Northpond Ventures

Northpond Ventures is a science-driven venture capital firm based in Bethesda, Maryland, with additional offices in San Francisco, California, and Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 2018, the firm concentrates its investments in life sciences, diagnostics, therapeutics, digital health, and related technologies, including AI and machine learning applications in biotech and medical fields, as well as environmental and other emerging technologies. It seeks to back early- and growth-stage companies that advance biomedical research, diagnostics, medical devices, and technology-enabled health solutions. The firm operates as a registered investment adviser and emphasizes building a better tomorrow through science-driven investing. It focuses on strategy, value creation, and supporting companies at the intersection of life sciences and technology, aiming to accelerate innovations that improve health outcomes.

Diana Bernstein

Vice President

Tiffany Chen

Associate

Lucy Coassin

Principal

Nick Futrell

Associate

Andrea Jackson

Managing Director

Past deals in Health Diagnostics

Inflammatix

Series E in 2024
Inflammatix develops rapid molecular diagnostics tests that interpret the immune system to resolve major clinical challenges. Initially focused on acute bacterial and viral infections, sepsis, and other conditions like tropical infections and autoimmune diseases.

Slingshot Biosciences

Series A in 2024
Slingshot Biosciences develops engineered synthetic cells to accelerate drug research and enable diagnostics and therapeutics. The company creates next-generation cellular tools that aim to simplify complex experiments, improve data standardization in cell analysis, and provide cost-effective solutions for research programs. Its work includes aligning cellular properties such as forward and side scatter of white blood cells to enable more consistent measurements and faster interpretation. By removing cold-chain barriers, Slingshot Biosciences seeks to broaden access to advanced diagnostics and therapeutics, supporting programs focused on neglected and rare diseases. Operating in the industrial synthetic biology space, the company concentrates on practical cellular technologies that can shorten development timelines and reduce costs for researchers.

SeLux Diagnostics

Venture Round in 2024
SeLux Diagnostics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Charlestown, Massachusetts, focused on developing a next-generation phenotyping platform for antibiotic susceptibility testing and diagnostics of infectious diseases. Established in 2014, the company utilizes synthetic amplifier technology to enhance the speed and complexity of antibiotic susceptibility testing, thereby significantly improving patient care. By facilitating the rapid selection of personalized antimicrobial therapies, SeLux aims to transform the management of infectious diseases, ultimately saving lives, reducing hospital stays, and combating the growing issue of antibiotic resistance through more targeted treatments.

Elephas

Series C in 2024
Elephas is a company focused on revolutionizing cancer treatment through its innovative live tumor imaging diagnostics platform. By leveraging advances in cancer biology, multimodal microscopy, engineering, and artificial intelligence, Elephas aims to enhance clinical decision-making and personalize therapy for cancer patients. The company's approach involves the use of human live tumor fragments, allowing clinicians to determine the most effective treatment strategies for individual patients. In doing so, Elephas not only seeks to improve patient outcomes but also to expedite the drug development process, addressing the significant challenges faced in oncology.

Vital Bio

Venture Round in 2023
Vital Bio is focused on transforming lab testing to make healthcare more accessible and personalized. The company develops advanced diagnostic technologies that integrate devices, software, and services to support patients in monitoring their health and managing diseases. By bridging the gap between diagnosis and treatment, Vital Bio aims to empower patients and healthcare providers alike, promoting proactive care and reducing disparities in health outcomes. The company's innovative approach seeks to enhance the overall healthcare experience, ensuring that individuals have greater control over their health management.

SpeeDx

Venture Round in 2023
SpeeDx is a company that specializes in molecular diagnostic solutions, offering advanced testing systems that provide comprehensive information for enhanced patient management. Utilizing innovative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology, SpeeDx develops market-leading multiplex detection and priming strategies. Its product portfolio includes diagnostics for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), antibiotic resistance markers, and respiratory diseases. By focusing on multiplex systems, SpeeDx enables healthcare providers to efficiently test for various infectious diseases and assess antibiotic resistance, thereby improving clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.

Slingshot Biosciences

Series A in 2023
Slingshot Biosciences develops engineered synthetic cells to accelerate drug research and enable diagnostics and therapeutics. The company creates next-generation cellular tools that aim to simplify complex experiments, improve data standardization in cell analysis, and provide cost-effective solutions for research programs. Its work includes aligning cellular properties such as forward and side scatter of white blood cells to enable more consistent measurements and faster interpretation. By removing cold-chain barriers, Slingshot Biosciences seeks to broaden access to advanced diagnostics and therapeutics, supporting programs focused on neglected and rare diseases. Operating in the industrial synthetic biology space, the company concentrates on practical cellular technologies that can shorten development timelines and reduce costs for researchers.

Elephas

Series B in 2022
Elephas is a company focused on revolutionizing cancer treatment through its innovative live tumor imaging diagnostics platform. By leveraging advances in cancer biology, multimodal microscopy, engineering, and artificial intelligence, Elephas aims to enhance clinical decision-making and personalize therapy for cancer patients. The company's approach involves the use of human live tumor fragments, allowing clinicians to determine the most effective treatment strategies for individual patients. In doing so, Elephas not only seeks to improve patient outcomes but also to expedite the drug development process, addressing the significant challenges faced in oncology.

Transition Bio

Series A in 2022
Transition Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company dedicated to advancing human health through the discovery, analysis, and modulation of biological condensates. Founded in 2020 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with a branch in Cambridge, United Kingdom, the company has developed a hypothesis-free drug discovery and diagnostics platform known as Condensomics. This innovative platform leverages droplet microfluidic technologies and protein biophysics to study condensates with remarkable precision, providing medical practitioners with detailed molecular mappings. Transition Bio's approach is designed to unlock new opportunities for drug development, setting it apart in the biopharmaceutical landscape.

Sherlock Biosciences

Series B in 2022
Sherlock Biosciences, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative molecular diagnostic solutions. The company utilizes advanced engineering biology tools, such as CRISPR and synthetic biology, to create diagnostic platforms capable of delivering accurate and rapid results. Its notable technologies include SHERLOCK, a method for detecting and quantifying specific genetic sequences, and INSPECTR, which is designed for versatile, easy-to-use diagnostics. Sherlock Biosciences aims to serve various applications, including precision oncology, infectious disease identification, food safety, at-home testing, and general disease detection. Founded in 2018, the company is committed to providing affordable diagnostics suitable for diverse settings, including those with low-resource environments.

SeLux Diagnostics

Series C in 2022
SeLux Diagnostics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Charlestown, Massachusetts, focused on developing a next-generation phenotyping platform for antibiotic susceptibility testing and diagnostics of infectious diseases. Established in 2014, the company utilizes synthetic amplifier technology to enhance the speed and complexity of antibiotic susceptibility testing, thereby significantly improving patient care. By facilitating the rapid selection of personalized antimicrobial therapies, SeLux aims to transform the management of infectious diseases, ultimately saving lives, reducing hospital stays, and combating the growing issue of antibiotic resistance through more targeted treatments.

Scipher Medicine

Series D in 2022
Scipher Medicine develops a molecular technology platform that predicts patient responsiveness to specific drugs in cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases. Its flagship product, PrismRA, identifies rheumatoid arthritis patients unlikely to respond to anti-TNF therapies, enabling alternative treatments. The company aims to transform drug prescription by predicting optimal therapy using simple blood samples.

SimBioSys

Series A in 2021
SimBioSys is focused on advancing cancer care through its innovative Computational Microscope, which merges advanced simulation techniques with a wide array of experimental datasets. This technology enables researchers to gain insights into the cancer microenvironment, allowing them to observe tumor behavior, including cell phenotypes and interactions with surrounding tissues. By creating personalized virtual tumors from comprehensive diagnostic data, SimBioSys facilitates computational scenario analysis that enhances doctors' understanding of individual cases. This approach aims to improve decision-making and patient experiences in the realm of oncology, ultimately transforming cancer treatment.

Elephas

Series A in 2021
Elephas is a company focused on revolutionizing cancer treatment through its innovative live tumor imaging diagnostics platform. By leveraging advances in cancer biology, multimodal microscopy, engineering, and artificial intelligence, Elephas aims to enhance clinical decision-making and personalize therapy for cancer patients. The company's approach involves the use of human live tumor fragments, allowing clinicians to determine the most effective treatment strategies for individual patients. In doing so, Elephas not only seeks to improve patient outcomes but also to expedite the drug development process, addressing the significant challenges faced in oncology.

Slingshot Biosciences

Series A in 2021
Slingshot Biosciences develops engineered synthetic cells to accelerate drug research and enable diagnostics and therapeutics. The company creates next-generation cellular tools that aim to simplify complex experiments, improve data standardization in cell analysis, and provide cost-effective solutions for research programs. Its work includes aligning cellular properties such as forward and side scatter of white blood cells to enable more consistent measurements and faster interpretation. By removing cold-chain barriers, Slingshot Biosciences seeks to broaden access to advanced diagnostics and therapeutics, supporting programs focused on neglected and rare diseases. Operating in the industrial synthetic biology space, the company concentrates on practical cellular technologies that can shorten development timelines and reduce costs for researchers.

Hawthorne Effect

Series A in 2021
Hawthorne Effect facilitates accessible clinical trials worldwide. It employs a Visit Management System that respects sponsor-investigator relationships, promotes shared technology for protocol compliance, and deploys trained healthcare providers ('HEROs') for patient visits anytime, anywhere, minimizing 'lost to follow-up' cases.

Torus Biosystems

Series A in 2021
Torus Biosystems is a biotechnology company founded in 2019 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It specializes in the development of a diagnostic device that facilitates DNA testing for scientific and medical research applications. The company's apparatus is designed for use across various sectors, including consumer products, food safety for humans and animals, personal care, and agriculture. By providing accessible DNA testing solutions, Torus Biosystems aims to enhance the understanding of biochemical agents in both medical and non-medical contexts.

Outcomes4Me

Series A in 2021
Founded in 2017, Outcomes4Me is a Boston-based company that empowers cancer patients through its AI-driven platform. This platform provides personalized, evidence-based treatment options and real-time clinical information, enabling patients to navigate their care effectively and improve outcomes.

Ultivue

Series D in 2021
Ultivue develops multiplex biomarker assays for tissue phenotyping and digital pathology. Its products enable high-resolution fluorescent microscopy imaging, aiding life science research and potential clinical diagnostics.

Scipher Medicine

Series C in 2021
Scipher Medicine develops a molecular technology platform that predicts patient responsiveness to specific drugs in cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases. Its flagship product, PrismRA, identifies rheumatoid arthritis patients unlikely to respond to anti-TNF therapies, enabling alternative treatments. The company aims to transform drug prescription by predicting optimal therapy using simple blood samples.

Inflammatix

Series D in 2021
Inflammatix develops rapid molecular diagnostics tests that interpret the immune system to resolve major clinical challenges. Initially focused on acute bacterial and viral infections, sepsis, and other conditions like tropical infections and autoimmune diseases.

Personal Genome Diagnostics

Series C in 2021
Personal Genome Diagnostics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on patient-specific analyses of cancer genomes. Established in 2010 and headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, the company has pioneered technologies for non-invasive "liquid biopsy" approaches, allowing for the detection of tumor-specific alterations in circulating cell-free DNA. Its offerings include the METDetect Assay for identifying MET gene amplifications, LungSelect for detecting actionable genetic alterations in non-small cell lung cancer patients, and PGDx elio plasma resolve, which analyzes various genetic mutations from plasma samples. Additionally, Personal Genome Diagnostics provides RNAcomplete, enabling researchers to extract both RNA and genomic DNA from a single tissue sample, and CancerXOME, which captures and analyzes coding regions of genes. The company collaborates with institutions like Mayo Clinic and partners with KingMed Diagnostics to enhance its research and diagnostic capabilities, thereby empowering oncologists and researchers with crucial genomic insights to combat cancer.

Delfi Diagnostics

Series A in 2021
Delfi Diagnostics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Baltimore, Maryland, focused on the early detection of cancer through innovative blood tests. Founded in 2018, the company employs artificial intelligence and genome sequencing to identify unique patterns of DNA fragmentation in the blood, enabling the detection of previously unrecognized cancer-associated cell-free DNA fragments. By utilizing machine learning, Delfi Diagnostics aims to develop high-precision, non-invasive blood tests that allow healthcare professionals to detect cancer at its most curable stage, thereby facilitating timely and effective treatment options for patients.

SpeeDx

Series B in 2020
SpeeDx is a company that specializes in molecular diagnostic solutions, offering advanced testing systems that provide comprehensive information for enhanced patient management. Utilizing innovative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology, SpeeDx develops market-leading multiplex detection and priming strategies. Its product portfolio includes diagnostics for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), antibiotic resistance markers, and respiratory diseases. By focusing on multiplex systems, SpeeDx enables healthcare providers to efficiently test for various infectious diseases and assess antibiotic resistance, thereby improving clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.

Inflammatix

Series C in 2020
Inflammatix develops rapid molecular diagnostics tests that interpret the immune system to resolve major clinical challenges. Initially focused on acute bacterial and viral infections, sepsis, and other conditions like tropical infections and autoimmune diseases.

IsoPlexis

Series C in 2020
IsoPlexis is a life science technology company based in Branford, Connecticut, established in 2013. It specializes in developing a single-cell detection system that identifies a wide array of patient immune responses at the single-cell level. The company's platform focuses on cell-based proteomic systems and biomarkers, allowing for the assessment of therapeutic safety and efficacy, monitoring of disease progression, and exploration of functional protein biology and cellular signaling networks. IsoPlexis's technology enables clients to predict cancer patient responses to various novel immunotherapies and cellular therapies, thereby enhancing therapeutic development and informing clinical decision-making.

IsoPlexis

Series C in 2019
IsoPlexis is a life science technology company based in Branford, Connecticut, established in 2013. It specializes in developing a single-cell detection system that identifies a wide array of patient immune responses at the single-cell level. The company's platform focuses on cell-based proteomic systems and biomarkers, allowing for the assessment of therapeutic safety and efficacy, monitoring of disease progression, and exploration of functional protein biology and cellular signaling networks. IsoPlexis's technology enables clients to predict cancer patient responses to various novel immunotherapies and cellular therapies, thereby enhancing therapeutic development and informing clinical decision-making.

ChromaCode

Series C in 2019
ChromaCode Inc., established in 2012 and based in Carlsbad, California, specializes in molecular diagnostics. The company develops innovative testing solutions for infectious diseases, cancer, and non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) using technology licensed from Caltech. ChromaCode's core products are software, reagents, and assays that enhance the multiplexing capabilities of quantitative PCR (qPCR) instruments by fivefold. Additionally, they offer molecular assays and software for various applications such as personalized medicine and pharmaceutical research. One of their notable products is the HDPCR Tick-Borne Pathogen Panel, a multiplex PCR test detecting common tick-borne pathogens in a single assay. ChromaCode's technology focuses on improving signal processing from life science instrumentation, enabling cost-effective testing of multiple targets simultaneously while integrating into existing laboratory workflows.

SeLux Diagnostics

Series B in 2019
SeLux Diagnostics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Charlestown, Massachusetts, focused on developing a next-generation phenotyping platform for antibiotic susceptibility testing and diagnostics of infectious diseases. Established in 2014, the company utilizes synthetic amplifier technology to enhance the speed and complexity of antibiotic susceptibility testing, thereby significantly improving patient care. By facilitating the rapid selection of personalized antimicrobial therapies, SeLux aims to transform the management of infectious diseases, ultimately saving lives, reducing hospital stays, and combating the growing issue of antibiotic resistance through more targeted treatments.

SpeeDx

Series B in 2019
SpeeDx is a company that specializes in molecular diagnostic solutions, offering advanced testing systems that provide comprehensive information for enhanced patient management. Utilizing innovative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology, SpeeDx develops market-leading multiplex detection and priming strategies. Its product portfolio includes diagnostics for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), antibiotic resistance markers, and respiratory diseases. By focusing on multiplex systems, SpeeDx enables healthcare providers to efficiently test for various infectious diseases and assess antibiotic resistance, thereby improving clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.

SpeeDx

Series A in 2019
SpeeDx is a company that specializes in molecular diagnostic solutions, offering advanced testing systems that provide comprehensive information for enhanced patient management. Utilizing innovative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology, SpeeDx develops market-leading multiplex detection and priming strategies. Its product portfolio includes diagnostics for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), antibiotic resistance markers, and respiratory diseases. By focusing on multiplex systems, SpeeDx enables healthcare providers to efficiently test for various infectious diseases and assess antibiotic resistance, thereby improving clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.

Ultivue

Series C in 2019
Ultivue develops multiplex biomarker assays for tissue phenotyping and digital pathology. Its products enable high-resolution fluorescent microscopy imaging, aiding life science research and potential clinical diagnostics.

IsoPlexis

Series C in 2019
IsoPlexis is a life science technology company based in Branford, Connecticut, established in 2013. It specializes in developing a single-cell detection system that identifies a wide array of patient immune responses at the single-cell level. The company's platform focuses on cell-based proteomic systems and biomarkers, allowing for the assessment of therapeutic safety and efficacy, monitoring of disease progression, and exploration of functional protein biology and cellular signaling networks. IsoPlexis's technology enables clients to predict cancer patient responses to various novel immunotherapies and cellular therapies, thereby enhancing therapeutic development and informing clinical decision-making.

Scipher Medicine

Series B in 2019
Scipher Medicine develops a molecular technology platform that predicts patient responsiveness to specific drugs in cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases. Its flagship product, PrismRA, identifies rheumatoid arthritis patients unlikely to respond to anti-TNF therapies, enabling alternative treatments. The company aims to transform drug prescription by predicting optimal therapy using simple blood samples.

Sherlock Biosciences

Series A in 2019
Sherlock Biosciences, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative molecular diagnostic solutions. The company utilizes advanced engineering biology tools, such as CRISPR and synthetic biology, to create diagnostic platforms capable of delivering accurate and rapid results. Its notable technologies include SHERLOCK, a method for detecting and quantifying specific genetic sequences, and INSPECTR, which is designed for versatile, easy-to-use diagnostics. Sherlock Biosciences aims to serve various applications, including precision oncology, infectious disease identification, food safety, at-home testing, and general disease detection. Founded in 2018, the company is committed to providing affordable diagnostics suitable for diverse settings, including those with low-resource environments.

SeLux Diagnostics

Series B in 2018
SeLux Diagnostics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Charlestown, Massachusetts, focused on developing a next-generation phenotyping platform for antibiotic susceptibility testing and diagnostics of infectious diseases. Established in 2014, the company utilizes synthetic amplifier technology to enhance the speed and complexity of antibiotic susceptibility testing, thereby significantly improving patient care. By facilitating the rapid selection of personalized antimicrobial therapies, SeLux aims to transform the management of infectious diseases, ultimately saving lives, reducing hospital stays, and combating the growing issue of antibiotic resistance through more targeted treatments.

Inflammatix

Series B in 2018
Inflammatix develops rapid molecular diagnostics tests that interpret the immune system to resolve major clinical challenges. Initially focused on acute bacterial and viral infections, sepsis, and other conditions like tropical infections and autoimmune diseases.

Farcast

Series C in 2018
Farcast Biosciences, established in 2019, is a clinical diagnostic company based in Boston, Massachusetts, with operations in Bangalore, India. The company specializes in developing and utilizing a proprietary Human Tumor Micro Dynamics (HTMD) platform. This platform preserves the natural state of human tumors through the culture of fresh, unmodified tumor fragments, creating a human tumor microenvironment. Farcast's technology enables oncologists to evaluate individual tumors and predict patient response to treatments before initiating therapy. Additionally, it serves drug developers and researchers by providing accurate and precise models for testing and analysis, facilitating the development of personalized cancer therapies.

SeLux Diagnostics

Venture Round in 2018
SeLux Diagnostics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Charlestown, Massachusetts, focused on developing a next-generation phenotyping platform for antibiotic susceptibility testing and diagnostics of infectious diseases. Established in 2014, the company utilizes synthetic amplifier technology to enhance the speed and complexity of antibiotic susceptibility testing, thereby significantly improving patient care. By facilitating the rapid selection of personalized antimicrobial therapies, SeLux aims to transform the management of infectious diseases, ultimately saving lives, reducing hospital stays, and combating the growing issue of antibiotic resistance through more targeted treatments.

Outcomes4Me

Founded in 2017, Outcomes4Me is a Boston-based company that empowers cancer patients through its AI-driven platform. This platform provides personalized, evidence-based treatment options and real-time clinical information, enabling patients to navigate their care effectively and improve outcomes.
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