Myome

Series B in 2022
Myome is a company focused on gene analytics technology that aims to enhance understanding of how DNA influences health and well-being. By utilizing genome sequencing, Myome provides insights into a range of common and rare diseases, including coronary heart disease. This technology allows for the estimation of risks associated with various multifactorial medical conditions, empowering families to take proactive measures to reduce the transmission of genetic diseases across generations. The data generated by Myome is designed to be secure, portable, and reusable throughout an individual's life, facilitating ongoing health management.

TenSixteen Bio

Series A in 2022
TenSixteen Bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapeutics for a variety of diseases. The company uses somatic mosaicism and clonal hematopoiesis (CHIP) to find and develop new treatments for age-related disorders. Foresite Labs co-founded TenSixteen Bio, which is based in San Francisco.

Odyssey Therapeutics

Series A in 2021
Odyssey Therapeutics is a biotechnology company pioneering the efficient development of next-generation immunomodulators and oncology medicines. Odyssey is making a transformational impact on the field of drug discovery and is accelerating the path to clinical development to drive the creation of more effective precision medicines. The company's integrated drug-hunting engine is designed to accelerate drug discovery by unlocking targets with great potential and minimizing attrition.

bit.bio

Series B in 2021
Bit.bio specializes in the fields of coding and biology that determine the identity of every human cell. Their mission is coding cells for health. To do so, we apply the principles of computation to biology. Bit.bio's current focus is to develop a scalable technology platform capable of producing consistent batches of every human cell. This has the potential to unlock a new generation of medicine: it will enable research and drug discovery to move on from inappropriate models and work with the cells that actually are affected by the human disease. A scalable platform of consistent cells will also be the basis for a new generation of cell and tissue therapies. To achieve our goals, we have assembled a team of pioneers in stem cells, cellular reprogramming, mathematical modeling, and cell therapy. Collaboration is at the heart of bit.bio. We are empirical, highly ambitious, and driven by a common purpose.

Mammoth Biosciences

Series D in 2021
Mammoth Biosciences, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, that focuses on developing innovative CRISPR solutions for a variety of applications. The company offers DETECTR™, a diagnostic platform that identifies specific nucleic acids in samples, aiding in the detection of diseases such as bacterial infections, cancer, and viral infections. Additionally, Mammoth Biosciences provides CRISPR-Cas systems for genome editing, targeting therapeutic areas including immuno-oncology, autoimmune diseases, and liver diseases. By harnessing proprietary ultracompact proteins and leveraging advanced research and development, Mammoth aims to create affordable point-of-care tests and enhance diagnostics across healthcare, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. Co-founded by CRISPR pioneer Jennifer Doudna, the company has attracted significant investment from institutional and individual backers.

Element Biosciences

Series C in 2021
Element Biosciences is a life science company that focuses on developing innovative genetic analysis tools. The company is developing a modular and high-performing DNA sequencing platform that will deliver high-quality data, workflow flexibility, and make next-generation sequencing technology more accessible. The company's proprietary approach to improving the signal-to-noise ratio allows us to provide groundbreaking innovations in surface chemistry, instrumentation, and biochemistry to drastically decrease the run and capital costs while delivering high sequencing data quality.

23andMe

Post in 2021
23andMe is a human genome research company enabling users to study their ancestry, genealogy, and inherited traits. A startup co-founded by Linda Avey and Anne Wojcicki, the wife of Google co-founder Sergey Brin, 23andMe has plans to make the human genome searchable. Brin, along with Google, gave 23andMe $3.9 million as part of a series A in May of 2007. The company was named after the number of chromosome pairs in humans. They aim to help people understand what their genes mean by indexing them and highlighting significant findings. 23andMe allows its clients/users to study their ancestry, genealogy and inherited traits. The company also markets to researchers and scientists, for whom they provide neatly categorized and easily searchable data. One reason the Google investment in 23andMe made sense was that this company could enable the search giant to index another facet of the world's information. With the Biotech and Health Care industries growing rapidly, 23andMe could help Google get and maintain a market hold in these already multi-billion dollar areas.

Quantum SI

Post in 2021
Quantum-Si is focused on revolutionizing the growing field of proteomics. The company’s suite of technologies are powered by a first-of-its-kind semiconductor chip designed to enable single-molecule next-generation protein sequencing and genomics, and digitize proteomic research in order to advance drug discovery and diagnostics beyond what has been possible with DNA sequencing.

LifeMine Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
LifeMine Therapeutics combines genomics with AI and synthetic biology to discover and develop a pipeline of novel medicines. LifeMine’s Avatar-Rx platform integrates high-throughput microbiology, data science and machine learning, genome engineering, and automation technologies to search the fungal biosphere for novel GEMs having a predetermined target and biological function. The platform integrates chemoinformatic-assisted drug optimization and state-of-the-art chemical synthesis with biotransformation to advance new product candidates into development. Founded by Gregory Verdine, PhD, Rick Klausner, MD, and WeiQing Zhou, MBA. LifeMine Therapeutics is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

SomaLogic

Series A in 2020
SomaLogic operates as a protein biomarker discovery and clinical diagnostics company. It offers SOMAmers (Slow-Offrate Modified Aptamers), which are modified nucleic acid-based protein-binding reagents that are specific for their cognate protein; and SOMAscan that provides protein detection and equipment. The company’s SOMAmer/SOMAscan technology enables to discover protein biomarker signatures; drug discovery and development; and clinical diagnostics. Its products have applications in the diagnostics of various diseases in oncology, neurology, cardiovascular and metabolic disease, and other diseases and conditions. SomaLogic was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado.

Mammoth Biosciences

Series C in 2020
Mammoth Biosciences, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, that focuses on developing innovative CRISPR solutions for a variety of applications. The company offers DETECTR™, a diagnostic platform that identifies specific nucleic acids in samples, aiding in the detection of diseases such as bacterial infections, cancer, and viral infections. Additionally, Mammoth Biosciences provides CRISPR-Cas systems for genome editing, targeting therapeutic areas including immuno-oncology, autoimmune diseases, and liver diseases. By harnessing proprietary ultracompact proteins and leveraging advanced research and development, Mammoth aims to create affordable point-of-care tests and enhance diagnostics across healthcare, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. Co-founded by CRISPR pioneer Jennifer Doudna, the company has attracted significant investment from institutional and individual backers.

Sestina Bio

Seed Round in 2020
Sestina Bio, LLC is a biotechnology company founded in 2020 and based in Delaware. The company focuses on developing a synthetic biology platform that engineers yeast and bacteria to produce chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Sestina Bio integrates innovative advances in synthetic biology, data sciences, and bio-analytical systems to create solutions addressing significant global challenges, such as sustainable food production, clothing, and health for an expanding population. Their offerings include tools for genome editing, single-cell biology, and machine learning, which enhance researchers' capabilities to engineer and exploit new biological functions.

bit.bio

Series A in 2020
Bit.bio specializes in the fields of coding and biology that determine the identity of every human cell. Their mission is coding cells for health. To do so, we apply the principles of computation to biology. Bit.bio's current focus is to develop a scalable technology platform capable of producing consistent batches of every human cell. This has the potential to unlock a new generation of medicine: it will enable research and drug discovery to move on from inappropriate models and work with the cells that actually are affected by the human disease. A scalable platform of consistent cells will also be the basis for a new generation of cell and tissue therapies. To achieve our goals, we have assembled a team of pioneers in stem cells, cellular reprogramming, mathematical modeling, and cell therapy. Collaboration is at the heart of bit.bio. We are empirical, highly ambitious, and driven by a common purpose.

ALX Oncology

Series C in 2020
ALX Oncology is a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company based in Burlingame, California, established in 2015. The company specializes in developing innovative therapies for cancer, particularly through its lead product candidate, ALX148, which targets the CD47 protein. This therapeutic aims to enhance the immune system's ability to detect and eliminate cancer cells, which often use CD47 as a mechanism to evade immune response. ALX148 is being investigated for its potential in treating various hematologic malignancies, including myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia, as well as solid tumors such as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and HER2-positive gastric cancer. The company’s research is rooted in advanced protein engineering, with a focus on creating next-generation therapies that minimize the hematologic toxicities associated with traditional CD47 blocking strategies.

Element Biosciences

Series B in 2020
Element Biosciences is a life science company that focuses on developing innovative genetic analysis tools. The company is developing a modular and high-performing DNA sequencing platform that will deliver high-quality data, workflow flexibility, and make next-generation sequencing technology more accessible. The company's proprietary approach to improving the signal-to-noise ratio allows us to provide groundbreaking innovations in surface chemistry, instrumentation, and biochemistry to drastically decrease the run and capital costs while delivering high sequencing data quality.

Genapsys

Series C in 2019
GenapSys, Inc. develops innovative DNA sequencing technologies aimed at enhancing applied genomic testing and medical sequencing. Its primary product, the GenapSys Sequencer, utilizes a proprietary electrical-based detection method for single nucleotide incorporations, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including research, gene editing, drug development, agriculture, forensics, and food testing. The sequencer is designed for versatility, allowing it to operate in various lab environments and automate clonal amplification. GenapSys is also focused on collaborating with local health agencies and researchers to facilitate rapid sequencing capabilities that can aid in controlling outbreaks. Its compact design enables deployment in diverse locations, such as hospitals and public transport hubs, for efficient virus sample analysis. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Redwood City, California, GenapSys is committed to providing accessible and precise genetic testing solutions.

Element Biosciences

Series A in 2019
Element Biosciences is a life science company that focuses on developing innovative genetic analysis tools. The company is developing a modular and high-performing DNA sequencing platform that will deliver high-quality data, workflow flexibility, and make next-generation sequencing technology more accessible. The company's proprietary approach to improving the signal-to-noise ratio allows us to provide groundbreaking innovations in surface chemistry, instrumentation, and biochemistry to drastically decrease the run and capital costs while delivering high sequencing data quality.

Alector

Series E in 2018
Alector is combining state-of-the-art antibody technology and recent discoveries in neuroimmunology and human genetics to develop novel therapeutics for Alzheimer’s disease, other forms of dementia, and mechanistically related neurodegenerative disorders. Alector’s strategy is to efficiently generate and validate antibody drugs with unique functional properties that engage key disease-altering targets. This approach is enabled by a strategic alliance with Adimab, the industry leader in discovery and optimization of antibody therapeutics. Alector is currently developing leads for 4 major targets and anticipates taking 2 of these through pre-clinical development and IND enabling studies within 24 months. Alector has incorporated a highly integrated and lean biotechnology structure with extensive outsourcing that supports core scientific and management teams.

LifeMine Therapeutics

Series A in 2017
LifeMine Therapeutics combines genomics with AI and synthetic biology to discover and develop a pipeline of novel medicines. LifeMine’s Avatar-Rx platform integrates high-throughput microbiology, data science and machine learning, genome engineering, and automation technologies to search the fungal biosphere for novel GEMs having a predetermined target and biological function. The platform integrates chemoinformatic-assisted drug optimization and state-of-the-art chemical synthesis with biotransformation to advance new product candidates into development. Founded by Gregory Verdine, PhD, Rick Klausner, MD, and WeiQing Zhou, MBA. LifeMine Therapeutics is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Solid Biosciences

Series C in 2017
Solid Biosciences Inc. is a life science company focused on developing therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a severe genetic muscle-wasting disease primarily affecting boys. The company's lead product candidate, SGT-001, is a gene transfer therapy currently undergoing a Phase I/II clinical trial aimed at restoring functional dystrophin protein expression in patients’ muscles. DMD is a progressive and ultimately fatal condition, with an estimated prevalence of 10,000 to 15,000 cases in the United States. In addition to SGT-001, Solid Biosciences is advancing the Anti-LTBP4 program, which targets the LTBP4 protein to reduce fibrosis and inflammation. The company also develops biomarkers, sensors, and the Solid Suit program, which includes wearable assistive devices designed to provide functional and therapeutic benefits. Established in 2013 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Solid Biosciences collaborates with Ultragenyx to enhance its gene therapy initiatives for DMD.

Twist Bioscience

Series D in 2016
Twist Bioscience Corporation is a synthetic biology company based in South San Francisco, California, established in 2013. The company specializes in the production of synthetic DNA through its innovative DNA synthesis platform, which utilizes a proprietary semiconductor-based process on silicon chips. This approach allows for the rapid and cost-effective manufacturing of high-quality synthetic DNA, enabling applications in various fields, including healthcare, agriculture, industrial chemicals, and data storage. Twist Bioscience offers a range of products, including synthetic genes, tools for sample preparation, antibody libraries for drug discovery, and DNA for digital data storage. The company aims to empower customers in their quest for solutions that improve lives and sustainability, positioning itself as a key player in accelerating advancements in synthetic biology.

WaVe Life Sciences

Series B in 2015
Wave Life Sciences (Nasdaq: WVE) is a clinical-stage RNA medicines company committed to delivering life-changing treatments for people battling devastating diseases. Wave aspires to develop best-in-class medicines across multiple therapeutic modalities using PRISM, the company’s proprietary discovery and drug development platform that enables the precise design, optimization, and production of stereopure oligonucleotides. Driven by a resolute sense of urgency, the Wave team is targeting a broad range of genetically defined diseases so that patients and families may realize a brighter future. To find out more, please visit www.wavelifesciences.com and follow Wave on Twitter @WaveLifeSci.

Twist Bioscience

Series C in 2015
Twist Bioscience Corporation is a synthetic biology company based in South San Francisco, California, established in 2013. The company specializes in the production of synthetic DNA through its innovative DNA synthesis platform, which utilizes a proprietary semiconductor-based process on silicon chips. This approach allows for the rapid and cost-effective manufacturing of high-quality synthetic DNA, enabling applications in various fields, including healthcare, agriculture, industrial chemicals, and data storage. Twist Bioscience offers a range of products, including synthetic genes, tools for sample preparation, antibody libraries for drug discovery, and DNA for digital data storage. The company aims to empower customers in their quest for solutions that improve lives and sustainability, positioning itself as a key player in accelerating advancements in synthetic biology.

Karyopharm Therapeutics

Series B in 2013
Karyopharm Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company with a focus on the development of novel drugs for the treatment of cancer, inflammation, and diseases related to cell proliferation. Karyopharm Therapeutics is developing small molecule drugs that will modulate the activity of critical pathways in cancer, inflammation, and cell proliferation (e.g. FOXO, NFкB, P53, pRB) by targeting the nuclear pore complex machinery, which controls the import and export of proteins between the nucleus and cytoplasm. To successfully control transport through the nuclear pore complex, the company will use its unique technology platform, developed by Sharon Shacham, to identify novel small molecules, optimize them into clinical candidates, and evaluate them in subsequent human clinical studies.

Sequenta

Series C in 2013
Sequenta is a venture funded biotech company dedicated to the discovery and development of clinical diagnostics based on a revolutionary new platform for understanding immune system status. A profound revolution in the cost of DNA sequencing has enabled the company to develop brand new approaches to measuring the most variable part of the human genome: the immune cell receptor genes. The incredible diversity created by these genes are at the heart of a large number of conditions critical to human health and disease allowing the company to be in a position to inform a large number of clinical decisions using a single powerful assay. The company was founded in 2008 by entrepreneurs who previously founded ParaAllele BioScience, a successful startup company sold to Affymetrix in 2005.
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