Versant Ventures

Versant Ventures is a prominent healthcare investment firm founded in 1999 and headquartered in San Francisco, California. The firm focuses on investing in various sectors within healthcare, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and life sciences, and operates at all stages of company development. With $2.3 billion in assets under management, Versant Ventures emphasizes the discovery and development of innovative therapeutics, leveraging a team with substantial investment, operational, and scientific expertise to take a hands-on approach in building companies. The firm has a strong track record, with over 65 of its portfolio companies achieving successful acquisitions or public offerings. Versant maintains offices in Canada, the U.S., and Europe, allowing for a global investment reach.

Brian Atwood

Managing Director

Mehmet Badur

Principal

Jeremy Caldwell

Venture Partner

Harold Calvert

Co-Founder

Sam Colella

Managing Partner

Rich Van Doren

CFO

Joel Drewry

Principal

Markus Enzelberger

Venture Partner

Ross A. Jaffe

Co-Founder and Managing Director

Lawrence Klein

Partner

Katharina Kreymborg Ph.D

Principal

William Link

Investor

Barbara Lubash

Co-Founder and Managing Director

Guido Magni

Partner

Alexander Mayweg

Venture Partner

Donald Milder

Co-Founder and Managing Director

Shane Mulligan

Principal

Clare Ozawa

Managing Director

Carlo Rizzuto

Partner

Beckie Robertson

Managing Director

Nikita Sharma

Principal

Charles Warden

Co-Founder and Managing Director

Tom Woiwode

Managing Director

Rami Hannoush Ph.D

Venture Partner

Past deals in Philadelphia, PA

iECURE

Series A in 2021
iECURE is a biotechnology company focused on developing gene editing therapies aimed at treating rare and life-threatening liver disorders, particularly in children. The company employs mutation-agnostic in vivo gene insertion techniques, which allow for targeted therapeutic interventions without being limited by specific genetic mutations. Its initial programs concentrate on addressing metabolic "loss of function" disorders, which often have significant unmet medical needs. Through its innovative approach, iECURE aims to provide effective treatments for devastating diseases that currently lack viable options.

Century Therapeutics

Series C in 2021
Century Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based therapies for cancer treatment. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the company aims to create allogeneic living drugs that specifically target both hematologic and solid tumors. By utilizing iPSCs, Century Therapeutics can engineer immune effector cells through multiple rounds of cellular modification, producing master cell banks that can be expanded and differentiated for therapeutic use. Their innovative approach incorporates advanced technologies such as CRISPR-mediated gene editing and proprietary chimeric antigen receptors, along with Allo-Evasion technology, which helps prevent rejection by the host immune system. These advancements position Century Therapeutics to enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of cancer treatments.

Passage Bio

Series B in 2019
Passage Bio is a genetic medicines company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, specializing in the development of therapies for rare monogenic central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Founded in 2017, the company aims to create a portfolio of five AAV-delivered therapeutics, targeting conditions such as GM1 Gangliosidosis, Frontotemporal dementia, and Krabbe Disease. Passage Bio collaborates closely with the University of Pennsylvania, leveraging its Gene Therapy Program for preclinical work while managing clinical development, regulatory affairs, manufacturing, and commercialization of its product candidates. The company also engages with the Orphan Disease Center for natural history studies, key opinion leader involvement, and patient advocacy.

Century Therapeutics

Series A in 2019
Century Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based therapies for cancer treatment. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the company aims to create allogeneic living drugs that specifically target both hematologic and solid tumors. By utilizing iPSCs, Century Therapeutics can engineer immune effector cells through multiple rounds of cellular modification, producing master cell banks that can be expanded and differentiated for therapeutic use. Their innovative approach incorporates advanced technologies such as CRISPR-mediated gene editing and proprietary chimeric antigen receptors, along with Allo-Evasion technology, which helps prevent rejection by the host immune system. These advancements position Century Therapeutics to enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of cancer treatments.

Passage Bio

Series A in 2019
Passage Bio is a genetic medicines company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, specializing in the development of therapies for rare monogenic central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Founded in 2017, the company aims to create a portfolio of five AAV-delivered therapeutics, targeting conditions such as GM1 Gangliosidosis, Frontotemporal dementia, and Krabbe Disease. Passage Bio collaborates closely with the University of Pennsylvania, leveraging its Gene Therapy Program for preclinical work while managing clinical development, regulatory affairs, manufacturing, and commercialization of its product candidates. The company also engages with the Orphan Disease Center for natural history studies, key opinion leader involvement, and patient advocacy.
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