Pacific Horizon Ventures

Pacific Horizon Ventures is a Seattle-based venture capital firm that has been active since 1993, focusing on early-stage investments in the life science and healthcare sectors. The firm targets technologies that address significant healthcare challenges in underserved markets, primarily investing in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, computational biology, and genomics. With a hands-on, capital-efficient approach, Pacific Horizon Ventures aims to provide timely management support to a select group of portfolio companies, positioning them for high financial returns.

Donald Elmer

Founder and Managing General Partner

Jean-Pierre Laurent Ph.D

Partner

11 past transactions

ViaCyte

Series C in 2007
ViaCyte, Inc. is a regenerative medicine company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in developing cell replacement therapies for diabetes. The company’s primary product candidates, VC-01 and VC-02, aim to treat type 1 diabetes by implanting pancreatic beta-cell precursors derived from stem cells within an encapsulation device. This innovative approach allows the implanted cells to produce insulin in response to blood glucose levels while minimizing the risk of immune rejection, thereby eliminating the need for immunosuppressants. ViaCyte's goal is to provide a long-term solution that can free both type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients from dependence on insulin and reduce associated complications such as hypoglycemia and cardiovascular issues. Founded in 1999, ViaCyte was previously known as Novocell, Inc., and changed its name in 2010. The company also operates an additional facility in Athens, Georgia.

Koronis Pharmaceuticals

Series D in 2007
Koronis Pharmaceuticals is a privately held biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 1998. The company specializes in developing antiviral therapeutics using a unique mechanism called Viral Decay Acceleration (VDA). Its lead product candidate, KP-1461, is designed to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Additionally, Koronis Pharmaceuticals has products in development for the treatment of hepatitis C and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The company's focus is on accelerating viral decay to help patients recover faster from these diseases while reducing complications and side effects.

ViaCyte

Venture Round in 2006
ViaCyte, Inc. is a regenerative medicine company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in developing cell replacement therapies for diabetes. The company’s primary product candidates, VC-01 and VC-02, aim to treat type 1 diabetes by implanting pancreatic beta-cell precursors derived from stem cells within an encapsulation device. This innovative approach allows the implanted cells to produce insulin in response to blood glucose levels while minimizing the risk of immune rejection, thereby eliminating the need for immunosuppressants. ViaCyte's goal is to provide a long-term solution that can free both type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients from dependence on insulin and reduce associated complications such as hypoglycemia and cardiovascular issues. Founded in 1999, ViaCyte was previously known as Novocell, Inc., and changed its name in 2010. The company also operates an additional facility in Athens, Georgia.

iScience Surgical

Series C in 2005
iScience Surgical, Inc. is a privately-held company founded in 1999. It is developing high resolution imaging systems and microsurgical instruments for the treatment of glaucoma. The Company's products are designed to complement existing glaucoma surgical techniques and serve as a platform for a new generation of minimally invasive procedures. Glaucoma is a sight threatening circulatory disorder of the eye that affects approximately 4.2 million Americans and 69 million people worldwide. More than $2 billion is spent annually on glaucoma medications and treatments worldwide, the majority of which are unable to restore the eye's natural drainage process.

Argos Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2004
Argos Therapeutics, Inc. was a biotechnology company based in Durham, North Carolina, that specialized in the development of individualized immunotherapies for cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune disorders. Founded in 1997 and formerly known as Merix Bioscience, the company utilized its proprietary Arcelis technology platform to create personalized treatments. Its notable product candidates included rocapuldencel-T, which was undergoing Phase III clinical trials for metastatic renal cell carcinoma, and AGS-004, aimed at treating human immunodeficiency virus in Phase II trials. Other investigational products included treatments for transplant rejection and autoimmune diseases. However, Argos Therapeutics filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and ceased operations on September 24, 2019.

Transmolecular

Series C in 2004
TransMolecular, Inc. is a neuroscience biotechnology company dedicated to discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative drugs aimed at diagnosing and treating central nervous system diseases, particularly focusing on cancer and pain management. Founded in July 1996 and based in Birmingham, Alabama, the company has established robust technology platforms that enhance its product discovery and development pipeline. TransMolecular has received significant funding through private placements and Small Business Incentive Research grants from the National Institutes of Health, totaling $1 million for its cancer and pain programs. The company holds over 25 patents and has exclusive licensing agreements with the University of Alabama at Birmingham Research Foundation and Yale University for its specialized technologies. Its management team, boasting more than 75 years of combined experience in healthcare, pharmaceutical development, and research, is committed to advancing safe and effective therapeutic solutions for patients with limited treatment options.

iScience Interventional

Series B in 2003
iScience Interventional specializes in developing innovative medical technologies for ophthalmic interventions. They focus on creating advanced microcatheters and imaging systems, enabling eye specialists to precisely administer therapies to specific locations within the eye. Additionally, they offer medical devices for canaloplasty procedures.

iScience Surgical

Series B in 2003
iScience Surgical, Inc. is a privately-held company founded in 1999. It is developing high resolution imaging systems and microsurgical instruments for the treatment of glaucoma. The Company's products are designed to complement existing glaucoma surgical techniques and serve as a platform for a new generation of minimally invasive procedures. Glaucoma is a sight threatening circulatory disorder of the eye that affects approximately 4.2 million Americans and 69 million people worldwide. More than $2 billion is spent annually on glaucoma medications and treatments worldwide, the majority of which are unable to restore the eye's natural drainage process.

Inhibitex

Venture Round in 2002
Inhibitex is a biotechnology company that specializes in the development of antibody-based products aimed at preventing and treating bacterial and fungal infections. The company is particularly focused on creating small molecule antiviral compounds, with specific attention to therapies for shingles, also known as herpes zoster, and chronic hepatitis C infections. Through its innovative approach, Inhibitex seeks to address significant medical needs in the realm of infectious diseases.

Transmolecular

Series B in 2000
TransMolecular, Inc. is a neuroscience biotechnology company dedicated to discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative drugs aimed at diagnosing and treating central nervous system diseases, particularly focusing on cancer and pain management. Founded in July 1996 and based in Birmingham, Alabama, the company has established robust technology platforms that enhance its product discovery and development pipeline. TransMolecular has received significant funding through private placements and Small Business Incentive Research grants from the National Institutes of Health, totaling $1 million for its cancer and pain programs. The company holds over 25 patents and has exclusive licensing agreements with the University of Alabama at Birmingham Research Foundation and Yale University for its specialized technologies. Its management team, boasting more than 75 years of combined experience in healthcare, pharmaceutical development, and research, is committed to advancing safe and effective therapeutic solutions for patients with limited treatment options.

Proxim Wireless

Venture Round in 1998
Proxim Wireless Corporation is a provider of high-speed wireless communications equipment and services that facilitate a range of applications, including voice, video, data, and mobility. Founded in 1982 and headquartered in San Jose, California, the company specializes in Wi-Fi, point-to-point, and point-to-multipoint 4G wireless network technologies. Its products are designed for various sectors, including transportation, video surveillance, education, healthcare, and retail, offering solutions for wireless Internet, backhaul, and video surveillance needs. Proxim Wireless serves a diverse customer base, including enterprises, service providers, government entities, and educational institutions, through a network of online retailers, distributors, value-added resellers, system integrators, and original equipment manufacturers across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. As of mid-2018, Proxim Wireless operates as a subsidiary of SRA Holdings, Inc.
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