Solasta Ventures

Maxion Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for diseases driven by ion channels and G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The company utilizes a unique drug discovery platform that integrates ion channel-modulating mini-proteins, known as knottins, derived from venom and other natural sources. By combining these knottins with antibody frameworks, Maxion aims to create long-acting, safe, and effective therapeutics that address previously inaccessible medical targets. This approach enables the potential treatment of various conditions, including chronic pain, autoimmune disorders, and heart disease, ultimately enhancing patient care through advanced drug development.

Axonis Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing therapies for neurological disorders by targeting the KCC2, a key mediator of inhibition in the brain. The company leverages groundbreaking research from institutions such as Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard, and Laval University to create a proprietary neuron-specific K-Cl cotransporter discovery engine. This innovative platform aims to enhance the treatment of various conditions, including epilepsy, pain, and other central nervous system pathologies, by fine-tuning neuronal inhibition. Through its efforts, Axonis Therapeutics seeks to contribute to the healthcare industry's ability to combat neurodegeneration, restore neuronal excitation, and promote neuron regeneration, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals affected by these disorders.

DAAN Biotherapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative treatments for cancer patients. The company specializes in research and development in the field of cancer therapies, employing a range of approaches such as cell therapies, antibodies, and small molecule inhibitors. DAAN Biotherapeutics is particularly dedicated to immune-oncology, utilizing anticancer immune cell therapies, including natural killer (NK) cells and T cell receptors. Through its independent research infrastructure, the company conducts clinical trials to explore various treatment strategies, aiming to create effective new drugs, particularly for lung cancer. By providing healthcare providers with advanced therapeutic options, DAAN Biotherapeutics seeks to improve outcomes for cancer patients.

EvolveImmune Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative immunotherapies aimed at addressing unmet needs in oncology and autoimmune diseases. The company has created an advanced immunobiological platform that combines sustained immune activation with targeted tumor cell therapy in a single agent. Through its unique approach, EvolveImmune's biotherapeutics utilize engineered extracellular vesicles to directly target tumor cells and enhance cytokine secretion at the tumor site, thereby improving tumor destruction while minimizing toxicity. The company is actively building a pipeline of novel therapeutic candidates that leverage its proprietary in vivo target discovery platform, enabling more effective treatment options for patients suffering from various diseases.

ReCode Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision medicines for pulmonary diseases, particularly targeting genetic conditions such as primary ciliary dyskinesia and cystic fibrosis. Founded in 2015 and based in Menlo Park, California, the company utilizes a groundbreaking selective organ targeting (SORT) lipid nanoparticle platform. This innovative technology facilitates the precise delivery of genetic therapies, including mRNA and gene correction therapeutics, to specific organs and cells beyond the liver. By overcoming limitations of traditional gene therapy approaches, ReCode Therapeutics aims to address the needs of patients with rare and life-limiting respiratory diseases, thus providing new treatment options for those affected by genetic disorders.

Boxhub is an online platform that facilitates the buying and selling of new and used shipping containers, aiming to transform the intermodal shipping container market. The platform provides users with a straightforward overview of available containers, transparent pricing, and an automated checkout process. Boxhub emphasizes customer service by ensuring a seamless experience for buyers and assisting container owners in selling containers that are no longer needed for shipping. By sourcing containers directly from the nearest ports, Boxhub offers competitive pricing and arranges door-to-door delivery, streamlining the logistics involved in container transactions.

Prime Roots is a San Francisco-based company founded in 2017 that specializes in producing plant-based food products as alternatives to meat and seafood. The company utilizes natural koji proteins derived from fungi to create vegetarian-based super protein foods, such as salmon burgers, which mimic the taste, texture, and nutritional value of animal-derived products. By offering these alternatives, Prime Roots aims to reduce carbon-intensive reliance on animals and provide both meat-eaters and vegans with access to protein-rich food options. The company also organizes food events for its members and serves the broader food sector.

Ensoma is a biotechnology company focused on advancing genomic medicine through its innovative in vivo approach, utilizing proprietary Engenious vectors. These vectors are engineered to deliver a wide array of gene modification technologies directly to blood and immune cells, including T cells, B cells, and myeloid cells, without the necessity for stem cell collection or prior myeloablative conditioning, which can pose risks to patients. This unique method allows for the administration of therapies via a single injection, enhancing accessibility and convenience in various healthcare settings, even where resources may be limited. Ensoma aims to expand the curative potential of genomic medicine, making it more accessible to patients in need.

Carisma Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing innovative immunotherapies for cancer and other serious diseases through its proprietary chimeric antigen receptor macrophage technology. The company focuses on engineering macrophages and monocytes, which are specialized white blood cells, to enhance their ability to infiltrate solid tumors and deliver potent cellular immunotherapy. By leveraging advanced cell engineering techniques, Carisma aims to provide effective treatments that enable patients with solid tumors to benefit from targeted and robust cancer therapies.

TiBit Communications is a manufacturer specializing in innovative technology designed to transform broadband access deployment across global Service Provider markets, including cable, telecommunications, and wireless sectors. The company produces small, low-power, and cost-effective pluggable devices that facilitate virtualization of the access network. These devices enable multi-Gigabit connectivity and allow high-performance Ethernet switching systems to replace traditional access equipment. By simplifying network architecture, TiBit's solutions empower businesses to reduce costs while enhancing overall network efficiency.

Carbon Biosciences is a biotechnology company focused on developing genetic medicines aimed at treating serious diseases. The company utilizes a proprietary platform based on novel parvoviruses, which have been optimized through natural selection to effectively target specific tissues and deliver larger therapeutic cargoes. This technology is designed to minimize neutralizing immunity, allowing for potential re-dosing. Carbon Biosciences specifically targets lung tissues and has demonstrated success in preclinical models, including those for cystic fibrosis. Through its industrial-scale viral production platforms, the company aims to extend the reach of gene therapies, providing innovative solutions for previously challenging medical conditions.

Soul Machines Limited, founded in 2016 and headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, specializes in the development of emotionally responsive avatars that enhance user experiences across various artificial intelligence platforms. The company utilizes its innovative Biological AI technology and patented Digital Brain™ to create engaging and empathetic AI assistants, which can be customized for applications in customer care, sales, marketing, education, and more. Through its Digital DNA Studio, Soul Machines enables users to design personalized digital personas that facilitate deep interactivity and meaningful brand engagement. With additional offices in major cities such as San Francisco, New York, London, Tokyo, and Melbourne, Soul Machines is dedicated to pioneering the humanization of AI, offering ethical and responsive solutions that foster collaboration between humans and machines.

Rescale, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in cloud-based platforms for scientific and engineering simulations. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Rescale offers a range of high-performance computing (HPC) solutions designed for various industries, including aerospace, automotive, consumer products, electronics, oil and gas, and life sciences. Its primary products include ScaleX Pro, which allows independent professionals and small to medium-sized businesses to conduct simulations, and ScaleX Enterprise, which provides a comprehensive simulation platform with integration capabilities for on-premise resources. The platform enables users to run simulations and artificial intelligence workloads on their preferred cloud infrastructure, utilizing customized hardware and software tailored to specific needs. Rescale serves over 300 customers, ranging from startups to large enterprises, helping accelerate design cycles and improve time to market through intelligent computing solutions. The company also operates offices in Tokyo, Munich, and Singapore.

Immunitas Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing targeted therapeutics for patients with complex cancers. Founded in 2019, the company utilizes a single-cell sequencing platform to analyze the biology of immune cells within human tumors. This innovative approach allows Immunitas to identify novel drug targets and develop key biomarkers that guide patient selection for their therapies. By emphasizing research rooted in human biology, Immunitas aims to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications. The company is advancing multiple programs toward early human studies, leveraging its expertise in antibody discovery and engineering to create effective treatments that modulate identified targets.

Carisma Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing innovative immunotherapies for cancer and other serious diseases through its proprietary chimeric antigen receptor macrophage technology. The company focuses on engineering macrophages and monocytes, which are specialized white blood cells, to enhance their ability to infiltrate solid tumors and deliver potent cellular immunotherapy. By leveraging advanced cell engineering techniques, Carisma aims to provide effective treatments that enable patients with solid tumors to benefit from targeted and robust cancer therapies.

Carisma Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing innovative immunotherapies for cancer and other serious diseases through its proprietary chimeric antigen receptor macrophage technology. The company focuses on engineering macrophages and monocytes, which are specialized white blood cells, to enhance their ability to infiltrate solid tumors and deliver potent cellular immunotherapy. By leveraging advanced cell engineering techniques, Carisma aims to provide effective treatments that enable patients with solid tumors to benefit from targeted and robust cancer therapies.

Ridecell, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in fleet automation and management software solutions. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, with additional offices in several global locations, Ridecell offers a range of products designed to enhance the efficiency of fleet operations. Its Demand-Response solution automates various processes including dispatch, routing, and scheduling, while its Fixed Route product enables real-time tracking and notifications for public transportation users. The Ridecell platform further streamlines operations for ride-sharing and car-sharing services by facilitating tasks such as rider onboarding, ID verification, dynamic pricing, and payment processing. By leveraging data insights and digital vehicle control, Ridecell transforms traditional manual processes into automated workflows, thereby improving operational efficiency for clients including public transportation agencies, universities, and logistics fleets across North America and Europe.

Exo is a medical device startup focused on revolutionizing ultrasound technology for imaging and therapeutic applications. The company has developed a handheld ultrasound platform that integrates advanced nano-materials, innovative sensor technologies, and sophisticated signal processing with the cost advantages of semiconductor manufacturing. This approach allows Exo to provide high-quality, affordable, and user-friendly medical imaging solutions. By enabling healthcare professionals to make critical, real-time decisions, Exo aims to enhance patient outcomes significantly. The company's commitment to accessibility and ease of use in medical imaging represents a significant advancement in the field, making effective diagnostic tools available at an unprecedented price point.

Seer, Inc. is a life sciences company that specializes in nanoparticle technology solutions aimed at advancing proteomics research. The company offers Proteograph, an integrated system that includes consumables, automation instrumentation, and proprietary software for conducting proteomics analysis. Seer's products are designed for research applications, targeting academic institutions, life sciences laboratories, and biopharmaceutical companies for non-diagnostic and non-clinical uses. Additionally, Seer is focused on developing a health data platform that enhances early detection of chronic diseases by capturing and translating molecular insights from the proteome, thereby enabling healthcare professionals to identify conditions such as cancer and neurological disorders more accurately and rapidly. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Redwood City, California, Seer was previously known as Seer Biosciences, Inc. before rebranding in July 2018.

HotSpot Therapeutics is a biotechnology startup based in Boston, Massachusetts, established in 2017. The company specializes in the development of allosteric therapies that target regulatory sites on proteins. Its innovative therapeutic platform is designed to identify hotspots and locate pathway treatments for cancer, metabolic disorders, and rare diseases. By leveraging a comprehensive database of hotspot structures and utilizing data science, HotSpot Therapeutics employs a multidisciplinary approach to drug discovery. This approach aims to enhance the effectiveness of treatments and improve patient outcomes across a range of conditions.

Atea Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts, focused on discovering and developing next-generation antiviral therapeutics for severe viral diseases. The company's lead candidate, AT-527, is an antiviral agent currently undergoing phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Additionally, Atea is advancing several candidates in clinical trials, including AT-787 for hepatitis C and AT-752 for dengue, both in phase 2 trials. The company aims to provide innovative treatments for infections caused by RNA and DNA viruses, improving outcomes for patients suffering from serious viral infections. Atea Pharmaceuticals was incorporated in 2012.

Rallybio, LLC is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in New Haven, Connecticut, focused on developing innovative therapies for patients with severe and rare disorders. Founded in 2018, Rallybio is dedicated to addressing critical medical needs, particularly in the fields of hematology, immuno-inflammation, maternal-fetal health, and metabolic disorders. Its lead product candidate, RLYB211, is designed for the prevention of fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT), a serious condition that can lead to uncontrolled bleeding in fetuses and newborns. The company emphasizes the use of antibodies, small molecules, and engineered proteins in its drug development efforts. Rallybio is supported by a team of experienced professionals with extensive expertise in biopharmaceutical research and development, particularly in the realm of rare diseases.

Kymera Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Watertown, Massachusetts, specializing in targeted protein degradation. Founded in 2015, the company employs a proprietary platform that utilizes the body's natural protein degradation system to selectively degrade disease-causing proteins. Kymera is advancing several therapeutic programs, including its IRAK4 program aimed at treating immunology-inflammation diseases such as hidradenitis suppurativa, atopic dermatitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, it is developing the IRAKIMiD program for MYD88-mutated diffuse large B cell lymphoma and the STAT3 program targeting hematologic malignancies, solid tumors, and autoimmune diseases. By focusing on previously untreatable conditions and using innovative small molecule modalities, Kymera Therapeutics aims to revolutionize drug discovery and create effective treatments for challenging diseases.

Orionis Biosciences is an early-stage biotechnology company dedicated to drug discovery and development, primarily targeting oncology and immunotherapies for diseases with significant unmet medical needs. Based in Waltham, Massachusetts, with additional research facilities in Ghent, Belgium, the company utilizes innovative technologies to create conditionally active drug modalities. Orionis employs mechanisms of molecular proximity and cooperativity to enhance drug potency and precision, leading to a diverse pipeline of drug candidates. These efforts include the development of small molecules that engage both adaptive and innate immune systems, paving the way for effective single-agent therapies for cancer and other life-threatening conditions. The company is supported by a team of experienced professionals and maintains strategic collaborations with leading research institutions, such as VIB in Belgium.

Xilio Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative immunotherapies to enhance the immune system's ability to combat cancer. The company specializes in tumor-selective immunotherapies, utilizing its proprietary technology to maximize the effectiveness of immuno-oncology treatments while minimizing side effects outside the tumor. Among its key products is XTX201, which aims to induce immune activity directly within tumors, demonstrating improved antitumor effects. Founded in 2015 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, Xilio Therapeutics was previously known as Akrevia Therapeutics until its rebranding in March 2020. The company is dedicated to advancing a pipeline of novel immuno-oncology molecules, including tumor-activated cytokines and antibodies, with the goal of significantly improving patient outcomes in cancer treatment.

EvolveImmune Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative immunotherapies aimed at addressing unmet needs in oncology and autoimmune diseases. The company has created an advanced immunobiological platform that combines sustained immune activation with targeted tumor cell therapy in a single agent. Through its unique approach, EvolveImmune's biotherapeutics utilize engineered extracellular vesicles to directly target tumor cells and enhance cytokine secretion at the tumor site, thereby improving tumor destruction while minimizing toxicity. The company is actively building a pipeline of novel therapeutic candidates that leverage its proprietary in vivo target discovery platform, enabling more effective treatment options for patients suffering from various diseases.

Chameleon Biosciences Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing Adeno Associated Virus (AAV) based gene therapies aimed at treating rare genetic diseases. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in San Anselmo, California, the company utilizes innovative gene delivery technology to effectively administer therapeutic proteins to targeted tissues while minimizing immune responses to both the delivery vector and the therapeutic agents. This approach enhances gene delivery efficiency, reduces the immunogenicity of treatments, and expands the potential applications for patients with genetic disorders. Chameleon Biosciences is dedicated to addressing the significant challenges posed by genetic diseases, particularly in children, and strives to provide effective treatment options that allow for multiple systemic dose administrations, ensuring that affected individuals receive personalized care as their conditions evolve.

Trefoil Therapeutics is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing innovative therapies for endothelial cell-mediated diseases, particularly those affecting the cornea. Utilizing its proprietary engineered fibroblast growth factor-1 technology platform, Trefoil aims to create first-in-class regenerative pharmacologic treatments for conditions such as Fuchs dystrophy and other serious corneal diseases that can lead to preventable blindness. The company is currently focused on a topical eye drop formulation known as TTHX1114, designed to treat ulcerative conditions on the cornea's surface, which can result in corneal scarring and significant vision loss. With a management team boasting over 100 years of combined experience in pharmaceutical development and commercialization, Trefoil strives to enhance human health through protein-engineered drug therapies. As an early-stage company, it has received recognition from the biopharmaceutical funding community for its innovative business approach.

Apellis Pharmaceuticals Inc., established in 2009, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Waltham, Massachusetts. The company specializes in developing therapeutic compounds that inhibit the complement system, focusing on autoimmune and inflammatory diseases with high unmet needs. Its lead product candidate, pegcetacoplan, is currently in Phase III trials for treating geographic atrophy in age-related macular degeneration and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, and in Phase II trials for various kidney and blood disorders. Additionally, Apellis is developing APL-9 for preventing immune system activation during adeno-associated virus administration. The company collaborates with Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB (publ) to advance pegcetacoplan for treating multiple rare diseases.

Kezar Life Sciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on the discovery and development of small molecule therapeutics aimed at addressing unmet medical needs in autoimmunity and cancer. The company's lead product candidate, KZR-616, is a selective immunoproteasome inhibitor currently undergoing Phase 2 clinical trials for five autoimmune conditions, including lupus nephritis and autoimmune hemolytic anemia, as well as Phase 1b/2 trials in systemic lupus erythematosus. In addition to KZR-616, Kezar is developing KZR-261, which targets oncology and autoimmune indications. Founded in 2015, the company leverages innovative research in protein homeostasis and has established a pipeline of potential therapies to advance treatment options for patients.

RAPT Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing orally delivered small-molecule therapies for oncology and inflammatory diseases. It uses a proprietary discovery and development engine to create highly selective compounds that modulate immune responses. The company's lead oncology candidate, FLX475, targets the C-C motif chemokine receptor 4 and is in a Phase 1/2 program as monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab. The lead inflammation candidate, RPT193, is designed to selectively inhibit migration of type 2 T helper cells into inflamed tissues. Additional targets such as general control nonderepressible 2 and hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 are in discovery. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in South San Francisco, the company aims to address unmet medical needs in cancer and inflammatory diseases.

Arcellx is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative immunotherapies, particularly in the realm of cell therapy, for patients with cancer and other serious diseases. The company aims to enhance the safety, effectiveness, and accessibility of these therapies. Arcellx's lead product candidate, CART-ddBCMA, is currently being investigated in a Phase 1 clinical trial for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. This therapy has received several designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, including Fast Track and Orphan Drug status. Additionally, Arcellx is progressing its dosable and controllable CAR-T therapy, known as ARC-SparX, through two clinical programs targeting relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia. Through these efforts, Arcellx seeks to contribute significantly to the advancement of cell therapy in modern medicine.

Amphivena Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company based in South San Francisco, California, dedicated to developing bifunctional antibody therapies for hematologic malignancies. Founded in 2012, the company focuses on eradicating blood cancers by leveraging the patient's immune system to target and destroy tumor cells and their precursors. Amphivena's proprietary ReSTORE platform creates dual-action biologics that not only relieve immune suppression but also activate T cell effector functions in cancer patients. This platform is designed with features such as avid binding, target selectivity, and enhanced safety, and can be further engineered to include solid tumor targeting capabilities. By offering differentiated cancer immunotherapies, Amphivena Therapeutics aims to provide new treatment options for patients who are underserved by existing immunotherapies.