Versant Ventures

Founded in 1999, Versant Ventures is a global healthcare investment firm dedicated to supporting exceptional entrepreneurs building innovative companies. With over $2 billion under management and offices across North America and Europe, the firm invests across all stages of healthcare company development, with a focus on novel therapeutics. Versant's team, with deep investment, operating, and scientific expertise, takes a hands-on approach to company building.

Brian Atwood

Managing Director

Mehmet Badur

Principal

Brad Bolzon

Managing Partner

Jeremy Caldwell

Venture Partner

Samuel Colella

Co-Founder and Managing Director

Jerel Davis

Managing Director

Joel Drewry

Principal

Peter Emtage Ph.D

Venture Partner

Markus Enzelberger

Partner

Gianni Gromo

Partner

Rami Hannoush Ph.D

Venture Partner

Lawrence Klein Ph.D

Partner

Katharina Kreymborg Ph.D

Principal

Bill Link

Investor

Guido Magni

Managing Director

Alexander Mayweg

Managing Director

Donald Milder

Co-Founder and Managing Director

Shane Mulligan

Principal

Kirk Nielsen

Managing Partner

Clare Ozawa

Managing Director

Carlo Rizzuto

Partner

Beckie Robertson

Managing Director

Nikita Sharma

Principal

Rich Van Doren

CFO

Charles Warden

Managing Director

Markus Warmuth

Venture Partner

Tom Woiwode

Managing Director

Past deals in Life Science

Granite Bio

Series A in 2025
Granite Bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing novel monoclonal antibody therapies targeting inflammatory, autoimmune, and fibrotic disorders.

Light Horse Therapeutics

Series A in 2025
Light Horse Therapeutics is a biotechnology company specializing in the application of gene editing to small-molecule drug discovery. It develops innovative methods to target the root causes of severe and life-threatening diseases, with an initial focus on challenging oncology targets. The company's advanced platform identifies critical functional domains within disease-related proteins, enabling the development of more effective therapies.

Borealis Biosciences

Series A in 2024
Borealis Biosciences is a biotechnology company focused on developing next-generation RNA-based therapies for kidney diseases. It specializes in molecular and cellular biology, vivarium space, chemistry, and analytical capabilities to enhance the delivery of RNA medicines to specific cell types.

LENZ Therapeutics

Post in 2024
LENZ Therapeutics is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on ophthalmic therapies to improve vision. Its lead program is an aceclidine-based eye drop intended to restore near vision lost to presbyopia, a condition affecting adults over 45. The company concentrates on developing and commercializing treatments to address presbyopia and related ophthalmic indications, aiming to provide practical solutions for near-vision impairment.

Enterprise Therapeutics

Series B in 2024
Enterprise Therapeutics is a United Kingdom-based drug discovery company founded in 2014 and based in Brighton. It develops novel disease-modifying therapies for respiratory diseases, including cystic fibrosis, asthma, and COPD, with a focus on addressing the underlying mechanisms of mucus congestion to improve breathing, reduce lung infections, and enhance patient quality of life.

Gate Bioscience

Series A in 2023
Gate Bioscience is a biotechnology company focused on developing small molecule drugs aimed at treating challenging diseases by selectively eliminating harmful extracellular proteins at their source within cells. The company utilizes a unique library of molecular gates along with specialized secretion-focused assays and technologies, leveraging its deep understanding of the biology of the secretory pathway. This approach facilitates precise, rapid, and repeatable drug discovery, allowing for the potential to address a diverse array of diseases using a single therapeutic mechanism.

Tentarix Biotherapeutics

Series B in 2023
Tentarix Biotherapeutics is a company focused on developing innovative protein therapeutics that address critical limitations in the treatment of cancer, autoimmune diseases, and other conditions. Utilizing a protein engineering platform, Tentarix specializes in creating multispecific binding molecules that combine unique bioactivities derived from fully human antibody variable domains. By leveraging synthetic biology, the company aims to provide clinicians with new therapeutic options that offer enhanced specificity and activity, thereby improving patient outcomes in various disease contexts.

Nexo Therapeutics

Series A in 2023
Nexo Therapeutics is a small molecule oncology company focused on discovering and developing innovative drugs for cancer patients who have limited therapeutic options. The company utilizes a unique platform that integrates covalent ligand discovery and chemical biology, allowing it to advance small-molecule therapies aimed at challenging and previously intractable cancer targets. By unlocking a pipeline of novel oncology treatments, Nexo Therapeutics seeks to provide medical professionals with new and effective options to improve patient outcomes in the fight against cancer.

Santa Ana Bio

Series A in 2023
Santa Ana Bio is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of precision immunology therapies for autoimmune diseases. It employs advanced multi-omics platforms and antibody engineering techniques to design targeted biologics, aiming to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Belharra Therapeutics

Series A in 2023
Belharra Therapeutics is a privately held drug discovery company that uses a chemoproteomics platform to identify small molecule drug candidates for binding sites across proteins, in various conformations and native cellular contexts, enabling discovery of targets previously deemed undruggable. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area with its primary lab in San Diego, the company focuses on expanding the druggable proteome by revealing novel binding sites and facilitating therapeutic development.

Launchpad Therapeutics

Series A in 2022
Launchpad Therapeutics is an antibody-focused precision oncology company.

iECURE

Series A in 2022
iECURE is a gene editing company developing mutation-agnostic in vivo gene insertion therapies to treat rare, life-threatening liver disorders in children. Its approach seeks long-term, potentially curative treatment for metabolic liver diseases caused by loss-of-function mutations, with initial programs targeting ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, citrullinemia type 1, and phenylketonuria.

Jnana Therapeutics

Series C in 2022
Jnana Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2016. It specializes in drug discovery, particularly focusing on solute carrier (SLC) transporters, which are vital for understanding various disease pathways. The company’s efforts are directed towards immunometabolism, lysosomal function, and mucosal defense, with applications in immuno-oncology, inflammatory disorders, and neurological diseases. Utilizing its proprietary RAPID platform, Jnana accelerates the identification of therapeutic targets and the development of small molecule therapies. By leveraging advanced chemoproteomics techniques, the company aims to enhance the efficiency of drug discovery and address significant unmet medical needs in patient care.

Ventus Therapeutics

Series C in 2022
Ventus Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing innovative small molecule medicines that target the innate immune system. The company employs a structural immunology platform that provides deep insights into molecular structures and mechanisms, enabling precise targeting of the innate immune system. Ventus combines advanced protein engineering capabilities with cutting-edge rational and structure-based drug design tools to create therapeutics aimed at treating autoimmune diseases, inflammatory conditions, and cancer. The company is actively building a diverse pipeline of drug programs that address significant targets within the innate immune system, with the goal of advancing treatments for both acute and chronic inflammatory and immune-related diseases.

Nested Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2022
Nested Therapeutics is a stealth biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 2021. The company specializes in the development of precision oncology therapies aimed at targeting specific cancer genes. By identifying new driver mutations, Nested Therapeutics employs a platform that integrates insights from genomics, computational chemistry, proteomics, and artificial intelligence to discover novel small-molecule drugs. This innovative approach enables healthcare professionals to administer more effective precision medications, ultimately improving treatment outcomes for cancer patients.

SanReno Therapeutics

Funding Round in 2021
SanReno Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that specializes in the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of therapies for kidney diseases and related conditions. Operating primarily in the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and Singapore, the company is dedicated to advancing research and development in this therapeutic area. Formed as a joint venture between Chinook Therapeutics, Frazier Healthcare Partners, and Pivotal bioVenture Partners China, SanReno Therapeutics aims to create innovative solutions that enhance the quality of life for patients suffering from kidney-related ailments.

Tentarix Biotherapeutics

Series A in 2021
Tentarix Biotherapeutics is a company focused on developing innovative protein therapeutics that address critical limitations in the treatment of cancer, autoimmune diseases, and other conditions. Utilizing a protein engineering platform, Tentarix specializes in creating multispecific binding molecules that combine unique bioactivities derived from fully human antibody variable domains. By leveraging synthetic biology, the company aims to provide clinicians with new therapeutic options that offer enhanced specificity and activity, thereby improving patient outcomes in various disease contexts.

Lycia Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
Lycia Therapeutics operates as a biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing first-in-class therapeutics using its proprietary Lysosomal Targeting Chimeras (LYTACs) platform. This platform enables the degradation of extracellular and membrane-bound proteins associated with challenging-to-treat diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders, aiming to provide effective treatments for patients.

iECURE

Series A in 2021
iECURE is a gene editing company developing mutation-agnostic in vivo gene insertion therapies to treat rare, life-threatening liver disorders in children. Its approach seeks long-term, potentially curative treatment for metabolic liver diseases caused by loss-of-function mutations, with initial programs targeting ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, citrullinemia type 1, and phenylketonuria.

Jnana Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
Jnana Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2016. It specializes in drug discovery, particularly focusing on solute carrier (SLC) transporters, which are vital for understanding various disease pathways. The company’s efforts are directed towards immunometabolism, lysosomal function, and mucosal defense, with applications in immuno-oncology, inflammatory disorders, and neurological diseases. Utilizing its proprietary RAPID platform, Jnana accelerates the identification of therapeutic targets and the development of small molecule therapies. By leveraging advanced chemoproteomics techniques, the company aims to enhance the efficiency of drug discovery and address significant unmet medical needs in patient care.

T-knife

Series B in 2021
T-knife is a biotechnology company focused on developing T cell receptor therapies aimed at treating cancer. Utilizing a humanized T cell receptor (TCR) mice platform, the company is capable of carrying human TCRαβ gene loci and recombining a diverse array of human TCRs. This innovative approach facilitates the efficient generation and virtual selection of T cell receptors tailored for specific human tumor antigens, enhancing the potential for effective cancer therapies. Through its advanced technology, T-knife aims to improve treatment options for patients battling cancer.

LENZ Therapeutics

Series A in 2021
LENZ Therapeutics is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on ophthalmic therapies to improve vision. Its lead program is an aceclidine-based eye drop intended to restore near vision lost to presbyopia, a condition affecting adults over 45. The company concentrates on developing and commercializing treatments to address presbyopia and related ophthalmic indications, aiming to provide practical solutions for near-vision impairment.

RayzeBio

Series C in 2021
RayzeBio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2020. The company specializes in developing tumor-targeted small molecule medicines that leverage radioisotopes to improve cancer treatment outcomes. RayzeBio focuses on creating innovative radiopharmaceuticals, particularly utilizing alpha-emitting radioisotopes like Actinium-225, to target solid tumors effectively. With a robust pipeline of drug candidates, RayzeBio is committed to addressing significant market opportunities in oncology through late-stage clinical programs, development initiatives, and discovery efforts. The company's mission is to provide effective therapeutic solutions aimed at defeating cancer.

Ventus Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
Ventus Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing innovative small molecule medicines that target the innate immune system. The company employs a structural immunology platform that provides deep insights into molecular structures and mechanisms, enabling precise targeting of the innate immune system. Ventus combines advanced protein engineering capabilities with cutting-edge rational and structure-based drug design tools to create therapeutics aimed at treating autoimmune diseases, inflammatory conditions, and cancer. The company is actively building a diverse pipeline of drug programs that address significant targets within the innate immune system, with the goal of advancing treatments for both acute and chronic inflammatory and immune-related diseases.

Graphite Bio

Series B in 2021
Graphite Bio is a clinical-stage gene editing company focused on targeted DNA integration to treat serious diseases. Its platform aims to precisely insert, repair, or replace genetic sequences by integrating therapeutic cargoes at predefined genomic locations, enabling correction of mutations or replacement of disease-causing genes while preserving normal regulatory control. Based in South San Francisco, the company pursues high-efficiency precision gene editing to address underlying causes of disease.

Monte Rosa Therapeutics

Series C in 2021
Monte Rosa Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on cancer therapeutics that target protein degradation pathways. It specializes in developing molecular glue degraders, a class of small molecules that direct disease-relevant proteins to degradation by the cell's natural machinery. The company uses its QuEEN platform, incorporating artificial intelligence and proprietary experimental tools, to identify target proteins for degradation by molecular glue degraders. It maintains a diverse library of more than 50,000 molecules and advancing its pipeline, including MRT-2359, a candidate that targets the translation termination factor GSPT1 for potential use in MYC-driven tumors.

Century Therapeutics

Series C in 2021
Century Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing allogeneic cell therapies derived from induced pluripotent stem cells to treat cancer and related diseases. Its platform enables engineering of iPSCs into NK and T cells with master cell banks of modified cells that can be expanded and differentiated into standardized, off-the-shelf therapies. The company combines CRISPR-mediated gene editing, proprietary chimeric antigen receptors, Allo-Evasion technology, and manufacturing capabilities to enable scalable production of homogeneous cell products for hematologic and solid tumors. While focused on oncology, its platform also targets autoimmune and inflammatory diseases with the goal of improving cell therapy performance and reducing host immune rejection.

Pipeline Therapeutics

Series C in 2021
Pipeline Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, specializing in the development and commercialization of small molecules aimed at neuroregeneration. Founded in 2017, the company focuses on promoting functional recovery for various neurological disorders. Its lead product candidate, PIPE-505, is a small molecule gamma secretase inhibitor designed to treat mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss associated with cochlear synaptopathy. Additionally, Pipeline Therapeutics has a portfolio of earlier-stage programs, including PIPE-307, which targets remyelination and axonal repair to address conditions like multiple sclerosis. By harnessing the natural repair processes of different nervous system cell types, the company seeks to provide innovative treatments that repair damage within the nervous system.

Gritstone bio

Post in 2020
Gritstone bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing immunotherapies for cancer and infectious diseases. The company initially concentrated on tumor-specific neoantigens but has expanded its programs to include viral antigens found on the surface of infected cells. Gritstone bio's approach leverages the body's natural immune system recognition of targets on abnormal cells, which is applicable to both anti-tumor and anti-viral immunity. Their pipeline includes several product candidates for treating solid tumors, such as GRANITE, SLATE, and CORAL. The company operates in a field that has seen significant advancements with the development and commercialization of immunotherapy drugs like checkpoint inhibitors, transforming cancer treatment.

RayzeBio

Series B in 2020
RayzeBio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2020. The company specializes in developing tumor-targeted small molecule medicines that leverage radioisotopes to improve cancer treatment outcomes. RayzeBio focuses on creating innovative radiopharmaceuticals, particularly utilizing alpha-emitting radioisotopes like Actinium-225, to target solid tumors effectively. With a robust pipeline of drug candidates, RayzeBio is committed to addressing significant market opportunities in oncology through late-stage clinical programs, development initiatives, and discovery efforts. The company's mission is to provide effective therapeutic solutions aimed at defeating cancer.

RayzeBio

Series A in 2020
RayzeBio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2020. The company specializes in developing tumor-targeted small molecule medicines that leverage radioisotopes to improve cancer treatment outcomes. RayzeBio focuses on creating innovative radiopharmaceuticals, particularly utilizing alpha-emitting radioisotopes like Actinium-225, to target solid tumors effectively. With a robust pipeline of drug candidates, RayzeBio is committed to addressing significant market opportunities in oncology through late-stage clinical programs, development initiatives, and discovery efforts. The company's mission is to provide effective therapeutic solutions aimed at defeating cancer.

Monte Rosa Therapeutics

Series B in 2020
Monte Rosa Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on cancer therapeutics that target protein degradation pathways. It specializes in developing molecular glue degraders, a class of small molecules that direct disease-relevant proteins to degradation by the cell's natural machinery. The company uses its QuEEN platform, incorporating artificial intelligence and proprietary experimental tools, to identify target proteins for degradation by molecular glue degraders. It maintains a diverse library of more than 50,000 molecules and advancing its pipeline, including MRT-2359, a candidate that targets the translation termination factor GSPT1 for potential use in MYC-driven tumors.

Lava Therapeutics

Series C in 2020
Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Utrecht, the Netherlands, Lava Therapeutics is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of proprietary Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell engagers for immune oncology. Its platform focuses on creating bispecific antibodies to engage gamma-delta T cells for treating hematological and solid cancers.

Graphite Bio

Series A in 2020
Graphite Bio is a clinical-stage gene editing company focused on targeted DNA integration to treat serious diseases. Its platform aims to precisely insert, repair, or replace genetic sequences by integrating therapeutic cargoes at predefined genomic locations, enabling correction of mutations or replacement of disease-causing genes while preserving normal regulatory control. Based in South San Francisco, the company pursues high-efficiency precision gene editing to address underlying causes of disease.

T-knife

Series A in 2020
T-knife is a biotechnology company focused on developing T cell receptor therapies aimed at treating cancer. Utilizing a humanized T cell receptor (TCR) mice platform, the company is capable of carrying human TCRαβ gene loci and recombining a diverse array of human TCRs. This innovative approach facilitates the efficient generation and virtual selection of T cell receptors tailored for specific human tumor antigens, enhancing the potential for effective cancer therapies. Through its advanced technology, T-knife aims to improve treatment options for patients battling cancer.

Monte Rosa Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Monte Rosa Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on cancer therapeutics that target protein degradation pathways. It specializes in developing molecular glue degraders, a class of small molecules that direct disease-relevant proteins to degradation by the cell's natural machinery. The company uses its QuEEN platform, incorporating artificial intelligence and proprietary experimental tools, to identify target proteins for degradation by molecular glue degraders. It maintains a diverse library of more than 50,000 molecules and advancing its pipeline, including MRT-2359, a candidate that targets the translation termination factor GSPT1 for potential use in MYC-driven tumors.

Ventus Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Ventus Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing innovative small molecule medicines that target the innate immune system. The company employs a structural immunology platform that provides deep insights into molecular structures and mechanisms, enabling precise targeting of the innate immune system. Ventus combines advanced protein engineering capabilities with cutting-edge rational and structure-based drug design tools to create therapeutics aimed at treating autoimmune diseases, inflammatory conditions, and cancer. The company is actively building a diverse pipeline of drug programs that address significant targets within the innate immune system, with the goal of advancing treatments for both acute and chronic inflammatory and immune-related diseases.

Pandion Therapeutics

Series B in 2020
Pandion Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Watertown, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative therapeutics for patients with autoimmune diseases. The company’s lead product candidate, PT101, is an engineered interleukin-2 variant currently undergoing Phase 1a clinical trials for various autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, including moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis and systemic lupus erythematosus. In addition to PT101, Pandion's pipeline includes PT627, a systemic PD-1 agonist in preclinical studies, and two bifunctional molecules, PT001 and PT002, designed to provide tissue-selective immunomodulation by targeting specific adhesion molecules in the gastrointestinal tract. Pandion employs a network-based approach to immune system conceptualization through its TALON drug design platform and collaborates with Astellas Pharma to develop locally acting immunomodulators for pancreatic autoimmune diseases. The company aims to create a new generation of therapeutics that offer enhanced efficacy and safety for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Lycia Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2020
Lycia Therapeutics operates as a biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing first-in-class therapeutics using its proprietary Lysosomal Targeting Chimeras (LYTACs) platform. This platform enables the degradation of extracellular and membrane-bound proteins associated with challenging-to-treat diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders, aiming to provide effective treatments for patients.

Pipeline Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
Pipeline Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, specializing in the development and commercialization of small molecules aimed at neuroregeneration. Founded in 2017, the company focuses on promoting functional recovery for various neurological disorders. Its lead product candidate, PIPE-505, is a small molecule gamma secretase inhibitor designed to treat mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss associated with cochlear synaptopathy. Additionally, Pipeline Therapeutics has a portfolio of earlier-stage programs, including PIPE-307, which targets remyelination and axonal repair to address conditions like multiple sclerosis. By harnessing the natural repair processes of different nervous system cell types, the company seeks to provide innovative treatments that repair damage within the nervous system.

Anokion

Series B in 2019
Anokion is a biotechnology company focused on antigen-specific immune tolerance to reduce immunogenicity of therapeutic proteins and treat autoimmune and allergic diseases. A spin-off from EPFL, it uses a platform technology that can be applied to many proteins across multiple clinical indications, including autoimmune conditions such as celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes. The company is based in Ecublens, Switzerland.

Repare Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
Repare Therapeutics is a precision oncology company that discovers and develops novel therapeutics using its synthetic lethality approach. It employs its proprietary SNIPRx platform to systematically identify and target genomic instability, particularly DNA damage repair pathways in cancer cells. The company's lead product candidate, RP-3500, is an oral small molecule inhibitor for treating solid tumors with specific DNA damage repair-related alterations.

Passage Bio

Series B in 2019
Passage Bio is a gene therapy company dedicated to developing transformative treatments for rare, monogenic central nervous system disorders. It has an integrated pipeline of five AAV-delivered therapeutics and collaborates with the University of Pennsylvania's Gene Therapy Program for preclinical work.

Century Therapeutics

Series A in 2019
Century Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing allogeneic cell therapies derived from induced pluripotent stem cells to treat cancer and related diseases. Its platform enables engineering of iPSCs into NK and T cells with master cell banks of modified cells that can be expanded and differentiated into standardized, off-the-shelf therapies. The company combines CRISPR-mediated gene editing, proprietary chimeric antigen receptors, Allo-Evasion technology, and manufacturing capabilities to enable scalable production of homogeneous cell products for hematologic and solid tumors. While focused on oncology, its platform also targets autoimmune and inflammatory diseases with the goal of improving cell therapy performance and reducing host immune rejection.

Oyster Point

Series B in 2019
Oyster Point Pharma, Inc., established in 2015 and headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative therapies for ocular surface diseases. Its lead product candidate, OC-01, is a nasal spray formulated as a highly selective nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonist, currently in Phase III trials for treating the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease, a chronic condition affecting over 30 million Americans. OC-01's novel mechanism of action stimulates tear production by activating the trigeminal parasympathetic pathway, re-establishing tear film homeostasis.

Passage Bio

Series A in 2019
Passage Bio is a gene therapy company dedicated to developing transformative treatments for rare, monogenic central nervous system disorders. It has an integrated pipeline of five AAV-delivered therapeutics and collaborates with the University of Pennsylvania's Gene Therapy Program for preclinical work.

Akero Therapeutics

Series B in 2018
Akero Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for serious metabolic diseases, with a primary emphasis on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Its lead program is a long-acting fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) analog designed to restore metabolic balance and address liver fat, inflammation, and fibrosis. The company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in South San Francisco, California.

Aprea

Series C in 2018
Aprea Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts, that specializes in developing cancer therapeutics aimed at reactivating the mutant p53 tumor suppressor protein. Its primary product candidate, APR-246, is a small molecule p53 reactivator currently undergoing late-stage clinical development for hematologic malignancies, particularly myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia. Founded in 2006, Aprea is focused on advancing innovative treatments that target critical mechanisms in cancer biology to improve patient outcomes.

Gotham Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Gotham Therapeutics Corp. is a biotechnology company based in New York, founded in 2017, that focuses on developing innovative treatments for patients with cancers, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. The company specializes in a novel class of drugs that target the machinery of epitranscriptomics, which involves altering the activity of proteins that modify messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA). By utilizing small molecules that inhibit the transcription of proteins through modifications to mRNA, Gotham Therapeutics aims to enhance treatment options and improve outcomes for individuals affected by serious health conditions.

Akero Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Akero Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for serious metabolic diseases, with a primary emphasis on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Its lead program is a long-acting fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) analog designed to restore metabolic balance and address liver fat, inflammation, and fibrosis. The company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in South San Francisco, California.

Lava Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Utrecht, the Netherlands, Lava Therapeutics is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of proprietary Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell engagers for immune oncology. Its platform focuses on creating bispecific antibodies to engage gamma-delta T cells for treating hematological and solid cancers.

Enterprise Therapeutics

Series B in 2018
Enterprise Therapeutics is a United Kingdom-based drug discovery company founded in 2014 and based in Brighton. It develops novel disease-modifying therapies for respiratory diseases, including cystic fibrosis, asthma, and COPD, with a focus on addressing the underlying mechanisms of mucus congestion to improve breathing, reduce lung infections, and enhance patient quality of life.

Pandion Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Pandion Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Watertown, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative therapeutics for patients with autoimmune diseases. The company’s lead product candidate, PT101, is an engineered interleukin-2 variant currently undergoing Phase 1a clinical trials for various autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, including moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis and systemic lupus erythematosus. In addition to PT101, Pandion's pipeline includes PT627, a systemic PD-1 agonist in preclinical studies, and two bifunctional molecules, PT001 and PT002, designed to provide tissue-selective immunomodulation by targeting specific adhesion molecules in the gastrointestinal tract. Pandion employs a network-based approach to immune system conceptualization through its TALON drug design platform and collaborates with Astellas Pharma to develop locally acting immunomodulators for pancreatic autoimmune diseases. The company aims to create a new generation of therapeutics that offer enhanced efficacy and safety for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Respicardia

Venture Round in 2017
Respicardia, Inc. is a medical technology company based in Minnetonka, Minnesota, focused on enhancing respiratory rhythm management and cardiovascular health for heart failure patients. Founded in 2006, the company develops and manufactures innovative implantable stimulation therapy solutions, notably the remede System. This device is designed to restore normal breathing patterns during sleep for individuals suffering from central sleep apnea. Respicardia aims to improve the lives of these patients through safe and effective neurostimulation therapies that stimulate the phrenic nerve, thereby addressing critical needs in respiratory and cardiovascular health.

Jnana Therapeutics

Series A in 2017
Jnana Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2016. It specializes in drug discovery, particularly focusing on solute carrier (SLC) transporters, which are vital for understanding various disease pathways. The company’s efforts are directed towards immunometabolism, lysosomal function, and mucosal defense, with applications in immuno-oncology, inflammatory disorders, and neurological diseases. Utilizing its proprietary RAPID platform, Jnana accelerates the identification of therapeutic targets and the development of small molecule therapies. By leveraging advanced chemoproteomics techniques, the company aims to enhance the efficiency of drug discovery and address significant unmet medical needs in patient care.

Oyster Point

Series A in 2017
Oyster Point Pharma, Inc., established in 2015 and headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative therapies for ocular surface diseases. Its lead product candidate, OC-01, is a nasal spray formulated as a highly selective nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonist, currently in Phase III trials for treating the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease, a chronic condition affecting over 30 million Americans. OC-01's novel mechanism of action stimulates tear production by activating the trigeminal parasympathetic pathway, re-establishing tear film homeostasis.

Gritstone bio

Series B in 2017
Gritstone bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing immunotherapies for cancer and infectious diseases. The company initially concentrated on tumor-specific neoantigens but has expanded its programs to include viral antigens found on the surface of infected cells. Gritstone bio's approach leverages the body's natural immune system recognition of targets on abnormal cells, which is applicable to both anti-tumor and anti-viral immunity. Their pipeline includes several product candidates for treating solid tumors, such as GRANITE, SLATE, and CORAL. The company operates in a field that has seen significant advancements with the development and commercialization of immunotherapy drugs like checkpoint inhibitors, transforming cancer treatment.

Repare Therapeutics

Series A in 2017
Repare Therapeutics is a precision oncology company that discovers and develops novel therapeutics using its synthetic lethality approach. It employs its proprietary SNIPRx platform to systematically identify and target genomic instability, particularly DNA damage repair pathways in cancer cells. The company's lead product candidate, RP-3500, is an oral small molecule inhibitor for treating solid tumors with specific DNA damage repair-related alterations.

Tarveda Therapeutics

Series D in 2017
Tarveda Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cancer therapies aimed at addressing the complexities of treating solid tumors. Founded in 2011 and based in Watertown, Massachusetts, the company specializes in miniature drug conjugates. Its lead candidate, PEN-866, utilizes a platform that targets the activated form of Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90) in tumors, delivering a potent topoisomerase 1 inhibitor payload, SN38. Additionally, Tarveda is evaluating another miniature drug conjugate designed for patients with somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) expressing neuroendocrine tumors, small cell lung cancer, and other solid tumors. Through its targeted approach, Tarveda seeks to extend the lives of patients facing challenging cancers while minimizing potential toxicities associated with treatment.

Jecure Therapeutics

Series A in 2017
Jecure Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, established in 2015. The company specializes in developing small-molecule therapeutics aimed at treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and liver fibrosis. Jecure Therapeutics focuses on innovative drug discovery programs that target serious inflammatory diseases. Its therapeutic approach involves blocking inflammasome activation and disrupting the sterile inflammation loop that leads to hepatocellular injury and cell death. The company utilizes advanced methodologies, including SiRNA-based murine models for target identification and validation, as well as a unique NASH model for in vivo screening, enabling the identification of drug candidates that can intervene throughout the disease process. As of 2018, Jecure Therapeutics operates as a subsidiary of Genentech, Inc.

BlueRock Therapeutics

Series A in 2016
BlueRock Therapeutics LP is a biotechnology company specializing in the development and manufacture of engineered cell therapies, focusing on neurology, cardiology, and immunology. Utilizing its CELL+GENE platform, the company aims to create induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) therapies to address a variety of diseases, with initial programs targeting heart muscle regeneration in patients who have experienced heart attacks or chronic heart failure. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, BlueRock Therapeutics also maintains offices in New York and Toronto. The company provides stable master cell banks, including healthy donor cells and tools for immune evasion, facilitating the cultivation and expansion of these innovative therapies. As of late 2019, BlueRock Therapeutics operates as a subsidiary of Bayer Aktiengesellschaft.

Aprea

Series B in 2016
Aprea Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts, that specializes in developing cancer therapeutics aimed at reactivating the mutant p53 tumor suppressor protein. Its primary product candidate, APR-246, is a small molecule p53 reactivator currently undergoing late-stage clinical development for hematologic malignancies, particularly myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia. Founded in 2006, Aprea is focused on advancing innovative treatments that target critical mechanisms in cancer biology to improve patient outcomes.

Kyras Therapeutics

Series A in 2015
Kyras Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York, established in 2015. The company focuses on developing innovative drugs aimed at treating incurable cancers and developmental disorders, particularly those driven by mutations in RAS genes. These mutations are implicated in a significant proportion of various cancers, including pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers. By addressing these critical genetic drivers, Kyras Therapeutics aims to provide effective treatment options that can potentially cure patients facing these challenging conditions.

Gritstone bio

Series A in 2015
Gritstone bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing immunotherapies for cancer and infectious diseases. The company initially concentrated on tumor-specific neoantigens but has expanded its programs to include viral antigens found on the surface of infected cells. Gritstone bio's approach leverages the body's natural immune system recognition of targets on abnormal cells, which is applicable to both anti-tumor and anti-viral immunity. Their pipeline includes several product candidates for treating solid tumors, such as GRANITE, SLATE, and CORAL. The company operates in a field that has seen significant advancements with the development and commercialization of immunotherapy drugs like checkpoint inhibitors, transforming cancer treatment.

GenSight Biologics

Series B in 2015
GenSight Biologics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing therapies for mitochondrial and neurodegenerative diseases of the eye. It uses gene therapy-based platforms, Mitochondrial Targeting Sequence and Optogenetics, to preserve or restore vision in patients with severe degenerative retinal diseases.

Laguna Pharmaceuticals

Series B in 2015
Laguna Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and marketing of small molecule pharmaceuticals, specifically targeting the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL). The company, originally established as ChanRx Corp. in 2006, rebranded to its current name in February 2015. With its headquarters in La Jolla, California, Laguna Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to advancing therapeutic options for patients suffering from these common cardiac conditions, which can lead to serious health complications such as heart attacks and strokes.

Anokion

Series A in 2014
Anokion is a biotechnology company focused on antigen-specific immune tolerance to reduce immunogenicity of therapeutic proteins and treat autoimmune and allergic diseases. A spin-off from EPFL, it uses a platform technology that can be applied to many proteins across multiple clinical indications, including autoimmune conditions such as celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes. The company is based in Ecublens, Switzerland.

ForSight VISION5

Series C in 2014
ForSight VISION5, founded in 2010 as part of ForSight Labs, specializes in the development of non-invasive drug delivery technologies aimed at treating major eye diseases such as glaucoma, dry eye, and allergies. The company is focused on creating innovative products that can replace traditional eye drops and offer sustained therapeutic effects. Currently, ForSight VISION5 is advancing its lead product, the Helios insert, which is undergoing its second Phase 2 clinical study, reflecting the company's commitment to improving patient care in ophthalmology through effective and patient-friendly solutions.

ForSight Labs

Series C in 2014
ForSight Labs is a company dedicated to developing innovative ophthalmic technologies aimed at improving the sight, care, and quality of life for visually impaired patients. With a focus on addressing the significant challenges posed by vision loss, including conditions like glaucoma, ForSight Labs collaborates with a team of motivated professionals, clinicians, and investors to bring new solutions to the ophthalmic community. The company recognizes the profound impact of vision impairment on individuals and society, as the number of people suffering from visual impairment is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. By driving the development and commercialization of high-impact eye care technologies, ForSight Labs aims to deliver effective treatments that enhance patient outcomes and address the substantial economic burden associated with vision loss.

AAVLife

Series A in 2014
AAVLife is a gene therapy company established in 2014 and headquartered in Paris, France. The firm focuses on developing treatments for Friedreich’s Ataxia Cardiomyopathy, a serious genetic disorder that leads to progressive neurological and cardiac symptoms, often manifesting in childhood or adolescence. AAVLife's innovative research utilizes adeno-associated virus (AAV) technology to deliver a normal gene to cardiac tissue, which has shown promise in reversing heart dysfunction in preclinical mouse models. The company's efforts have included planning clinical trials and collaborating with regulatory authorities to address safety and design aspects of the studies. AAVLife aims to advance its gene therapy approach to improve cardiac health in individuals affected by this life-threatening condition, emphasizing its commitment to patient communities and the organizations that support them.

Inception Sciences

Series A in 2013
Inception Sciences, founded in 2011 and headquartered in San Diego, California, with additional research sites in Vancouver and Saint Laurent, Canada, is a drug discovery company focused on creating high-value therapies to address significant unmet medical needs. The company specializes in developing small molecule pharmaceuticals through partnerships with academic experts, translating biological insights into novel drugs. Inception Sciences' team has a strong track record in drug discovery, having contributed to the development of clinical-stage compounds for conditions such as fibrosis, asthma, and COPD at Amira Pharmaceuticals, and several high-profile drugs at Merck.

ForSight Labs

Series B in 2013
ForSight Labs is a company dedicated to developing innovative ophthalmic technologies aimed at improving the sight, care, and quality of life for visually impaired patients. With a focus on addressing the significant challenges posed by vision loss, including conditions like glaucoma, ForSight Labs collaborates with a team of motivated professionals, clinicians, and investors to bring new solutions to the ophthalmic community. The company recognizes the profound impact of vision impairment on individuals and society, as the number of people suffering from visual impairment is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. By driving the development and commercialization of high-impact eye care technologies, ForSight Labs aims to deliver effective treatments that enhance patient outcomes and address the substantial economic burden associated with vision loss.

GenSight Biologics

Series A in 2013
GenSight Biologics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing therapies for mitochondrial and neurodegenerative diseases of the eye. It uses gene therapy-based platforms, Mitochondrial Targeting Sequence and Optogenetics, to preserve or restore vision in patients with severe degenerative retinal diseases.

Theraclone Sciences

Series B in 2013
Theraclone Sciences, Inc. is a discovery-stage biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, focused on developing novel therapeutic antibodies for cancer and infectious diseases. The company employs its proprietary In-Situ Therapeutic Antibody Rescue technology to rapidly identify and test human antibodies with exceptional biological functions. Theraclone's pipeline includes TCN-032, a recombinant human monoclonal antibody aimed at treating patients hospitalized with severe influenza, along with several preclinical and clinical programs targeting unmet medical needs such as triple-negative breast cancer, infectious disease-associated cancers, and multidrug-resistant bacteria. Founded in 2004 and originally known as Spaltudaq Corporation until its rebranding in 2009, Theraclone leverages the natural immune responses of human subjects to discover rare monoclonal antibodies that could lead to effective therapeutic interventions.

Novira Therapeutics

Series A in 2013
Novira Therapeutics is a clinical‑stage biopharmaceutical company that discovers and develops oral antiviral drugs targeting the capsid of hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus. Its pipeline focuses on first‑in‑class capsid inhibitors that can be used alone or with existing therapies, aiming to overcome limitations of current polymerase inhibitors and drug‑resistant HIV strains. The company was founded in 2006 as Molecmo Nanobiotechnologies and is headquartered in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. It has pursued partnerships and collaborations to advance its candidates toward clinical evaluation.

Achaogen

Series D in 2013
Achaogen, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, that specializes in the development and commercialization of antibacterial agents targeting multi-drug resistant (MDR) gram-negative infections. The company's primary focus is on plazomicin, which is intended for treating serious bacterial infections caused by MDR enterobacteriaceae, including carbapenem-resistant strains. Additionally, Achaogen is developing C-Scape, an orally-administered combination of clavulanate and ceftibuten aimed at addressing serious infections linked to expanded spectrum beta-lactamases producing enterobacteriaceae. Achaogen has established collaborations with various organizations, including Thermo Fisher Scientific and Ionis Pharmaceuticals, to support its drug development efforts. The company was incorporated in 2002, but faced financial difficulties, leading to a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2019, which culminated in a liquidation plan approved in 2020. All of Achaogen's revenue has been derived from government contracts for research and development within the United States.

ForSight VISION5

Venture Round in 2012
ForSight VISION5, founded in 2010 as part of ForSight Labs, specializes in the development of non-invasive drug delivery technologies aimed at treating major eye diseases such as glaucoma, dry eye, and allergies. The company is focused on creating innovative products that can replace traditional eye drops and offer sustained therapeutic effects. Currently, ForSight VISION5 is advancing its lead product, the Helios insert, which is undergoing its second Phase 2 clinical study, reflecting the company's commitment to improving patient care in ophthalmology through effective and patient-friendly solutions.

Halscion

Debt Financing in 2012
Founded in 2005, Halscion specializes in developing biocompatible hydrogel scaffolds designed to improve wound healing and reduce scarring. These single-use devices are applied during surgeries at the dermal-subdermal interface of wounds by injection, allowing the patient's own cells to organize and propagate into the wound.

OpGen

Series C in 2012
OpGen, Inc. is a precision medicine company focused on developing molecular diagnostics and informatics to address infectious diseases. Headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland, OpGen offers a range of products designed to provide clinicians with rapid and actionable information regarding life-threatening infections, ultimately aiming to enhance patient outcomes and reduce the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). Its key offerings include the Acuitas AMR Gene Panel, which detects bacterial nucleic acids and genetic markers of antimicrobial resistance, and the QuickFISH and PNA FISH products for pathogen identification in blood cultures. Additionally, OpGen provides the Acuitas Lighthouse informatics system, a cloud-based platform that integrates clinical lab results with patient and hospital data to support the management of antimicrobial-resistant infections. The company collaborates with the New York State Department of Health to develop solutions for detecting and tracking such infections in healthcare settings. Established in 2001, OpGen continues to innovate in addressing the critical challenge of antibiotic resistance through its advanced molecular microbiology solutions.

Helicos BioSciences

Series A in 2012
Helicos BioSciences Corporation (Helicos) is a life sciences company, which has developed technology focused on the research, drug discovery and clinical diagnostics markets. Its True Single Molecule Sequencing (tSMS) technology enables rapid analysis of large quantities of genetic material by directly sequencing single molecules of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or single DNA copies of ribonucleic acid (RNA) (cDNA) and its approach of direct sequencing of RNA. Its Helicos Genetic Analysis Platform is designed to obtain sequencing information by repetitively performing a cycle of biochemical reactions on individual DNA or RNA molecules and imaging the results after each cycle. The platform consists of an instrument called the HeliScope Single Molecule Sequencer, an image analysis computer tower called the HeliScope Analysis Engine, associated reagents, which are chemicals used in the sequencing process and disposable supplies.

Groove Biopharma

Series B in 2011
Groove Biopharma focuses on the generation of novel microRNA (miRNA) therapeutics with improved properties, including higher potency and enhanced pharmacodynamic activity. Endogenous microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in extensive regulatory networks for many target genes and pathways. Groove Biopharma’s core technology addresses a new avenue of nucleotide therapeutic drug discovery via modulation of cellular miRNA. Using exclusive technology, Groove Biopharma is generating a series of lead candidates with the potential to be best-in-class therapeutics. By incorporating proprietary structural modifications into miRNA therapeutics, the Groove Biopharma technology platform presents promising potential for treating a wide range of diseases, including cancer, fibrosis, and infectious disease.

Halscion

Venture Round in 2011
Founded in 2005, Halscion specializes in developing biocompatible hydrogel scaffolds designed to improve wound healing and reduce scarring. These single-use devices are applied during surgeries at the dermal-subdermal interface of wounds by injection, allowing the patient's own cells to organize and propagate into the wound.

OpGen

Series B in 2010
OpGen, Inc. is a precision medicine company focused on developing molecular diagnostics and informatics to address infectious diseases. Headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland, OpGen offers a range of products designed to provide clinicians with rapid and actionable information regarding life-threatening infections, ultimately aiming to enhance patient outcomes and reduce the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). Its key offerings include the Acuitas AMR Gene Panel, which detects bacterial nucleic acids and genetic markers of antimicrobial resistance, and the QuickFISH and PNA FISH products for pathogen identification in blood cultures. Additionally, OpGen provides the Acuitas Lighthouse informatics system, a cloud-based platform that integrates clinical lab results with patient and hospital data to support the management of antimicrobial-resistant infections. The company collaborates with the New York State Department of Health to develop solutions for detecting and tracking such infections in healthcare settings. Established in 2001, OpGen continues to innovate in addressing the critical challenge of antibiotic resistance through its advanced molecular microbiology solutions.

Okairos

Series B in 2010
Okairos AG is a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, with operations in Rome and Naples, Italy. The company specializes in the discovery and development of genetic T-cell vaccines, focusing on conditions such as hepatitis C virus. Okairos also excels in gene delivery technologies, providing expertise in scalable viral-vector manufacturing processes. This enables other biotech firms to transition genetic vaccines and medicinal products from preclinical stages to commercial readiness, utilizing advanced good manufacturing practice (GMP) facilities. Previously a subsidiary of Istituto Di Ricerche Di Biologia Molecolare P. Angeletti Spa, Okairos is dedicated to advancing innovative therapeutic solutions in the healthcare sector.

Respicardia

Series C in 2010
Respicardia, Inc. is a medical technology company based in Minnetonka, Minnesota, focused on enhancing respiratory rhythm management and cardiovascular health for heart failure patients. Founded in 2006, the company develops and manufactures innovative implantable stimulation therapy solutions, notably the remede System. This device is designed to restore normal breathing patterns during sleep for individuals suffering from central sleep apnea. Respicardia aims to improve the lives of these patients through safe and effective neurostimulation therapies that stimulate the phrenic nerve, thereby addressing critical needs in respiratory and cardiovascular health.

Groove Biopharma

Series A in 2010
Groove Biopharma focuses on the generation of novel microRNA (miRNA) therapeutics with improved properties, including higher potency and enhanced pharmacodynamic activity. Endogenous microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in extensive regulatory networks for many target genes and pathways. Groove Biopharma’s core technology addresses a new avenue of nucleotide therapeutic drug discovery via modulation of cellular miRNA. Using exclusive technology, Groove Biopharma is generating a series of lead candidates with the potential to be best-in-class therapeutics. By incorporating proprietary structural modifications into miRNA therapeutics, the Groove Biopharma technology platform presents promising potential for treating a wide range of diseases, including cancer, fibrosis, and infectious disease.

Standard BioTools

Venture Round in 2009
Fluidigm Corporation develops and markets innovative technologies and tools for life sciences research globally. The company specializes in integrated fluidic circuits that control fluids at the nanoscale, enabling a range of applications in biological research. Its product offerings include analytical systems such as the Helios CyTOF system, the Hyperion imaging system, and the Biomark HD system, along with various assays and reagents designed for immuno-oncology and genetic analysis. Fluidigm also provides preparatory instruments and single-cell microfluidics, such as the C1 and Polaris systems. The company serves a diverse clientele, including academic institutions, clinical research laboratories, biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, and agricultural biotechnology companies, focusing on non-diagnostic and non-clinical applications. Established in 1999 as Mycometrix Corporation, it adopted the name Fluidigm Corporation in 2001 and is headquartered in South San Francisco, California.

CymaBay Therapeutics

Series E in 2009
CymaBay Therapeutics, Inc., established in 1988 and headquartered in Newark, California, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing therapies for liver diseases and other chronic conditions with significant unmet medical needs. Its primary focus is on seladelpar (MBX-8025), a selective agonist of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor delta, currently in Phase II trials for treating primary biliary cholangitis, sclerosing cholangitis, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Additionally, the company is developing MBX-2982, an orally-active G protein-coupled receptor agonist targeting gut/liver diseases, and CB-001, a preclinical-stage product candidate for treating gut/liver disease using omega-3 fatty acids. CymaBay has partnerships with Janssen Pharmaceuticals and DiaTex for developing therapies for metabolic diseases and gout, respectively.

Halscion

Venture Round in 2009
Founded in 2005, Halscion specializes in developing biocompatible hydrogel scaffolds designed to improve wound healing and reduce scarring. These single-use devices are applied during surgeries at the dermal-subdermal interface of wounds by injection, allowing the patient's own cells to organize and propagate into the wound.

Helicos BioSciences

Post in 2009
Helicos BioSciences Corporation (Helicos) is a life sciences company, which has developed technology focused on the research, drug discovery and clinical diagnostics markets. Its True Single Molecule Sequencing (tSMS) technology enables rapid analysis of large quantities of genetic material by directly sequencing single molecules of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or single DNA copies of ribonucleic acid (RNA) (cDNA) and its approach of direct sequencing of RNA. Its Helicos Genetic Analysis Platform is designed to obtain sequencing information by repetitively performing a cycle of biochemical reactions on individual DNA or RNA molecules and imaging the results after each cycle. The platform consists of an instrument called the HeliScope Single Molecule Sequencer, an image analysis computer tower called the HeliScope Analysis Engine, associated reagents, which are chemicals used in the sequencing process and disposable supplies.

Respicardia

Series B in 2008
Respicardia, Inc. is a medical technology company based in Minnetonka, Minnesota, focused on enhancing respiratory rhythm management and cardiovascular health for heart failure patients. Founded in 2006, the company develops and manufactures innovative implantable stimulation therapy solutions, notably the remede System. This device is designed to restore normal breathing patterns during sleep for individuals suffering from central sleep apnea. Respicardia aims to improve the lives of these patients through safe and effective neurostimulation therapies that stimulate the phrenic nerve, thereby addressing critical needs in respiratory and cardiovascular health.

ForteBio

Series C in 2008
ForteBio is a life science company that specializes in developing analytical systems for the rapid and real-time quantification and characterization of proteins and their interactions. The company offers a range of instruments known as the Octet family, designed to provide scientists with detailed information about biomolecular interactions in micro-volume sample sizes. These systems facilitate the analysis of proteins, peptides, DNA, RNA, and small molecules in a microplate format. Among its key products are the Octet RED, which enables quantitation and kinetic analysis while supporting small molecule screening, as well as the Octet Q and QK models, which also focus on quantitation and kinetics. Through these advanced tools, ForteBio aims to enhance research capabilities in the field of biomolecular interactions.

Spiration

Series G in 2008
Spiration, Inc., also known as Olympus Respiratory America, is a medical device company based in Redmond, Washington. Founded in 1999, the company specializes in the development of innovative solutions for the treatment of lung diseases and air leaks. Its flagship product, the IBV valve system, is a minimally invasive device designed to redirect airflow from affected areas of the lung to healthier regions, addressing both acute and chronic conditions such as emphysema and prolonged air leaks. Operating as a subsidiary of Olympus America Inc. since 2010, Spiration focuses on enhancing respiratory health through advanced medical technology.

PhaseRx

Series A in 2008
PhaseRx is a Seattle-based biopharmaceutical startup focused on developing intracellular enzyme replacement therapies for inherited liver diseases using its proprietary Hybrid mRNA Technology platform. This platform enables the synthesis of missing enzymes within cells, targeting three urea cycle disorders: ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD), argininosuccinate lyase deficiency (ASL deficiency), and argininosuccinate synthetase deficiency (ASS1 deficiency). The company was founded by industry veterans and renowned academics, attracting top-tier venture capital investments.

OpGen

Venture Round in 2007
OpGen, Inc. is a precision medicine company focused on developing molecular diagnostics and informatics to address infectious diseases. Headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland, OpGen offers a range of products designed to provide clinicians with rapid and actionable information regarding life-threatening infections, ultimately aiming to enhance patient outcomes and reduce the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). Its key offerings include the Acuitas AMR Gene Panel, which detects bacterial nucleic acids and genetic markers of antimicrobial resistance, and the QuickFISH and PNA FISH products for pathogen identification in blood cultures. Additionally, OpGen provides the Acuitas Lighthouse informatics system, a cloud-based platform that integrates clinical lab results with patient and hospital data to support the management of antimicrobial-resistant infections. The company collaborates with the New York State Department of Health to develop solutions for detecting and tracking such infections in healthcare settings. Established in 2001, OpGen continues to innovate in addressing the critical challenge of antibiotic resistance through its advanced molecular microbiology solutions.

CymaBay Therapeutics

Series D in 2007
CymaBay Therapeutics, Inc., established in 1988 and headquartered in Newark, California, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing therapies for liver diseases and other chronic conditions with significant unmet medical needs. Its primary focus is on seladelpar (MBX-8025), a selective agonist of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor delta, currently in Phase II trials for treating primary biliary cholangitis, sclerosing cholangitis, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Additionally, the company is developing MBX-2982, an orally-active G protein-coupled receptor agonist targeting gut/liver diseases, and CB-001, a preclinical-stage product candidate for treating gut/liver disease using omega-3 fatty acids. CymaBay has partnerships with Janssen Pharmaceuticals and DiaTex for developing therapies for metabolic diseases and gout, respectively.

ForSight Labs

Series A in 2007
ForSight Labs is a company dedicated to developing innovative ophthalmic technologies aimed at improving the sight, care, and quality of life for visually impaired patients. With a focus on addressing the significant challenges posed by vision loss, including conditions like glaucoma, ForSight Labs collaborates with a team of motivated professionals, clinicians, and investors to bring new solutions to the ophthalmic community. The company recognizes the profound impact of vision impairment on individuals and society, as the number of people suffering from visual impairment is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. By driving the development and commercialization of high-impact eye care technologies, ForSight Labs aims to deliver effective treatments that enhance patient outcomes and address the substantial economic burden associated with vision loss.

Trius Therapeutics

Series A in 2007
Trius Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California, dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative antibiotics aimed at treating life-threatening infections. The company has successfully completed two Phase 3 clinical trials for Tedizolid Phosphate, a second-generation oxazolidinone administered both intravenously and orally, targeting serious gram-positive bacterial infections, including those caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In response to the growing issue of bacterial resistance to existing medications, Trius is focused on developing novel therapeutics to address the challenges posed by multi-drug resistant bacterial infections. The company is supported by a management team with extensive experience in drug development and regulatory processes, contributing to its commitment to advancing anti-infective drug therapies.

Standard BioTools

Series E in 2007
Fluidigm Corporation develops and markets innovative technologies and tools for life sciences research globally. The company specializes in integrated fluidic circuits that control fluids at the nanoscale, enabling a range of applications in biological research. Its product offerings include analytical systems such as the Helios CyTOF system, the Hyperion imaging system, and the Biomark HD system, along with various assays and reagents designed for immuno-oncology and genetic analysis. Fluidigm also provides preparatory instruments and single-cell microfluidics, such as the C1 and Polaris systems. The company serves a diverse clientele, including academic institutions, clinical research laboratories, biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, and agricultural biotechnology companies, focusing on non-diagnostic and non-clinical applications. Established in 1999 as Mycometrix Corporation, it adopted the name Fluidigm Corporation in 2001 and is headquartered in South San Francisco, California.

Achaogen

Series B in 2006
Achaogen, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, that specializes in the development and commercialization of antibacterial agents targeting multi-drug resistant (MDR) gram-negative infections. The company's primary focus is on plazomicin, which is intended for treating serious bacterial infections caused by MDR enterobacteriaceae, including carbapenem-resistant strains. Additionally, Achaogen is developing C-Scape, an orally-administered combination of clavulanate and ceftibuten aimed at addressing serious infections linked to expanded spectrum beta-lactamases producing enterobacteriaceae. Achaogen has established collaborations with various organizations, including Thermo Fisher Scientific and Ionis Pharmaceuticals, to support its drug development efforts. The company was incorporated in 2002, but faced financial difficulties, leading to a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2019, which culminated in a liquidation plan approved in 2020. All of Achaogen's revenue has been derived from government contracts for research and development within the United States.
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