Sahsen Ventures

Parse Biosciences is a biotechnology company specializing in single-cell analysis and sequencing solutions. Founded in 2018 and based in Seattle, Washington, the company focuses on developing innovative technologies that simplify the sequencing process for researchers. By employing combinatorial cDNA barcoding directly within cells, Parse Biosciences eliminates the necessity for complex and costly microfluidic instruments. This technology allows for the fixing, freezing, and storage of samples, enabling researchers to conduct experiments with samples collected on different dates in a single run. This capability enhances sample handling and minimizes errors, ultimately improving the accuracy of results. The company aims to increase gene detection in individual cells while addressing common challenges associated with single-cell sequencing, thereby advancing research in various scientific fields.

Monod Bio is a life sciences company developing biosensors for detecting proteins, toxins, antibodies and other molecules. Its biosensor platform combines binding, transduction, and amplification in one step to detect a wide range of target molecules. The company leverages computational protein engineering to create modular bio-sensing nano switches that enable rapid, sensitive, and inexpensive analytical assays. Monod Bio was founded in 2021 and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Athira Pharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative therapies for brain disorders. Its lead product candidate, ATH-1017, aims to treat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's by restoring neuronal health.

Variant Bio Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutics through the exploration of human genetic diversity. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, the company seeks to identify individuals and populations exhibiting extreme outlier traits relevant to various medical conditions. By employing advanced sequencing technologies, statistical genetics, and machine learning, Variant Bio analyzes the genetic underpinnings of these traits to uncover new therapeutic targets. The company's mission is to enhance global health by addressing unmet medical needs, particularly in areas such as neurodegenerative, autoimmune, and cardiometabolic diseases.

A-Alpha Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company specializing in synthetic biology and advanced quantitative measurement of protein interactions to facilitate drug development. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, the company offers its proprietary AlphaSeq platform, which enables high-throughput mapping of protein-protein interactions. This technology allows for the simultaneous identification and quantification of interactions among thousands of protein pairs, streamlining the drug discovery process by aiding in the identification of potential drug targets and enhancing the understanding of disease mechanisms. By providing biologics and molecular glue discovery and optimization services, A-Alpha Bio supports pharmaceutical companies in optimizing binding and specificity to multiple target proteins. The team comprises synthetic biologists, structural biologists, and next-generation sequencing experts dedicated to overcoming challenges in the drug development process.

Phase Genomics is a biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2015. The company specializes in developing technology for ProxiMeta Hi-C genome assembly and metagenome deconvolution. Phase Genomics' platform aims to facilitate transformative discoveries in agriculture, human health, and industrial biology by providing scientists with highly accurate and detailed genomes and metagenomes. This enables researchers to make significant breakthroughs across various fields.

Founded in 2018, Sana Biotechnology focuses on creating and delivering engineered cells as medicine for patients. The company aims to reprogram cells in the body or replace damaged ones to treat a broad range of diseases, with a pipeline including SC291, SC262, SC255, UP421, and other candidates across therapeutic areas like oncology, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and CNS.

Parse Biosciences is a biotechnology company specializing in single-cell analysis and sequencing solutions. Founded in 2018 and based in Seattle, Washington, the company focuses on developing innovative technologies that simplify the sequencing process for researchers. By employing combinatorial cDNA barcoding directly within cells, Parse Biosciences eliminates the necessity for complex and costly microfluidic instruments. This technology allows for the fixing, freezing, and storage of samples, enabling researchers to conduct experiments with samples collected on different dates in a single run. This capability enhances sample handling and minimizes errors, ultimately improving the accuracy of results. The company aims to increase gene detection in individual cells while addressing common challenges associated with single-cell sequencing, thereby advancing research in various scientific fields.

Forterra is a non-profit organization that supports the Pacific Northwest and its wild mountains, rich ecosystems, farmland, small towns, and thriving cities.

Neoleukin Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2003. The company specializes in developing immunotherapies for cancer, inflammation, and autoimmune disorders using advanced protein design technology. Their lead product candidate, NL-201, is a de novo protein designed to mimic the therapeutic effects of cytokines interleukin (IL)-2/IL-15, targeting various types of cancer such as renal cell carcinoma and melanoma. Neoleukin Therapeutics leverages computational methods to create custom-designed proteins with enhanced pharmaceutical properties, inspired by natural protein complexes. The company emerged from the University of Washington Institute for Protein Design in January 2019 and was previously known as Aquinox Pharmaceuticals before changing its name in August 2019.

SiDx is a health services provider based in Seattle, Washington, specializing in modernizing blood group testing. Founded in 2017, the company has developed a medical device that utilizes micro-sensors on a silicon chip, which are interrogated by laser to detect reactions to various compounds. This innovative diagnostic platform enables healthcare professionals to obtain test results during patient visits, significantly speeding up the care process and reducing associated costs. By enhancing the efficiency of blood testing, SiDx aims to improve patient care and streamline healthcare services.

Icosavax develops virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines using its proprietary computational design platform. Its primary focus is creating vaccines for life-threatening respiratory diseases, with current candidates targeting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Founded in 2017, the company aims to discover, develop, and commercialize vaccines against infectious diseases.

PoliarisProject is a humanitarian organization that aims to combat human trafficking and modern-day slavery. The organization operates hotlines, policy advocacy programs, client services, advisory services, strategic initiatives, data analysis programs, and global programs to achieve its mission. PolarisProject is based in Washington, D.C.

98point6 Inc. is a healthcare technology company that offers on-demand virtual primary care services through its mobile application in the United States. Founded in 2015 and based in Seattle, Washington, the company provides a platform that enables board-certified physicians to deliver personalized consultations, diagnoses, and treatments for both acute and chronic illnesses. Utilizing a text-based interface, patients can receive care anytime and anywhere, allowing for efficient communication regarding their health concerns. The platform is designed to make healthcare more accessible and affordable, empowering physicians to focus more on patient care while leveraging technology to streamline processes such as prescribing medications and ordering lab tests.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center provides research services for the prevention, early detection, and treatment of cancer and other diseases in the United States and other countries. The research center is engaged in researches to prevent, detect, and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other life-threatening diseases. Its activities in the areas of diseases and research cover fundamental research, prevention, early detection, treatment and cures, and survivorships. Researchers of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center pioneered bone-marrow transplantation for leukemia and other blood diseases. This research has cured thousands of patients worldwide and has boosted survival rates for certain forms of leukemia from zero to 85 percent. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center was incorporated in 1971 and is based in Seattle, Washington.

BROTMAN BATY INSTITUTE focuses on basic and applied research in genomics, bioinformatics, and data science to diagnose and cure disease. The Institute was founded in 2017 by philanthropic sponsors Jeff and Susan Brotman, and Dan and Pam Baty in collaboration with UW Medicine, The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and Seattle Children’s. The Institute led by Dr. Jay Shendure was formed to accelerate both the basic sciences of precision medicine and the delivery of benefits to patients. The Institute organizes world-renowned investigators in genomics, bioinformatics and data science to share centralized platforms of advanced technologies and equipment in a uniquely collaborative manner. The Institute's aim is to develop insights and knowledge that will more precisely diagnose and treat people with cancer, rare childhood diseases, Alzheimer’s, and other conditions.

Landesa is a charitable institution based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 1967. Initially known as the Center for Women's Land Rights, it rebranded in 2010 to reflect its broader mission. The organization focuses on helping marginalized populations secure legal rights to land, collaborating with governments, businesses, and local organizations to achieve this goal. By ensuring families have secure land rights, Landesa enables them to invest in their property, leading to improved agricultural productivity and sustainable livelihoods. This access to land rights contributes to enhanced nutrition, health, education, and overall resilience, ultimately fostering greater opportunities for future generations.

The mission of the University of Washington Institute for Protein Design is to design a new world of proteins to address 21st century challenges in medicine, energy and technology. The Institute for Protein Design was established in 2012, and is building on strengths within the University of Washington and Seattle more generally. Protein design requires high-level expertise and talent in computing and software, biochemistry, genome sciences, biological structure, pharmacology, immunology and other basic science disciplines, as well as clinical medicine. They are marshaling deep institutional strengths in our faculty, scientific staff, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students, their partners from collaborating institutions, innovator networks, and from the computer and biotechnology industries — bringing extraordinary expertise to bear on a singular focus to advance the potential of protein design. Over the past 16 years, UW researchers have made significant progress in protein design and protein structure prediction, developing the world leading Rosetta software. During this period, UW scientists have developed methods for designing proteins with a wide range of new functions, including catalysts for chemical reactions, HIV and RSV vaccine candidates, and flu virus inhibitors. The IPD integrates these strengths in protein design with Seattle-area expertise in biochemistry, engineering, computer science and medicine, and leverages the exceptional Seattle strength in the software industry.

Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM) was founded in 2006 at the University of Washington by Tony Blau, Randy Moon, and Chuck Murry. The Institute is working to transform therapies for heart failure, neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, muscular dystrophy, cancer, diabetes, hearing loss, and retinal, kidney, and liver diseases. Our scientists are conducting research using multiple approaches including pluripotent stem cell technology, gene therapy and precision medicine with the goal of developing novel therapies for diseases where there are few treatments at present.

Imagine a world where people are healthy. There would be less poverty and fewer orphans. There would be stronger economies. There would be hope.Seattle Biomedical Research Institute (Seattle BioMed) was founded at a time when infectious disease research in the U.S. was rare. Our founder had a vision to create a place where the brightest scientists could come together and generate new knowledge and develop innovative solutions to ultimately combat the world’s deadliest diseases. Today that vision is reality. 360 people strong, we're an internationally renowned, non-profit research Institute striving every day to eliminate the world's most devastating infectious disease.

Northwest Harvest distributes food to a network of more than 370 food banks, meal programs, and high-need schools throughout Washington State.