Lightstone Ventures

Lightstone Ventures, established in 2012, is a global venture capital firm headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with additional offices in Boston, Dublin, and Singapore. The firm specializes in early-stage and late-stage investments in the life science and healthcare sectors, focusing on personalized medicines, targeted therapeutics, medical devices, and novel biopharmaceuticals. Lightstone Ventures supports innovative companies in the United States, Europe, and Australia, seeking to make a significant impact on global health.

Ralph (Chris) Christoffersen

General Partner

Caroline Gaynor

Principal

Jean George

General Partner

Christina Isacson Ph.D

Partner

Brendan Kelly

Vice President

Ken Noonan

CEO, Lightstone Singapore Pte. Ltd

Anna Turetsky

Vice President

71 past transactions

Atsena Therapeutics

Series C in 2025
Atsena Therapeutics is a clinical-stage gene therapy company focused on developing treatments for inherited retinal diseases that can lead to blindness. Their clinical pipeline includes therapies for conditions such as X-linked retinoschisis and GUCY2D-associated Leber congenital amaurosis. Atsena employs an adeno-associated virus (AAV) technology platform, including a novel spreading capsid, to specifically target these retinal disorders. The company aims to prevent vision loss caused by genetic mutations through innovative ocular gene therapy solutions. With a commitment to advancing treatments for some of the most challenging forms of inherited retinal disease, Atsena Therapeutics seeks to improve the lives of patients affected by these conditions.

Fire1

Venture Round in 2025
Fire1, based in Dublin, Ireland, is dedicated to developing innovative therapeutic devices aimed at enhancing the lives of heart failure patients. The company has created a remote monitoring system that allows healthcare providers to access real-time patient data and insights. This technology facilitates the early detection of complications associated with heart failure, enabling proactive interventions that can lead to improved patient outcomes. Through its focus on remote monitoring, Fire1 seeks to address critical challenges in heart failure management and contribute to better healthcare solutions.

Cala Health

Series C in 2024
Cala Health, Inc. is a bioelectronic medicine company based in Burlingame, California, founded in 2013. It specializes in developing wearable neuromodulation therapies aimed at treating chronic diseases. The company's flagship product, Cala Trio, is a non-invasive prescription therapy designed to provide transient relief from hand tremors in adults with essential tremor. By integrating advancements in neuroscience and technology, Cala Health focuses on delivering individualized peripheral nerve stimulation. In addition to its work on essential tremor, the company is also developing therapies for other neurological conditions, including Parkinson's disease, as well as applications in psychiatry, cardiology, and autoimmune disorders.

Amber Therapeutics

Series A in 2024
Amber Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that specializes in developing advanced bioelectrical therapies aimed at treating functional disorders of the peripheral nervous system. The company creates a bioelectronic platform that delivers closed-loop bioelectrical treatments, which can sense and adapt to the patient's needs while also providing stimulation. By focusing on conditions such as mixed urinary incontinence, Amber Therapeutics seeks to enhance clinical efficacy and patient outcomes through innovative approaches that emphasize the peripheral nervous system rather than the central nervous system. Its technology has the potential to significantly improve treatment methods and overall patient care in targeted disease areas.

Bonito Biosciences

Seed Round in 2024
Bonito Biosciences is a biotechnology company focused on developing targeted drug delivery systems for oligonucleotides and macromolecules. Their proprietary platform enables cell-specific delivery of RNA degraders, potentially improving the safety and efficacy of therapies for various diseases.

Cerevance

Series B in 2024
Cerevance LLC is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapeutics for neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other chronic neurodegenerative conditions. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with an additional office in Cambridge, United Kingdom, the company utilizes its NETSseq platform to profile specific brain cell types, including neurons and glial cells, using a repository of over 15,000 human brain tissue samples. This platform provides detailed expression and epigenetic data, allowing Cerevance to identify promising therapeutic targets for central nervous system diseases. Through its research, the company aims to advance new medicines that can potentially address the underlying mechanisms of these debilitating conditions.

Reprieve Cardiovascular

Series A in 2024
Reprieve Cardiovascular, Inc. is a medical device company based in Milford, Massachusetts, founded in 2018. The company specializes in developing innovative fluid management technologies aimed at treating congestive heart failure, particularly for patients experiencing acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Its flagship product, Reprieve technology, offers a solution that allows clinicians to precisely control and manage a patient's fluid volume, which is crucial for improving cardiac care and facilitating the decongestion of ADHF patients. Reprieve Cardiovascular operates as a subsidiary of CardioRenal Systems, Inc.

Nimbus Therapeutics

Private Equity Round in 2023
Nimbus Therapeutics, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing innovative medicines for serious diseases, including metabolic disorders, cancer, and immune-inflammatory conditions. The company utilizes advanced computational technologies to create selective and potent small-molecule therapeutics. Among its notable projects is the Nimbus Apollo program, which features the lead candidate NDI-010976, an allosteric inhibitor targeting Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (ACC). This compound is being developed for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and has potential applications in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other diseases. NDI-010976 received Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2016, highlighting its significance in the clinical development pipeline. Nimbus Therapeutics has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its research and development capabilities, reinforcing its commitment to advancing treatment options for complex health challenges.

Tagworks Pharmaceuticals

Series A in 2023
Tagworks Pharmaceuticals is a privately held biotech company based in the Netherlands, established in 2011 as a spin-out from Philips Healthcare. The company focuses on developing innovative in vivo chemistry to enhance the effectiveness of cancer therapies and to facilitate novel companion diagnostics. Operating from the Radboud University Medical Center in Nijmegen, Tagworks specializes in antibody-based imaging and therapy technologies. Its proprietary approach allows for the selective chemical manipulation of tagged antibodies in vivo, which improves the efficacy of established methods like radioimmuno-imaging and antibody-drug conjugates. This technology enables medical professionals to conduct imaging with significantly reduced radiation exposure for patients.

Relievant Medsystems

Venture Round in 2023
Relievant Medsystems, Inc. is a medical device company focused on developing minimally invasive treatments for chronic axial low back pain. The company has created the Intracept procedure, which specifically targets the basivertebral nerve to alleviate chronic vertebrogenic low back pain. By delivering targeted energy into the spine, the Intracept System effectively blocks the transmission of pain signals, providing patients with a low-risk therapeutic option. Founded in 2004, Relievant is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with additional operations in Sunnyvale, California.

Fire1

Venture Round in 2023
Fire1, based in Dublin, Ireland, is dedicated to developing innovative therapeutic devices aimed at enhancing the lives of heart failure patients. The company has created a remote monitoring system that allows healthcare providers to access real-time patient data and insights. This technology facilitates the early detection of complications associated with heart failure, enabling proactive interventions that can lead to improved patient outcomes. Through its focus on remote monitoring, Fire1 seeks to address critical challenges in heart failure management and contribute to better healthcare solutions.

Shoulder Innovations

Series D in 2023
Shoulder Innovations, Inc. is a medical device company based in Holland, Michigan, specializing in orthopedic solutions for shoulder replacement surgery. Founded in 2009, the company has developed a Total Shoulder Replacement System that features innovative inset glenoid fixation technology, addressing the critical challenge of reliable fixation for glenoid implants. This technology not only enhances post-surgical implant stability, reducing the risk of revision surgeries, but also simplifies surgical instrumentation, which can lead to shorter operative times and lower costs. Shoulder Innovations markets its products through distribution partners across the United States, aiming to improve patient care and reduce overall healthcare costs.

Cerevance

Series B in 2023
Cerevance LLC is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapeutics for neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other chronic neurodegenerative conditions. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with an additional office in Cambridge, United Kingdom, the company utilizes its NETSseq platform to profile specific brain cell types, including neurons and glial cells, using a repository of over 15,000 human brain tissue samples. This platform provides detailed expression and epigenetic data, allowing Cerevance to identify promising therapeutic targets for central nervous system diseases. Through its research, the company aims to advance new medicines that can potentially address the underlying mechanisms of these debilitating conditions.

Volta Medical

Series B in 2023
Volta Medical is a technology company based in Marseille, France, founded in 2016, that specializes in developing artificial intelligence software for interventional cardiology. The company focuses on aiding cardiologists in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, the most common cardiac arrhythmia. Volta Medical's flagship product utilizes advanced AI algorithms to analyze electrograms and guide mapping catheters during cardiac procedures. This software assists interventional cardiologists by providing real-time insights and step-by-step guidance, enhancing their ability to make informed decisions during patient-specific medical interventions. The company aims to improve the effectiveness of cardiac procedures and the overall management of atrial fibrillation through innovative technological solutions.

Carrick Therapeutics

Series C in 2022
Carrick Therapeutics, Ltd., established in 2015 and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, focuses on developing innovative cancer therapeutics aimed at transforming cancer treatment. The company targets molecular pathways associated with aggressive and resistant forms of cancer, employing advanced mechanisms to improve treatment outcomes. By enabling the detection of predictive biomarkers, Carrick Therapeutics facilitates the initiation of targeted therapies at early stages, ultimately striving to enhance the lives of cancer patients.

Nimbus Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2022
Nimbus Therapeutics, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing innovative medicines for serious diseases, including metabolic disorders, cancer, and immune-inflammatory conditions. The company utilizes advanced computational technologies to create selective and potent small-molecule therapeutics. Among its notable projects is the Nimbus Apollo program, which features the lead candidate NDI-010976, an allosteric inhibitor targeting Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (ACC). This compound is being developed for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and has potential applications in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other diseases. NDI-010976 received Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2016, highlighting its significance in the clinical development pipeline. Nimbus Therapeutics has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its research and development capabilities, reinforcing its commitment to advancing treatment options for complex health challenges.

ProVerum

Series A in 2022
ProVerum Medical is a medtech company focused on developing innovative minimally invasive devices for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Its technology offers a safer and more effective approach to BPH treatment, allowing patients to receive care in a doctor's office or operating room with reduced invasiveness compared to traditional methods. The device addresses the enlargement of the prostate gland, which can lead to urinary difficulties, by being placed inside the urethra to restore normal urinary function. This advancement enables healthcare providers to offer improved treatment options for patients suffering from this condition.

Choiceform

Venture Round in 2021
Choiceform is a user experience platform that specializes in online questionnaires, data collection, and analysis. It offers a SaaS application designed for survey and market research services, enabling businesses to gather and interpret data effectively. The platform employs an innovative online survey model that enhances the accuracy and completeness of data, making it a valuable tool for market research, consulting, advertising, and marketing purposes. By focusing on user experience, Choiceform assists firms in making informed decisions based on reliable insights.

Vigil Neuro

Series B in 2021
Vigil Neuroscience Inc. is a therapeutics company focused on microglia, the brain's immune sentinel cells, to address both rare and common neurodegenerative diseases. The company aims to restore the vigilance of microglia to improve patient outcomes. Vigil is advancing its lead candidate, a monoclonal antibody TREM2 agonist, through Phase 1 studies and is also developing an orally available small molecule TREM2 agonist, VG-3927, which is positioned to enter Investigational New Drug (IND) application. Additionally, Vigil is conducting the IGNITE trial, a Phase 2 proof-of-concept study that represents the first interventional trial for patients with adult-onset leukodystrophy. By leveraging modern neuroscience and various therapeutic modalities, Vigil seeks to deliver precision therapies that enhance the lives of patients and their families while expanding its pipeline and supporting the understanding of microglia biology as a critical therapeutic target.

WayCool

Series C in 2021
WayCool is an agri-tech company focused on the processing, distribution, and procurement of fresh produce, dairy products, and staples. By utilizing innovative quality management and food safety technology, WayCool enhances farmers' incomes and streamlines logistics and distribution services. The company sources fruits and vegetables primarily from smallholder farmers and aggregators, distributing them to local shops, retail outlets, hotels, restaurants, and catering establishments. WayCool operates a retail brand called SunnyBee in Chennai, which includes physical stores, mobile stores on trucks, and e-commerce platforms. Additionally, SunnyBee offers a range of high-quality private label products developed through partnerships with sister companies. By establishing direct connections between farmers and consumers, WayCool effectively integrates physical and information technology to facilitate efficient distribution of fresh produce.

Cyteir Therapeutics

Series C in 2021
Cyteir Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Lexington, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative therapies that leverage the biology of DNA repair for cancer treatment and synthetic lethality in autoimmune diseases. The company utilizes its expertise in DNA damage response biology to create a pipeline of small molecule therapeutics aimed at selectively targeting vulnerabilities in cancer cells and inducing their self-destruction through DNA damage overload. Cyteir's lead compound, CYT-0851, is an oral investigational drug designed to inhibit RAD51-mediated homologous recombination, which is crucial for repairing double-strand DNA breaks. The company is dedicated to addressing a variety of hematological malignancies, solid tumors, and chronic autoimmune disorders through its integrated drug development platform. Founded in 2012, Cyteir is committed to advancing next-generation therapies that can improve patient outcomes in challenging disease states.

Gemini Therapeutics

Post in 2021
Gemini Therapeutics, Inc. is a precision medicine company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 2015. The company specializes in developing new therapies for patients experiencing dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and related rare genetic diseases. Gemini Therapeutics focuses on genetically defined conditions, creating therapeutic candidates that address molecular abnormalities in patients with significant clinical needs. Their diverse pipeline encompasses monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, and gene therapies, positioning the company to potentially introduce first-in-class therapeutics. The development of these innovative treatment options is supported by collaborations with leading life science investors and academic institutions worldwide, reflecting a commitment to advancing medical care for individuals suffering from these conditions.

Ligature Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2021
Ligature Therapeutics is an early-stage biotechnology company focused on developing small molecule therapeutics that target protein degradation to address challenging diseases, particularly cancer. Founded by doctors Alvin Hung, Thomas Keller, and Congbao Kang, the company employs a proprietary Fragment-Based Drug Discovery (FBDD) engine, which allows for efficient development of tumor-selective protein degraders. This innovative approach matches underutilized E3 ligases with specific cancer target proteins, enabling the potential treatment of difficult-to-manage cancers and other intractable diseases. Ligature Therapeutics has garnered initial investment from Lightstone Singapore, a venture fund dedicated to supporting promising biotech initiatives.

Atsena Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Atsena Therapeutics is a clinical-stage gene therapy company focused on developing treatments for inherited retinal diseases that can lead to blindness. Their clinical pipeline includes therapies for conditions such as X-linked retinoschisis and GUCY2D-associated Leber congenital amaurosis. Atsena employs an adeno-associated virus (AAV) technology platform, including a novel spreading capsid, to specifically target these retinal disorders. The company aims to prevent vision loss caused by genetic mutations through innovative ocular gene therapy solutions. With a commitment to advancing treatments for some of the most challenging forms of inherited retinal disease, Atsena Therapeutics seeks to improve the lives of patients affected by these conditions.

Locanabio

Series B in 2020
Locanabio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2016. It specializes in developing RNA-targeted gene therapies aimed at treating a range of underserved diseases, particularly in the areas of neuromuscular, neurodegenerative, and retinal conditions. The company's innovative platform focuses on modifying disease-causing RNA, allowing for the identification and correction of specific RNA sequences associated with rare genetic disorders. This approach distinguishes Locanabio's therapies from traditional DNA-targeted methods, offering a unique solution for patients with severe and challenging health issues. The company, which rebranded from Locana, Inc. in July 2020, is dedicated to advancing therapeutic candidates that address significant medical needs.

Tallac Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Tallac Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company based in Burlingame, California, focused on developing innovative immunotherapies for cancer patients. Established in 2018, the company specializes in creating conjugates of antibodies combined with potent toll-like receptor agonists. This approach aims to activate the immune system in a targeted manner, enhancing both innate and adaptive immunity to effectively combat various solid tumor malignancies. By providing advanced treatment options, Tallac Therapeutics seeks to improve patient outcomes in the fight against cancer.

Catamaran Bio

Series A in 2020
Catamaran Bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing allogeneic immune cell therapies, specifically CAR-NK cell therapies, aimed at treating solid tumors and other cancers. The company utilizes its Tailwind platform to engineer, expand, and process natural killer (NK) cells into off-the-shelf therapeutic products that can address significant unmet medical needs. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Catamaran Bio is committed to providing transformative treatments through genetic engineering of NK cells, enabling easier access for medical practitioners and patients in need of effective cancer therapies.

Shoulder Innovations

Venture Round in 2020
Shoulder Innovations, Inc. is a medical device company based in Holland, Michigan, specializing in orthopedic solutions for shoulder replacement surgery. Founded in 2009, the company has developed a Total Shoulder Replacement System that features innovative inset glenoid fixation technology, addressing the critical challenge of reliable fixation for glenoid implants. This technology not only enhances post-surgical implant stability, reducing the risk of revision surgeries, but also simplifies surgical instrumentation, which can lead to shorter operative times and lower costs. Shoulder Innovations markets its products through distribution partners across the United States, aiming to improve patient care and reduce overall healthcare costs.

Relievant Medsystems

Venture Round in 2020
Relievant Medsystems, Inc. is a medical device company focused on developing minimally invasive treatments for chronic axial low back pain. The company has created the Intracept procedure, which specifically targets the basivertebral nerve to alleviate chronic vertebrogenic low back pain. By delivering targeted energy into the spine, the Intracept System effectively blocks the transmission of pain signals, providing patients with a low-risk therapeutic option. Founded in 2004, Relievant is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with additional operations in Sunnyvale, California.

Alchemab Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Alchemab Therapeutics Ltd is a biotechnology company based in London, established in 2019 by Uri Laserson and Jane Osbourn. The company focuses on discovering and developing novel therapeutics that utilize naturally protective antibodies to combat hard-to-treat diseases, including certain cancers, neurodegenerative conditions, and infectious diseases. Alchemab employs an unbiased, function-first approach to identify drug targets, leveraging three complementary processes and technologies to create a robust pipeline of antibody therapeutics. By harnessing these naturally occurring antibodies, Alchemab aims to provide innovative treatment options for patients facing challenging medical conditions.

Willow

Series C in 2020
Willow Inc., established in 2014 and headquartered in Mountain View, California, specializes in the manufacture of wearable breast pumps for women. The company offers a range of products including milk bags, accessories such as flanges and tubes, and replacement parts. Willow's flagship product is an in-bra wearable breast pump designed to provide mothers with mobility and hands-free convenience during breastfeeding. The company also provides pumping bras, cases, and other breastfeeding essentials.

Cerevance

Series B in 2020
Cerevance LLC is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapeutics for neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other chronic neurodegenerative conditions. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with an additional office in Cambridge, United Kingdom, the company utilizes its NETSseq platform to profile specific brain cell types, including neurons and glial cells, using a repository of over 15,000 human brain tissue samples. This platform provides detailed expression and epigenetic data, allowing Cerevance to identify promising therapeutic targets for central nervous system diseases. Through its research, the company aims to advance new medicines that can potentially address the underlying mechanisms of these debilitating conditions.

Ummeed Housing Finance

Series D in 2020
Ummeed Housing Finance Private Limited is a housing finance company based in Gurugram, India, founded in 2016. The company specializes in providing home loans and loans against property specifically tailored for lower and middle-income families, particularly those with informal incomes who often face challenges in accessing organized financial services. Ummeed Housing Finance aims to enhance operational efficiency and minimize turnaround times for customers by utilizing technology in its processes. In addition to home loans and loans against property, the company also offers services for home renovation and construction, as well as insurance products, thereby supporting families in achieving their housing goals in a personalized and customer-friendly manner.

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 aimed at treating various forms of cancer, with a particular focus on its lead product candidate, ALX148. This therapeutic agent is designed to block the CD47 protein, which cancer cells exploit to evade the immune system. ALX148 is currently being investigated for its efficacy in treating myelodysplastic syndromes, acute myeloid leukemia, and several solid tumor types, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and certain gastric cancers. The company leverages advanced protein engineering technologies to enhance the affinity of its CD47 blockers, aiming to minimize hematologic toxicities often associated with existing treatments. ALX Oncology's commitment to improving cancer therapies is rooted in pioneering research conducted by its founders at Stanford University.

Willow

Series C in 2019
Willow Inc., established in 2014 and headquartered in Mountain View, California, specializes in the manufacture of wearable breast pumps for women. The company offers a range of products including milk bags, accessories such as flanges and tubes, and replacement parts. Willow's flagship product is an in-bra wearable breast pump designed to provide mothers with mobility and hands-free convenience during breastfeeding. The company also provides pumping bras, cases, and other breastfeeding essentials.

Cyteir Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
Cyteir Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Lexington, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative therapies that leverage the biology of DNA repair for cancer treatment and synthetic lethality in autoimmune diseases. The company utilizes its expertise in DNA damage response biology to create a pipeline of small molecule therapeutics aimed at selectively targeting vulnerabilities in cancer cells and inducing their self-destruction through DNA damage overload. Cyteir's lead compound, CYT-0851, is an oral investigational drug designed to inhibit RAD51-mediated homologous recombination, which is crucial for repairing double-strand DNA breaks. The company is dedicated to addressing a variety of hematological malignancies, solid tumors, and chronic autoimmune disorders through its integrated drug development platform. Founded in 2012, Cyteir is committed to advancing next-generation therapies that can improve patient outcomes in challenging disease states.

Bold Penguin

Series B in 2019
Bold Penguin is a commercial insurance exchange that connects customers, agents, and carriers to match the right quote in record time. With a heavy focus on the agents, Bold Penguin pushes the boundaries of user experience for businesses, an easy tool for agents, and a streamlined process of underwriting for carriers. The company operates an Exchange which utilizes a set of solutions to identify, triage, quote, and bind commercial insurance in a highly efficient and tech-enabled way. It plans to deliver on the platform enhancements which include more flexibility in how the core technology is leveraged by enterprise customers, expanding in excess and surplus lines. The Company offers a streamlined process of underwriting for carriers in commercial property and casualty insurance services. Bold Penguin was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, USA.

Locanabio

Series A in 2019
Locanabio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2016. It specializes in developing RNA-targeted gene therapies aimed at treating a range of underserved diseases, particularly in the areas of neuromuscular, neurodegenerative, and retinal conditions. The company's innovative platform focuses on modifying disease-causing RNA, allowing for the identification and correction of specific RNA sequences associated with rare genetic disorders. This approach distinguishes Locanabio's therapies from traditional DNA-targeted methods, offering a unique solution for patients with severe and challenging health issues. The company, which rebranded from Locana, Inc. in July 2020, is dedicated to advancing therapeutic candidates that address significant medical needs.

Cala Health

Series C in 2019
Cala Health, Inc. is a bioelectronic medicine company based in Burlingame, California, founded in 2013. It specializes in developing wearable neuromodulation therapies aimed at treating chronic diseases. The company's flagship product, Cala Trio, is a non-invasive prescription therapy designed to provide transient relief from hand tremors in adults with essential tremor. By integrating advancements in neuroscience and technology, Cala Health focuses on delivering individualized peripheral nerve stimulation. In addition to its work on essential tremor, the company is also developing therapies for other neurological conditions, including Parkinson's disease, as well as applications in psychiatry, cardiology, and autoimmune disorders.

Nuvaira

Series E in 2019
Nuvaira, Inc. is a medical device company focused on developing innovative treatments for obstructive lung diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The company has created a novel, catheter-based Lung Denervation System designed to address airway nerve hyperactivity, a common issue in patients with COPD and asthma. This minimally invasive procedure targets the parasympathetic nerves of the lungs, aiming to enhance lung function, improve exercise capacity, and elevate the quality of life for affected individuals. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Nuvaira was previously known as Holaira, Inc. before rebranding in June 2017.

Allay Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
Allay Therapeutics is focused on developing innovative pain management solutions aimed at improving post-surgical recovery for patients. The company utilizes a proprietary technology platform that integrates validated non-opioid analgesics with biopolymers to create dissolvable therapeutic products. These products are designed to deliver targeted pain relief at the surgical site over extended periods, significantly longer than conventional pain treatments. Allay's lead investigational product, ATX101, is currently undergoing evaluation in a Phase 2 clinical trial for total knee arthroplasty surgeries. With a team of experienced entrepreneurs, scientists, and clinicians based in the San Francisco Bay Area and Singapore, Allay Therapeutics is dedicated to transforming the approach to pain management and addressing the limitations associated with opioid use.

EarLens

Series D in 2018
Earlens is a medical technology company focused on improving the hearing experience for individuals with hearing loss. It has created the Earlens Contact Hearing Solution, a unique device that directly stimulates the eardrum using a small lens, replicating the natural hearing process. Unlike conventional hearing aids that amplify sound, the Earlens solution delivers sound directly to the eardrum, providing superior sound quality and a broader bandwidth. This innovative, non-surgical approach allows for automatic adjustments in challenging listening environments while minimizing feedback. The technology received FDA clearance in 2019 for its second generation, marking a significant advancement in hearing solutions aimed at enhancing the quality of life for those with hearing impairment.

Relievant Medsystems

Series E in 2018
Relievant Medsystems, Inc. is a medical device company focused on developing minimally invasive treatments for chronic axial low back pain. The company has created the Intracept procedure, which specifically targets the basivertebral nerve to alleviate chronic vertebrogenic low back pain. By delivering targeted energy into the spine, the Intracept System effectively blocks the transmission of pain signals, providing patients with a low-risk therapeutic option. Founded in 2004, Relievant is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with additional operations in Sunnyvale, California.

Nimbus Therapeutics

Series C in 2018
Nimbus Therapeutics, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing innovative medicines for serious diseases, including metabolic disorders, cancer, and immune-inflammatory conditions. The company utilizes advanced computational technologies to create selective and potent small-molecule therapeutics. Among its notable projects is the Nimbus Apollo program, which features the lead candidate NDI-010976, an allosteric inhibitor targeting Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (ACC). This compound is being developed for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and has potential applications in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other diseases. NDI-010976 received Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2016, highlighting its significance in the clinical development pipeline. Nimbus Therapeutics has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its research and development capabilities, reinforcing its commitment to advancing treatment options for complex health challenges.

Medisix Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Medisix Therapeutics, established in 2016 and headquartered in Singapore, is an early-stage biotechnology company specializing in cell therapy. It focuses on developing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies to target and treat T-cell lymphomas and leukemias. The company's technology platform is built upon the pioneering work of Professor Dario Campana, MD, PhD, a renowned expert in translational immunology and the founder of CAR-T cell biology. Medisix's proprietary immune engineering approaches enable the targeting of T cell leukemias and lymphomas using cell therapy.

Cyteir Therapeutics

Series B in 2018
Cyteir Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Lexington, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative therapies that leverage the biology of DNA repair for cancer treatment and synthetic lethality in autoimmune diseases. The company utilizes its expertise in DNA damage response biology to create a pipeline of small molecule therapeutics aimed at selectively targeting vulnerabilities in cancer cells and inducing their self-destruction through DNA damage overload. Cyteir's lead compound, CYT-0851, is an oral investigational drug designed to inhibit RAD51-mediated homologous recombination, which is crucial for repairing double-strand DNA breaks. The company is dedicated to addressing a variety of hematological malignancies, solid tumors, and chronic autoimmune disorders through its integrated drug development platform. Founded in 2012, Cyteir is committed to advancing next-generation therapies that can improve patient outcomes in challenging disease states.

Fire1

Series C in 2018
Fire1, based in Dublin, Ireland, is dedicated to developing innovative therapeutic devices aimed at enhancing the lives of heart failure patients. The company has created a remote monitoring system that allows healthcare providers to access real-time patient data and insights. This technology facilitates the early detection of complications associated with heart failure, enabling proactive interventions that can lead to improved patient outcomes. Through its focus on remote monitoring, Fire1 seeks to address critical challenges in heart failure management and contribute to better healthcare solutions.

Claret Medical

Series C in 2017
Claret Medical, Inc. is a medical device company specializing in cerebral vascular protection systems designed to mitigate the risk of stroke during transcatheter aortic valve implantation and other endovascular procedures. Established in 2009 and headquartered in Santa Rosa, California, the company's flagship products include the Claret Medical Sentinel Cerebral Protection System and the Claret Medical Montage, both of which serve as embolic protection devices. These systems utilize small catheters, which are inserted through an artery in the patient's arm and positioned near the heart, to capture and remove embolic debris that may be dislodged during procedures. By preventing this debris from entering the cerebral vascular system, Claret Medical's products aim to enhance patient safety during high-risk cardiovascular interventions. The company operates as a subsidiary of Boston Scientific Corporation.

Gemini Therapeutics

Series A in 2017
Gemini Therapeutics, Inc. is a precision medicine company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 2015. The company specializes in developing new therapies for patients experiencing dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and related rare genetic diseases. Gemini Therapeutics focuses on genetically defined conditions, creating therapeutic candidates that address molecular abnormalities in patients with significant clinical needs. Their diverse pipeline encompasses monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, and gene therapies, positioning the company to potentially introduce first-in-class therapeutics. The development of these innovative treatment options is supported by collaborations with leading life science investors and academic institutions worldwide, reflecting a commitment to advancing medical care for individuals suffering from these conditions.

Disarm Therapeutics

Series A in 2017
Disarm Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutics for patients suffering from neurological diseases. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company aims to create disease-modifying drugs that prevent axonal degeneration, which is a key factor in various neurological disorders. Disarm's portfolio addresses conditions such as multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, glaucoma, and peripheral neuropathies, providing potential treatments for acute diseases affecting the central, ocular, and peripheral nervous systems. As of late 2020, Disarm Therapeutics operates as a subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company.

EarLens

Series C in 2017
Earlens is a medical technology company focused on improving the hearing experience for individuals with hearing loss. It has created the Earlens Contact Hearing Solution, a unique device that directly stimulates the eardrum using a small lens, replicating the natural hearing process. Unlike conventional hearing aids that amplify sound, the Earlens solution delivers sound directly to the eardrum, providing superior sound quality and a broader bandwidth. This innovative, non-surgical approach allows for automatic adjustments in challenging listening environments while minimizing feedback. The technology received FDA clearance in 2019 for its second generation, marking a significant advancement in hearing solutions aimed at enhancing the quality of life for those with hearing impairment.

Cerevance

Series A in 2017
Cerevance LLC is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapeutics for neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other chronic neurodegenerative conditions. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with an additional office in Cambridge, United Kingdom, the company utilizes its NETSseq platform to profile specific brain cell types, including neurons and glial cells, using a repository of over 15,000 human brain tissue samples. This platform provides detailed expression and epigenetic data, allowing Cerevance to identify promising therapeutic targets for central nervous system diseases. Through its research, the company aims to advance new medicines that can potentially address the underlying mechanisms of these debilitating conditions.

ALX Oncology

Convertible Note in 2017
ALX Oncology is a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company based in Burlingame, California, established in 2015. The company specializes in developing innovative therapies aimed at treating various forms of cancer, with a particular focus on its lead product candidate, ALX148. This therapeutic agent is designed to block the CD47 protein, which cancer cells exploit to evade the immune system. ALX148 is currently being investigated for its efficacy in treating myelodysplastic syndromes, acute myeloid leukemia, and several solid tumor types, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and certain gastric cancers. The company leverages advanced protein engineering technologies to enhance the affinity of its CD47 blockers, aiming to minimize hematologic toxicities often associated with existing treatments. ALX Oncology's commitment to improving cancer therapies is rooted in pioneering research conducted by its founders at Stanford University.

Allay Therapeutics

Series A in 2017
Allay Therapeutics is focused on developing innovative pain management solutions aimed at improving post-surgical recovery for patients. The company utilizes a proprietary technology platform that integrates validated non-opioid analgesics with biopolymers to create dissolvable therapeutic products. These products are designed to deliver targeted pain relief at the surgical site over extended periods, significantly longer than conventional pain treatments. Allay's lead investigational product, ATX101, is currently undergoing evaluation in a Phase 2 clinical trial for total knee arthroplasty surgeries. With a team of experienced entrepreneurs, scientists, and clinicians based in the San Francisco Bay Area and Singapore, Allay Therapeutics is dedicated to transforming the approach to pain management and addressing the limitations associated with opioid use.

Cerevance

Series A in 2016
Cerevance LLC is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapeutics for neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other chronic neurodegenerative conditions. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with an additional office in Cambridge, United Kingdom, the company utilizes its NETSseq platform to profile specific brain cell types, including neurons and glial cells, using a repository of over 15,000 human brain tissue samples. This platform provides detailed expression and epigenetic data, allowing Cerevance to identify promising therapeutic targets for central nervous system diseases. Through its research, the company aims to advance new medicines that can potentially address the underlying mechanisms of these debilitating conditions.

Carrick Therapeutics

Series A in 2016
Carrick Therapeutics, Ltd., established in 2015 and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, focuses on developing innovative cancer therapeutics aimed at transforming cancer treatment. The company targets molecular pathways associated with aggressive and resistant forms of cancer, employing advanced mechanisms to improve treatment outcomes. By enabling the detection of predictive biomarkers, Carrick Therapeutics facilitates the initiation of targeted therapies at early stages, ultimately striving to enhance the lives of cancer patients.

EarLens

Series C in 2016
Earlens is a medical technology company focused on improving the hearing experience for individuals with hearing loss. It has created the Earlens Contact Hearing Solution, a unique device that directly stimulates the eardrum using a small lens, replicating the natural hearing process. Unlike conventional hearing aids that amplify sound, the Earlens solution delivers sound directly to the eardrum, providing superior sound quality and a broader bandwidth. This innovative, non-surgical approach allows for automatic adjustments in challenging listening environments while minimizing feedback. The technology received FDA clearance in 2019 for its second generation, marking a significant advancement in hearing solutions aimed at enhancing the quality of life for those with hearing impairment.

Gemini Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2016
Gemini Therapeutics, Inc. is a precision medicine company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 2015. The company specializes in developing new therapies for patients experiencing dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and related rare genetic diseases. Gemini Therapeutics focuses on genetically defined conditions, creating therapeutic candidates that address molecular abnormalities in patients with significant clinical needs. Their diverse pipeline encompasses monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, and gene therapies, positioning the company to potentially introduce first-in-class therapeutics. The development of these innovative treatment options is supported by collaborations with leading life science investors and academic institutions worldwide, reflecting a commitment to advancing medical care for individuals suffering from these conditions.

Fire1

Series B in 2016
Fire1, based in Dublin, Ireland, is dedicated to developing innovative therapeutic devices aimed at enhancing the lives of heart failure patients. The company has created a remote monitoring system that allows healthcare providers to access real-time patient data and insights. This technology facilitates the early detection of complications associated with heart failure, enabling proactive interventions that can lead to improved patient outcomes. Through its focus on remote monitoring, Fire1 seeks to address critical challenges in heart failure management and contribute to better healthcare solutions.

Tizona Therapeutics

Series B in 2016
Tizona Therapeutics, Inc. is an immunotherapy company focused on developing treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases. Founded in 2014 and located in South San Francisco, California, the company is known for its innovative products, including an Anti-CCR4 antibody aimed at cancer treatment, as well as IL-35 antagonists and agonists that target immune response modulation. Tizona is actively collaborating with its scientific founders to enhance understanding of the role of regulatory T cells in tumor immunosuppression, which is crucial for developing effective therapies. By targeting specific cell types and biological mechanisms responsible for immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment, Tizona aims to provide patients with durable and complete remissions from their conditions.

Cala Health

Series B in 2016
Cala Health, Inc. is a bioelectronic medicine company based in Burlingame, California, founded in 2013. It specializes in developing wearable neuromodulation therapies aimed at treating chronic diseases. The company's flagship product, Cala Trio, is a non-invasive prescription therapy designed to provide transient relief from hand tremors in adults with essential tremor. By integrating advancements in neuroscience and technology, Cala Health focuses on delivering individualized peripheral nerve stimulation. In addition to its work on essential tremor, the company is also developing therapies for other neurological conditions, including Parkinson's disease, as well as applications in psychiatry, cardiology, and autoimmune disorders.

Elcelyx Therapeutics

Series E in 2015
Elcelyx Therapeutics, founded in 2010 and headquartered in San Diego, California, focuses on developing innovative treatments for diabetes and obesity-related metabolic disorders through its proprietary Gut Sensory Modulation (GSM) technology. The company's lead product candidate, NewMet, is designed to improve glucose metabolism by amplifying hormone release in the lower gut, thereby addressing significant unmet needs in the oral anti-diabetic market. Currently entering Phase 2b development, NewMet represents a potential breakthrough in diabetes management. Elcelyx also offers Lovidia, which targets similar metabolic issues without causing systemic side effects. The company is supported by a skilled management team, experienced investors, and a network of scientists and clinicians. In 2013, Elcelyx established NaZura BioHealth Inc. to focus on developing additional non-NewMet assets, further expanding its research and product pipeline.

Ra Pharmaceuticals

Series B in 2015
Ra Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing therapeutics for diseases associated with the overactivation of the complement system. Utilizing a peptide chemistry platform, the company creates synthetic macrocyclic peptides that combine the specificity of antibodies with the pharmacological advantages of small molecules. Its lead candidate, Zilucoplan, is an injectable treatment that has completed Phase II clinical trials for generalized myasthenia gravis and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, along with a Phase Ib trial for patients with renal impairment. Additionally, Ra Pharmaceuticals is advancing pre-clinical programs targeting Factor D inhibition for C3 glomerulonephritis and other complement factors for various diseases. The company has established a collaboration with Merck & Co., Inc. to explore orally available cyclic peptides for non-complement cardiovascular targets. Founded in 2008, Ra Pharmaceuticals operates as a subsidiary of UCB SA.

Nimbus Therapeutics

Series B in 2015
Nimbus Therapeutics, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing innovative medicines for serious diseases, including metabolic disorders, cancer, and immune-inflammatory conditions. The company utilizes advanced computational technologies to create selective and potent small-molecule therapeutics. Among its notable projects is the Nimbus Apollo program, which features the lead candidate NDI-010976, an allosteric inhibitor targeting Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (ACC). This compound is being developed for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and has potential applications in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other diseases. NDI-010976 received Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2016, highlighting its significance in the clinical development pipeline. Nimbus Therapeutics has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its research and development capabilities, reinforcing its commitment to advancing treatment options for complex health challenges.

Nimbus Therapeutics

Series B in 2015
Nimbus Therapeutics, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing innovative medicines for serious diseases, including metabolic disorders, cancer, and immune-inflammatory conditions. The company utilizes advanced computational technologies to create selective and potent small-molecule therapeutics. Among its notable projects is the Nimbus Apollo program, which features the lead candidate NDI-010976, an allosteric inhibitor targeting Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (ACC). This compound is being developed for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and has potential applications in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other diseases. NDI-010976 received Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2016, highlighting its significance in the clinical development pipeline. Nimbus Therapeutics has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its research and development capabilities, reinforcing its commitment to advancing treatment options for complex health challenges.

ALX Oncology

Series A in 2015
ALX Oncology is a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company based in Burlingame, California, established in 2015. The company specializes in developing innovative therapies aimed at treating various forms of cancer, with a particular focus on its lead product candidate, ALX148. This therapeutic agent is designed to block the CD47 protein, which cancer cells exploit to evade the immune system. ALX148 is currently being investigated for its efficacy in treating myelodysplastic syndromes, acute myeloid leukemia, and several solid tumor types, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and certain gastric cancers. The company leverages advanced protein engineering technologies to enhance the affinity of its CD47 blockers, aiming to minimize hematologic toxicities often associated with existing treatments. ALX Oncology's commitment to improving cancer therapies is rooted in pioneering research conducted by its founders at Stanford University.

Flex Pharma

Venture Round in 2014
Flex Pharma, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing treatments for muscle cramps, spasms, and spasticity linked to neurological conditions and exercise. The company operates in two segments: Consumer Operations and Drug Development. Its lead drug candidate, FLX-787, is a dual transient receptor potential V1/A1 ion channel activator, which has completed an exploratory Phase II clinical trial in Australia targeting multiple sclerosis patients. Additionally, Flex Pharma offers HOTSHOT, a consumer beverage designed to prevent and treat exercise-associated muscle cramps. The company markets HOTSHOT products online through its direct-to-consumer website and third-party platforms that provide international shipping. Founded in 2014 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, Flex Pharma was acquired by Salarius Pharmaceuticals in 2019.

Claret Medical

Series B in 2014
Claret Medical, Inc. is a medical device company specializing in cerebral vascular protection systems designed to mitigate the risk of stroke during transcatheter aortic valve implantation and other endovascular procedures. Established in 2009 and headquartered in Santa Rosa, California, the company's flagship products include the Claret Medical Sentinel Cerebral Protection System and the Claret Medical Montage, both of which serve as embolic protection devices. These systems utilize small catheters, which are inserted through an artery in the patient's arm and positioned near the heart, to capture and remove embolic debris that may be dislodged during procedures. By preventing this debris from entering the cerebral vascular system, Claret Medical's products aim to enhance patient safety during high-risk cardiovascular interventions. The company operates as a subsidiary of Boston Scientific Corporation.

EarLens

Series B in 2014
Earlens is a medical technology company focused on improving the hearing experience for individuals with hearing loss. It has created the Earlens Contact Hearing Solution, a unique device that directly stimulates the eardrum using a small lens, replicating the natural hearing process. Unlike conventional hearing aids that amplify sound, the Earlens solution delivers sound directly to the eardrum, providing superior sound quality and a broader bandwidth. This innovative, non-surgical approach allows for automatic adjustments in challenging listening environments while minimizing feedback. The technology received FDA clearance in 2019 for its second generation, marking a significant advancement in hearing solutions aimed at enhancing the quality of life for those with hearing impairment.

Fire1

Series A in 2014
Fire1, based in Dublin, Ireland, is dedicated to developing innovative therapeutic devices aimed at enhancing the lives of heart failure patients. The company has created a remote monitoring system that allows healthcare providers to access real-time patient data and insights. This technology facilitates the early detection of complications associated with heart failure, enabling proactive interventions that can lead to improved patient outcomes. Through its focus on remote monitoring, Fire1 seeks to address critical challenges in heart failure management and contribute to better healthcare solutions.

Astria Therapeutics

Series B in 2013
Astria Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, dedicated to developing innovative therapies for patients affected by rare allergic and immunological diseases. The company focuses on creating life-changing treatments, with its lead program, STAR-0215, being a monoclonal antibody designed to inhibit plasma kallikrein, currently in preclinical development for hereditary angioedema. Additionally, Astria is advancing STAR-0310, another monoclonal antibody, which targets the OX40 receptor and is also in preclinical development for atopic dermatitis, a condition characterized by impaired skin barrier function and significant itching. Through its targeted approach, Astria Therapeutics aims to address unmet medical needs in the field of immunology.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.