Takeda Ventures

Takeda Ventures, established in 2001, is the venture capital arm of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with additional offices in San Diego, California, and globally, the firm specializes in direct and fund-of-fund investments, focusing on seed to mid-stage biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Takeda Ventures invests in therapeutics, including cardiovascular, inflammatory, metabolic, and oncological diseases, as well as regenerative medicines and novel technologies like RNA and DNA modulation. It typically invests between $0.25 million to $5 million, preferring minority stakes and board observer roles, and co-invests with other venture capital firms. Additionally, Takeda Ventures facilitates preclinical therapeutic discovery alliances and invests in digital health companies that improve patient outcomes and care delivery.

Jiaping Gu

Partner

Robbie Woodman

Senior Partner

Suzie Yoon

Investment Principal

Past deals in Massachussets

Be Biopharma

Series C in 2025
Be Biopharma, Inc. is focused on developing innovative therapeutics derived from engineered B-cells to address various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. Founded in 2020 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company aims to overcome significant challenges associated with traditional cell and gene therapies, such as the limitations of dosing, unpredictable reactions in patients, and the necessity of pre-treatment chemotherapy. By leveraging precision genome editing, Be Biopharma creates durable and effective cell therapies that can be administered without toxic conditioning, thereby improving treatment options for conditions like Hemophilia B and enhancing overall patient outcomes.

Be Biopharma

Venture Round in 2024
Be Biopharma, Inc. is focused on developing innovative therapeutics derived from engineered B-cells to address various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. Founded in 2020 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company aims to overcome significant challenges associated with traditional cell and gene therapies, such as the limitations of dosing, unpredictable reactions in patients, and the necessity of pre-treatment chemotherapy. By leveraging precision genome editing, Be Biopharma creates durable and effective cell therapies that can be administered without toxic conditioning, thereby improving treatment options for conditions like Hemophilia B and enhancing overall patient outcomes.

Boston Community Pediatrics

Grant in 2023
Boston Community Pediatrics is the first nonprofit private pediatric practice bringing equity to pediatric healthcare in Boston. BCP is a new model of innovative pediatric healthcare that addresses the social determinants of health within a relationship-driven framework.

Red Sox Foundation

Grant in 2023
Red Sox Foundation is a Red Sox Nation power that improves health, educational, and recreational opportunities for kids, families, veterans, and communities in need. As part of their commitment to creating a good influence in their communities, Boston Red Sox Owner John Henry, Chairman Tom Werner, President/CEO Emeritus Larry Lucchino, and the team's partners formed and supported the Red Sox Foundation immediately after assuming ownership.

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.

Be Biopharma

Series B in 2022
Be Biopharma, Inc. is focused on developing innovative therapeutics derived from engineered B-cells to address various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. Founded in 2020 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company aims to overcome significant challenges associated with traditional cell and gene therapies, such as the limitations of dosing, unpredictable reactions in patients, and the necessity of pre-treatment chemotherapy. By leveraging precision genome editing, Be Biopharma creates durable and effective cell therapies that can be administered without toxic conditioning, thereby improving treatment options for conditions like Hemophilia B and enhancing overall patient outcomes.

Cardurion Pharmaceuticals

Venture Round in 2021
Cardurion Pharmaceuticals, LLC is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, established in 2017. The company specializes in developing innovative therapeutics aimed at treating heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases. Cardurion is advancing clinical programs that focus on inhibiting PDE9 and CaMKII, utilizing its knowledge of cardiovascular signaling pathways to meet significant patient needs in this area.

Ribon Therapeutics

Series C in 2021
Ribon Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Lexington, Massachusetts, focused on developing novel cancer therapies that target monoPARP proteins, which are essential regulators of cancer survival mechanisms. Established in 2015, Ribon is leveraging insights from its scientific founders and an experienced management team to create a proprietary drug discovery platform aimed at understanding the molecular actions and biological functions of monoPARPs. This platform enables the development of small molecule inhibitors designed to disrupt cancer cells' abilities to withstand stress, potentially leading to innovative treatments for cancer and other diseases. The company is supported by notable life science investors, positioning it for growth in the biopharmaceutical sector.

Xilio Therapeutics

Series C in 2021
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 that leverage its proprietary technology to maximize the effectiveness of existing immuno-oncology treatments while minimizing side effects outside the tumor. Its lead product, XTX201, is designed to induce immune activity specifically within tumors, demonstrating improved antitumor efficacy. Xilio Therapeutics aims to deliver significant improvements in patient outcomes by utilizing its platform to create a pipeline of novel therapies, including tumor-activated cytokines, antibodies, and immune cell engagers, all targeted to optimize therapeutic effects within the tumor microenvironment. Founded in 2015 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company was previously known as Akrevia Therapeutics before rebranding in March 2020.

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.

Be Biopharma

Series A in 2020
Be Biopharma, Inc. is focused on developing innovative therapeutics derived from engineered B-cells to address various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. Founded in 2020 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company aims to overcome significant challenges associated with traditional cell and gene therapies, such as the limitations of dosing, unpredictable reactions in patients, and the necessity of pre-treatment chemotherapy. By leveraging precision genome editing, Be Biopharma creates durable and effective cell therapies that can be administered without toxic conditioning, thereby improving treatment options for conditions like Hemophilia B and enhancing overall patient outcomes.

Palleon Pharmaceuticals

Series B in 2020
Palleon Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company that develops therapeutics targeting glycan-mediated immune regulation for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases. Founded in 2015 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company specializes in creating glycoimmune checkpoint inhibitors, a novel class of drugs designed to enhance immune response against cancer. By integrating insights from global leaders in glycoscience and human immunology, Palleon aims to provide a broader array of combination therapies that not only address cancer but also combat resistance to traditional immuno-oncology treatments. Additionally, the company develops therapies for inflammatory diseases, including autoimmunity and fibrosis.

Enterome

Series E in 2020
Enterome SA is a biopharmaceutical company based in Paris, France, with an additional office in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 2008, the company specializes in developing innovative disease management solutions that leverage the understanding of the gut microbiome. Enterome focuses on creating biomarkers, companion diagnostics, and therapeutics targeted at microbiome-related diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases and metabolic disorders. The company’s OncoMimic technology addresses cancer by mimicking tumor-associated antigens, thereby inducing a strong immune response against solid tumors. Enterome's drug candidates are designed to modulate the immune system and are currently advancing through clinical trials, with several programs in Phase 2 targeting challenging cancers such as glioblastoma, adrenal malignancies, and colorectal cancer. The company has formed a strategic collaboration with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company to enhance its research and development efforts.

Amwell

Series C in 2020
Amwell is a telehealth platform based in the United States that facilitates the digital delivery of healthcare services. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Boston, the company connects providers, insurers, patients, and innovators to enhance access to affordable, high-quality care. Amwell offers a comprehensive platform designed to address a wide range of telehealth needs, including urgent, acute, and post-acute care, as well as chronic care management and healthy living. With extensive experience in the field, Amwell supports over 240 health systems, which encompass 2,000 hospitals, and collaborates with 55 health plan partners, reaching more than 150 million individuals through over 36,000 employers. The platform provides both on-demand and scheduled consultations, enabling diverse care models that range from primary and urgent care to specialized services such as telestroke and telepsychiatry.

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.

Xilio Therapeutics

Series B in 2020
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 that leverage its proprietary technology to maximize the effectiveness of existing immuno-oncology treatments while minimizing side effects outside the tumor. Its lead product, XTX201, is designed to induce immune activity specifically within tumors, demonstrating improved antitumor efficacy. Xilio Therapeutics aims to deliver significant improvements in patient outcomes by utilizing its platform to create a pipeline of novel therapies, including tumor-activated cytokines, antibodies, and immune cell engagers, all targeted to optimize therapeutic effects within the tumor microenvironment. Founded in 2015 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company was previously known as Akrevia Therapeutics before rebranding in March 2020.

BiomX

Series B in 2019
BiomX Inc. is a clinical-stage company based in Ness Ziona, Israel, focused on developing bacteriophage-based therapies aimed at treating and preventing diseases linked to microbiome imbalances. The company’s innovative approach targets harmful bacteria associated with various conditions, including skin issues and chronic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Its lead product candidates include BX001, aimed at improving skin appearance, and BX002, a therapeutic phage for inflammatory bowel disease. Additional candidates such as BX003 and BX004 target bacteria associated with liver disorders and chronic pulmonary infections, respectively. BiomX collaborates with esteemed institutions, including the Weizmann Institute of Science and MIT, to leverage cutting-edge research in microbiome modulation. Founded in 2015, BiomX is dedicated to advancing microbiome therapeutics through its robust development pipeline.

Ribon Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
Ribon Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Lexington, Massachusetts, focused on developing novel cancer therapies that target monoPARP proteins, which are essential regulators of cancer survival mechanisms. Established in 2015, Ribon is leveraging insights from its scientific founders and an experienced management team to create a proprietary drug discovery platform aimed at understanding the molecular actions and biological functions of monoPARPs. This platform enables the development of small molecule inhibitors designed to disrupt cancer cells' abilities to withstand stress, potentially leading to innovative treatments for cancer and other diseases. The company is supported by notable life science investors, positioning it for growth in the biopharmaceutical sector.

Cerevance

Venture Round in 2018
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.

Portal Instruments

Venture Round in 2017
Portal Instruments, Inc. is a clinical-stage medical device company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in needle-free drug delivery systems. Founded in 2012, the company designs and manufactures jet injectors that administer medications through the skin using a narrow stream, allowing for precise delivery at specific depths and volumes. This innovative technology aims to enhance the patient experience by providing a painless, silent, and safe alternative to traditional needles and syringes. Portal Instruments' platform is compatible with a wide range of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and is designed to accommodate various medical, animal, agricultural, and cosmetic applications. The company's goal is to become the standard for modern drug delivery, transforming how medications are administered to patients with chronic diseases.

Palleon Pharmaceuticals

Series A in 2017
Palleon Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company that develops therapeutics targeting glycan-mediated immune regulation for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases. Founded in 2015 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company specializes in creating glycoimmune checkpoint inhibitors, a novel class of drugs designed to enhance immune response against cancer. By integrating insights from global leaders in glycoscience and human immunology, Palleon aims to provide a broader array of combination therapies that not only address cancer but also combat resistance to traditional immuno-oncology treatments. Additionally, the company develops therapies for inflammatory diseases, including autoimmunity and fibrosis.

BiomX

Series A in 2017
BiomX Inc. is a clinical-stage company based in Ness Ziona, Israel, focused on developing bacteriophage-based therapies aimed at treating and preventing diseases linked to microbiome imbalances. The company’s innovative approach targets harmful bacteria associated with various conditions, including skin issues and chronic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Its lead product candidates include BX001, aimed at improving skin appearance, and BX002, a therapeutic phage for inflammatory bowel disease. Additional candidates such as BX003 and BX004 target bacteria associated with liver disorders and chronic pulmonary infections, respectively. BiomX collaborates with esteemed institutions, including the Weizmann Institute of Science and MIT, to leverage cutting-edge research in microbiome modulation. Founded in 2015, BiomX is dedicated to advancing microbiome therapeutics through its robust development pipeline.

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.

Ariad Pharmaceuticals

Acquisition in 2017
Ariad Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative cancer therapies. The company’s flagship product, Iclusig (ponatinib), is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of adult patients with chronic myeloid leukemia and Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia in multiple regions, including the United States and Europe. Additionally, Ariad is developing Brigatinib, an investigational treatment targeting anaplastic lymphoma kinase for non-small cell lung cancer, as well as AP32788, aimed at treating non-small cell lung cancer and other solid tumors. The company markets Iclusig through specialty pharmacies in the U.S. Established in 1991, Ariad Pharmaceuticals operates as a subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc., and remains committed to advancing therapies that transform the lives of cancer patients.

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.

Mersana Therapeutics

Series C in 2016
Mersana Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in the development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for cancer treatment. The company utilizes its proprietary biodegradable polymer platform, Dolaflexin, to create a pipeline of ADC product candidates aimed at addressing oncology indications with significant unmet needs. Its lead candidate, XMT-1536, is currently in Phase I clinical trials targeting NaPi2b for the treatment of ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and other rare conditions. Mersana is also advancing additional candidates, including XMT-1660, targeting B7-H4, and XMT-2056, a STING agonist ADC, both designed to improve tolerability and therapeutic outcomes. The company has established strategic partnerships with Merck KGaA and Asana BioSciences to further develop its ADC candidates. Founded in 2005, Mersana Therapeutics aims to deliver innovative treatments to patients through its advanced research and development efforts.

Aquinnah Pharmaceuticals

Venture Round in 2015
Aquinnah Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a pharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, established in 2014. The company specializes in developing therapies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Aquinnah's research focuses on modulating neurodegenerative stress granules, which are thought to play a significant role in the pathology of ALS. Through its innovative approach, Aquinnah aims to address critical unmet medical needs in the treatment of these debilitating conditions.

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals

Post in 2011
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the discovery, development, and commercialization of RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics. The company focuses on addressing rare genetic diseases, cardio-metabolic conditions, hepatic infectious diseases, and central nervous system/ocular disorders. Its marketed products include ONPATTRO, a treatment for hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis, and GIVLAARI, which targets acute hepatic porphyria. Alnylam’s pipeline includes investigational therapies such as givosiran for acute hepatic porphyria, lumasiran for primary hyperoxaluria type 1, and vutrisiran for transthyretin amyloidosis. The company has established strategic alliances with notable partners like Sanofi Genzyme and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, and it collaborates with Vir Biotechnology on RNAi therapeutics for coronavirus infections. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals is at the forefront of transforming RNAi science into innovative medicines to improve patient outcomes.

Millennium Pharmaceuticals

Acquisition in 2008
Millennium Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company that engages in the research, development, and commercialization of medicines for the treatment of cancer in the United States and internationally. It develops and markets VELCADE for injection, a cancer therapy for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma and relapsed mantle cell lymphoma. The company was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts with facilities in San Diego, San Francisco, Tsukuba, and Osaka. As of May 13, 2008, Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.
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