KdT Ventures

KdT Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2017 and based in Austin, Texas. The firm focuses on investing in startups within the frontier science sector, emphasizing chemistry, biology, and related fields. KdT Ventures aims to support founders and their companies in innovating at a molecular level, with investments spanning various industries including healthcare technology, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, agriculture, and life sciences. The firm is recognized for its commitment to advancing scientific innovation through strategic investment in transformative startups.

Rima Chakrabarti

Venture Partner

Phil Grayeski Ph.D

Partner

Mack Healy

Managing Partner

Benji Leibowitz

Associate

Patrick Malone

Principal

Cain McClary

Managing Partner and Founder

Ketan Yerneni

Principal

50 past transactions

Tavros Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2022
Tavros Therapeutics is a biotechnology company founded in 2019 and based in Durham, North Carolina. The company focuses on discovering and developing therapies for cancer, aiming to improve oncological treatment outcomes. Tavros Therapeutics is dedicated to identifying vulnerabilities within tumors, which allows for the targeted application of specific drugs in conjunction with optimal combinations. This approach is intended to enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments and increase the potential for patient cures.

Canaery

Seed Round in 2022
Canaery is building a neural interface for analyzing an object’s scent fingerprint to identify dangerous compounds at places like ports and inspection points without (or in addition to) x-rays or cameras.

Terray Therapeutics

Series A in 2022
Terray Therapeutics, Inc. operates as a biotechnology company. The company develops treatments for intractable cause of human diseases. It engages in development of a screening platform for drug discovery and Platinum Technology, which is working on an electrode-like product for deep brain stimulation. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in Pasadena, California.

Marigold Health

Seed Round in 2022
Marigold Health uses AI-augmented chat support groups to reach and retain patients with behavioral health needs in community-based treatment. Patients receive a personalized wraparound support while care teams see dramatic gains in capacity using patients to engage each other. We partner directly with treatment providers and managed care organizations in the Medicaid market.

Faeth

Seed Round in 2022
Faeth Therapeutics is a healthcare company dedicated to enhancing cancer treatment through a deep understanding of the relationship between dietary nutrients and tumor growth. By aligning specific diets with tumor genotypes and treatment regimens, Faeth aims to limit the energy and resources that tumors need to proliferate, thereby improving patient outcomes in cancer therapy. Founded by leading researchers and clinicians, the company seeks to translate significant discoveries from cancer research laboratories into effective clinical practices, focusing on evidence-based approaches to optimize treatment strategies for cancer patients.

Greeneye Technology

Series A in 2021
Green-Eye Technology develops an application for automated field scouting with a custom drone for sub-mm resolution. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in Canada.

Zymochem

Seed Round in 2021
ZymoChem, Inc. develops microbes and bioprocesses that enable production of chemicals from renewable sources, such as sugars. The company was founded in 2013 and is based in Emeryville, California.

Parthenon Therapeutics

Series A in 2021
Parthenon Therapeutics is inventing a novel class of anti-cancer therapies that reprogram the tumor microenvironment (TME). The interplay between cancer cells and their surrounding microenvironment is relevant in drug development as manycancers use the TME to build barriers that shield immune system attack. One approach, PRTH-101, breaks these barriers to overcome recalcitrant cancers. Based on research, the company is designing a portfolio of drug candidates to treat the right patients at the right time.

54gene

Series B in 2021
54gene develops a pan-African biobank to identify new drug targets, and develop diagnostics and treatments for diseases. The company targets multiple disease states, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neuro-degenerative disease. It also provides genetic testing and molecular diagnostics services. The company was founded in 2019 and is based in San Francisco, California with an additional offices in Lagos, Nigeria.

Debut

Series A in 2021
Debut Biotechnology, Inc. provides biomanufacturing solutions for high value molecules. It offers biomanufacturing cartridges, fermentation, immobilization of cells and enzymes, and new enzymes for pharmaceutical production and modification. The company also creates novel immobilization for enzymes with high success rates; and provides high value immobilized enzymes for use in continuous manufacturing systems. It serves pharmaceutical and specialty chemical industries. Debut Biotechnology, Inc. was incorporated in 2019 and is based in San Diego, California.

Debut

Series A in 2021
Debut Biotechnology, Inc. provides biomanufacturing solutions for high value molecules. It offers biomanufacturing cartridges, fermentation, immobilization of cells and enzymes, and new enzymes for pharmaceutical production and modification. The company also creates novel immobilization for enzymes with high success rates; and provides high value immobilized enzymes for use in continuous manufacturing systems. It serves pharmaceutical and specialty chemical industries. Debut Biotechnology, Inc. was incorporated in 2019 and is based in San Diego, California.

Andes

Series A in 2021
Andes develops technologies for a more sustainable and efficient agriculture. Our solutions are based on beneficial microbes that have naturally co-evolved through thousands of years with plants. Microbe-based formulations are customized through scientific research and an advanced predictive software using Artificial Intelligence. Our technology will allow farmers to have better yields, grow their crops faster, cultivate on traditionally unsuitable lands, use less fertilizers and pesticides, and successfully face the challenges of global climate change. Microbe-based solutions have the potential to foster a new green revolution in a healthy, responsible and environmentally friendly way, and Andes plays a key role in this transformation.

Modulus Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2021
Modulus Therapeutics is an artificial-intelligence-powered cell therapy design company.

Xilis

Series A in 2021
Xilis, Inc. develops next generation organoid technologies to guide precision therapy for cancer patients and improve drug discovery. It offers The XilisµO, a platform that enables rapid diagnostics, personalized drug screening, and scalable patient-derived models for high-throughput drug discovery. Xilis, Inc. was founded in 2019 and is based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

PathAI

Series C in 2021
PathAI, Inc. develops artificial intelligence-based technology solutions for pathology laboratories. It develops a technology that assists pathologists in making rapid and accurate diagnoses for patients. The company also builds solutions to help identify patients that benefit from novel therapies, to make scalable personalized medicine a reality. PathAI, Inc. was founded in 2016 and is based in Boston, Massachusetts with an additional office in Austin, Texas.

Dyno Therapeutics

Series A in 2021
Dyno Therapeutics Inc. specializes in the development of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors for in vivo delivery of gene therapies. Founded in 2018 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company utilizes an artificial intelligence-driven approach that integrates DNA synthesis, sequencing, and machine learning. This innovative methodology enables the design of novel gene vectors with an emphasis on cell-targeting capsid proteins derived from AAV, which is recognized as the most commonly used vector in gene therapy applications. By leveraging quantitative high-throughput in vivo experimentation, Dyno Therapeutics aims to enhance the effectiveness and precision of gene therapy solutions.

SeQure DX

Venture Round in 2021
SeQure DX is in the business activities at non-commercial site business. It was founded in 2020 and is based in Waltham, Massachusetts.

Theator

Series A in 2021
Theator is a technology company that focuses on enhancing surgical performance through its artificial intelligence-driven video platform, known as Minutes. Established in 2018, Theator operates from Tel Aviv, Israel, and has a presence in California. The platform utilizes a comprehensive dataset to provide surgeons with tools for content management and visual operative reporting, complete with analytics. By analyzing video data from surgical procedures, Minutes enables surgeons to evaluate their performance, review past cases, and prepare for future surgeries, thereby fostering continuous skill development. Theator aims to improve surgical outcomes and promote a more transparent operating room environment by partnering with surgeons and healthcare institutions to advance surgical intelligence and decision-support systems.

Onc AI

Venture Round in 2020
Onc AI, founded in 2020 and based in San Carlos, California, specializes in clinical oncology and offers a precision oncology clinical management platform. The company focuses on enhancing decision-making in cancer care through a comprehensive approach that encompasses genomics, proteomics, and radiomics. By leveraging deep learning technologies, Onc AI aims to provide actionable insights that empower healthcare providers in the effective treatment of cancer.

Dimension Inx

Venture Round in 2020
Dimension Inx Corp. designs and develops three dimensional (3D) printable material and 3D painted objects for research and commercial applications in the United States. The company provides products, such as Hyperelastic bone, 3D printable elastomeric and bioactive ceramic for bone regeneration; 3D graphene and graphite; fluffy-x, a solution for ultra-porous, mechanically elastic, soft tissue regeneration; tissue papers; and commercial medical devices. Dimension Inx Corp. was founded in 2016 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.

Andes

Seed Round in 2020
Andes develops technologies for a more sustainable and efficient agriculture. Our solutions are based on beneficial microbes that have naturally co-evolved through thousands of years with plants. Microbe-based formulations are customized through scientific research and an advanced predictive software using Artificial Intelligence. Our technology will allow farmers to have better yields, grow their crops faster, cultivate on traditionally unsuitable lands, use less fertilizers and pesticides, and successfully face the challenges of global climate change. Microbe-based solutions have the potential to foster a new green revolution in a healthy, responsible and environmentally friendly way, and Andes plays a key role in this transformation.

Abridge

Series A in 2020
Abridge AI Inc. is a company that develops a voice recording mobile application aimed at enhancing understanding during medical conversations. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the application uses machine learning to record and summarize interactions between patients and healthcare providers, highlighting medical terms related to diagnoses, medications, and treatments. This functionality enables users to better follow their doctors' recommendations and manage their health information effectively. Abridge's mission is to empower individuals by providing clarity and context in their health discussions, whether they occur in a clinical setting or at home.

Rarebird

Seed Round in 2020
Rarebird, founded in 2020 and based in Oakland, California, specializes in producing a coffee alternative that replaces traditional caffeine. The company offers Paraxanthine coffee, a beverage designed to enhance alertness without the negative side effects commonly associated with caffeine, such as jitters and anxiety. This innovative product aims to cater to individuals who are sensitive to caffeine while providing a suitable option for those seeking increased focus and energy. Rarebird is committed to transforming the coffee experience by introducing a healthier alternative to conventional caffeinated beverages.

Andes

Seed Round in 2020
Andes develops technologies for a more sustainable and efficient agriculture. Our solutions are based on beneficial microbes that have naturally co-evolved through thousands of years with plants. Microbe-based formulations are customized through scientific research and an advanced predictive software using Artificial Intelligence. Our technology will allow farmers to have better yields, grow their crops faster, cultivate on traditionally unsuitable lands, use less fertilizers and pesticides, and successfully face the challenges of global climate change. Microbe-based solutions have the potential to foster a new green revolution in a healthy, responsible and environmentally friendly way, and Andes plays a key role in this transformation.

Xilis

Seed Round in 2020
Xilis, Inc. develops next generation organoid technologies to guide precision therapy for cancer patients and improve drug discovery. It offers The XilisµO, a platform that enables rapid diagnostics, personalized drug screening, and scalable patient-derived models for high-throughput drug discovery. Xilis, Inc. was founded in 2019 and is based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

54gene

Series A in 2020
54gene develops a pan-African biobank to identify new drug targets, and develop diagnostics and treatments for diseases. The company targets multiple disease states, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neuro-degenerative disease. It also provides genetic testing and molecular diagnostics services. The company was founded in 2019 and is based in San Francisco, California with an additional offices in Lagos, Nigeria.

Circularis

Seed Round in 2020
Circularis Biotechnologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company established in 2014 and based in California. The company focuses on developing innovative methods to regulate gene expression, aiming to enhance the production yields of biotherapeutics. Circularis offers a range of products, including RACRE Variant Libraries, hCMV Variant Library, and T7 Variant Library, as well as services such as RACRE Enhancement, RACRE Discovery, RACRE Technology Access Program, and Ribozyme Analysis of Cis-Regulatory Elements. By improving the targeting of gene therapy and optimizing gene expression in under-researched organisms, Circularis seeks to advance the fields of gene therapy, biomanufacturing, and synthetic biology, ultimately benefiting medical practitioners and enhancing therapeutic outcomes.

Character Biosciences

Seed Round in 2020
Biopharmaceutical research and development company that's an affiliate of Clover Health

Debut

Seed Round in 2020
Debut Biotechnology, Inc. provides biomanufacturing solutions for high value molecules. It offers biomanufacturing cartridges, fermentation, immobilization of cells and enzymes, and new enzymes for pharmaceutical production and modification. The company also creates novel immobilization for enzymes with high success rates; and provides high value immobilized enzymes for use in continuous manufacturing systems. It serves pharmaceutical and specialty chemical industries. Debut Biotechnology, Inc. was incorporated in 2019 and is based in San Diego, California.

Azitra

Series A in 2019
Azitra Inc. is a clinical-stage medical dermatology company based in Farmington, Connecticut, that focuses on developing microbiome-based therapeutics for skin diseases. Established in 2014, the company utilizes extensive scientific knowledge of the skin microbiome to create innovative treatments for various adverse skin conditions. Its technology platform is built around a proprietary strain of the natural commensal bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis, developed in collaboration with researchers from Yale University and the Jackson Laboratory. Azitra aims to address unmet medical needs in dermatology through its novel product offerings.

54gene

Seed Round in 2019
54gene develops a pan-African biobank to identify new drug targets, and develop diagnostics and treatments for diseases. The company targets multiple disease states, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neuro-degenerative disease. It also provides genetic testing and molecular diagnostics services. The company was founded in 2019 and is based in San Francisco, California with an additional offices in Lagos, Nigeria.

Solugen

Series B in 2019
Solugen, Inc. is a specialty chemicals manufacturer based in Houston, Texas, founded in 2016. The company utilizes industrial biotechnology and green chemistry to produce a range of eco-friendly industrial chemicals. Its product offerings include BioPeroxide, a carbon-negative hydrogen peroxide; BioChelate, a biodegradable chelant; ScavSol, a multivalent metal sequestrant for energy applications; ScaleSol, a scale control alternative to phosphonates; and CorrSol, designed for corrosion and fouling control. Solugen focuses on creating safe, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly solutions, serving various sectors such as agriculture, cleaning, energy, and water. The company employs a patented method that leverages bio-inspired reactions and plant materials as low-cost feedstocks, enabling it to produce innovative products that are competitively priced in the market.

Theator

Seed Round in 2019
Theator is a technology company that focuses on enhancing surgical performance through its artificial intelligence-driven video platform, known as Minutes. Established in 2018, Theator operates from Tel Aviv, Israel, and has a presence in California. The platform utilizes a comprehensive dataset to provide surgeons with tools for content management and visual operative reporting, complete with analytics. By analyzing video data from surgical procedures, Minutes enables surgeons to evaluate their performance, review past cases, and prepare for future surgeries, thereby fostering continuous skill development. Theator aims to improve surgical outcomes and promote a more transparent operating room environment by partnering with surgeons and healthcare institutions to advance surgical intelligence and decision-support systems.

Checkerspot

Series A in 2019
Checkerspot, Inc. is a biotech company based in Berkeley, California, founded in 2016. It specializes in producing performance materials derived from microalgae, leveraging advances in biology, chemistry, and materials science. The company aims to revolutionize material design by utilizing a technology platform that allows for molecular-level customization of new materials. Through a process of applications development, Checkerspot prototypes and refines products to meet specific needs, engaging directly with users and partnering with socially responsible corporations. This approach enables them to create superior materials tailored for various applications, enhancing the capabilities available to product designers.

Terray Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2019
Terray Therapeutics, Inc. operates as a biotechnology company. The company develops treatments for intractable cause of human diseases. It engages in development of a screening platform for drug discovery and Platinum Technology, which is working on an electrode-like product for deep brain stimulation. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in Pasadena, California.

Abridge

Seed Round in 2019
Abridge AI Inc. is a company that develops a voice recording mobile application aimed at enhancing understanding during medical conversations. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the application uses machine learning to record and summarize interactions between patients and healthcare providers, highlighting medical terms related to diagnoses, medications, and treatments. This functionality enables users to better follow their doctors' recommendations and manage their health information effectively. Abridge's mission is to empower individuals by providing clarity and context in their health discussions, whether they occur in a clinical setting or at home.

Hi Fidelity Genetics

Series A in 2018
Hi Fidelity Genetics LLC is a startup based in Durham, North Carolina, specializing in the development of hardware and software for plant-breeding applications. The company provides tools designed to measure and predict various plant traits, which are essential for ensuring a stable food supply in the face of a growing global population and changing climate conditions.

Abridge

Seed Round in 2018
Abridge AI Inc. is a company that develops a voice recording mobile application aimed at enhancing understanding during medical conversations. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the application uses machine learning to record and summarize interactions between patients and healthcare providers, highlighting medical terms related to diagnoses, medications, and treatments. This functionality enables users to better follow their doctors' recommendations and manage their health information effectively. Abridge's mission is to empower individuals by providing clarity and context in their health discussions, whether they occur in a clinical setting or at home.

Dyno Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2018
Dyno Therapeutics Inc. specializes in the development of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors for in vivo delivery of gene therapies. Founded in 2018 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company utilizes an artificial intelligence-driven approach that integrates DNA synthesis, sequencing, and machine learning. This innovative methodology enables the design of novel gene vectors with an emphasis on cell-targeting capsid proteins derived from AAV, which is recognized as the most commonly used vector in gene therapy applications. By leveraging quantitative high-throughput in vivo experimentation, Dyno Therapeutics aims to enhance the effectiveness and precision of gene therapy solutions.

Tierra Biosciences

Seed Round in 2018
Tierra Biosciences develops cell free technologies that enables the discovery of molecules that are difficult to produce in common types of laboratory cells. The company’s technology uses automation, computation, and high throughput cell-free expression for expressing DNA from a variety of microbial sources. Tierra Biosciences’ Next Generation Expression platform allows for high-throughput data collection that is real and experimentally validated at speeds of simulation-based approaches. Tierra Biosciences was formerly known as Synvitrobio, Inc and changed its name to Tierra Biosciences in September 2018. Tierra Biosciences was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Visla Labs

Seed Round in 2018
Visla Labs Inc. develops artificial intelligence based platform for radiology and healthcare industry. The company was incorporated in 2018 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Checkerspot

Seed Round in 2018
Checkerspot, Inc. is a biotech company based in Berkeley, California, founded in 2016. It specializes in producing performance materials derived from microalgae, leveraging advances in biology, chemistry, and materials science. The company aims to revolutionize material design by utilizing a technology platform that allows for molecular-level customization of new materials. Through a process of applications development, Checkerspot prototypes and refines products to meet specific needs, engaging directly with users and partnering with socially responsible corporations. This approach enables them to create superior materials tailored for various applications, enhancing the capabilities available to product designers.

Rejuvenate Bio

Seed Round in 2018
Rejuvenate Bio Inc is a biotechnology company based in Brookline, Massachusetts, founded in 2017. The company specializes in developing gene therapies aimed at enhancing the health and longevity of domesticated animals, particularly dogs. Rejuvenate Bio offers anti-aging treatments by introducing new DNA instructions into the animals' bodies. Additionally, the company provides gene therapies designed to target and cure specific diseases in pets, contributing to improved overall well-being and lifespan.

Patchd Inc

Seed Round in 2018
Patchd Inc is a healthcare technology company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2017. The company specializes in developing a wearable device designed to predict sepsis in outpatient settings. Its wireless patch continuously collects vital sign data, enabling healthcare providers to monitor patients effectively. By employing artificial intelligence algorithms, Patchd's technology facilitates the early detection of life-threatening conditions, particularly when used by hospitals for newly admitted patients. This innovative approach aims to enhance patient care and improve outcomes in post-acute care scenarios.

Azitra

Convertible Note in 2018
Azitra Inc. is a clinical-stage medical dermatology company based in Farmington, Connecticut, that focuses on developing microbiome-based therapeutics for skin diseases. Established in 2014, the company utilizes extensive scientific knowledge of the skin microbiome to create innovative treatments for various adverse skin conditions. Its technology platform is built around a proprietary strain of the natural commensal bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis, developed in collaboration with researchers from Yale University and the Jackson Laboratory. Azitra aims to address unmet medical needs in dermatology through its novel product offerings.

Elemental Machines

Series A in 2018
Elemental Machines is revolutionizing science-based industries with a smart lab platform that offers powerful, data-driven insights to improve laboratory operations, research, development, and manufacturing outcomes. Continuously monitoring equipment and environmental variables provides new levels of clarity, transparency and consistency, and improved repeatability and gathers new data sets for advanced analytics.

Elemental Machines

Series A in 2018
Elemental Machines is revolutionizing science-based industries with a smart lab platform that offers powerful, data-driven insights to improve laboratory operations, research, development, and manufacturing outcomes. Continuously monitoring equipment and environmental variables provides new levels of clarity, transparency and consistency, and improved repeatability and gathers new data sets for advanced analytics.

Hi Fidelity Genetics

Series A in 2017
Hi Fidelity Genetics LLC is a startup based in Durham, North Carolina, specializing in the development of hardware and software for plant-breeding applications. The company provides tools designed to measure and predict various plant traits, which are essential for ensuring a stable food supply in the face of a growing global population and changing climate conditions.

PathAI

Series A in 2017
PathAI, Inc. develops artificial intelligence-based technology solutions for pathology laboratories. It develops a technology that assists pathologists in making rapid and accurate diagnoses for patients. The company also builds solutions to help identify patients that benefit from novel therapies, to make scalable personalized medicine a reality. PathAI, Inc. was founded in 2016 and is based in Boston, Massachusetts with an additional office in Austin, Texas.

Solugen

Seed Round in 2017
Solugen, Inc. is a specialty chemicals manufacturer based in Houston, Texas, founded in 2016. The company utilizes industrial biotechnology and green chemistry to produce a range of eco-friendly industrial chemicals. Its product offerings include BioPeroxide, a carbon-negative hydrogen peroxide; BioChelate, a biodegradable chelant; ScavSol, a multivalent metal sequestrant for energy applications; ScaleSol, a scale control alternative to phosphonates; and CorrSol, designed for corrosion and fouling control. Solugen focuses on creating safe, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly solutions, serving various sectors such as agriculture, cleaning, energy, and water. The company employs a patented method that leverages bio-inspired reactions and plant materials as low-cost feedstocks, enabling it to produce innovative products that are competitively priced in the market.