WRF Capital, founded in 1981 and based in Seattle, Washington, is a venture capital firm that focuses on supporting innovative research and early-stage companies in the life sciences, information technology, and physical sciences sectors. As the venture investment arm of the Washington Research Foundation, WRF Capital collaborates with entrepreneurs, research institutions, other investors, and industry partners to transform promising ideas into successful businesses within Washington. The firm is dedicated to fostering advancements in enabling technologies and driving economic growth through strategic investments in groundbreaking research and development.
Archon is a biotechnology firm that creates computationally engineered proteins to unleash potent therapeutic targets beyond the grasp of current methods and improve disease management.
Talus Bio
Seed Round in 2024
Talus Bio is a biotech startup focused on drug discovery, particularly in the development of therapies targeting gene regulators for cancer treatment. The company utilizes a data-enabled platform that combines functional proteomics, automated biology, and machine learning to address the challenges associated with cancer transcription factors. Its proprietary MARMOT platform employs advanced techniques such as AI, quantitative proteomics, synthetic chemistry, and computational biology to design and analyze small-molecule drugs and proteins. This innovative approach aims to enhance drug development processes in the oncology sector, facilitating advancements in gene regulation and contributing to more effective cancer therapies.
Outpace Bio
Series B in 2024
Outpace Bio is a biotechnology company that creates smart cell therapies aimed at improving efficacy and safety. It offers a platform that combines custom-designed biological functions with cellular control modalities that program the right response at the right time and place. It creates a mechanism-driven solution tailor-made to improve efficacy and safety. The company collaborates with Lyell Immunopharma to develop and commercialize a potential immune cell therapy for the treatment of cancer, auto-immune diseases, infectious diseases, degenerative diseases, regenerative medicine, metabolic disorders, and genetic disorders, enabling healthcare providers to cure a wide range of diseases as per patient's need.
Proniras
Series B in 2024
Proniras Corporation is a preclinical-stage biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, focused on developing innovative small-molecule therapeutics for neurological disorders. The company is known for its parenteral medical countermeasure drug, tezampanel, which shows promise in treating seizures and brain injuries. Proniras has demonstrated preclinical efficacy in addressing nerve agent-induced seizures, particularly in studies involving rodents exposed to the highly toxic chemical weapon soman. Founded in 2016, the company aims to address significant unmet medical needs in the central nervous system by antagonizing glutamate signaling, thereby advancing medical research and drug discovery in this critical area.
AdaptX
Series B in 2023
AdaptX is a healthcare data analytics and AI company that specializes in enhancing clinical and workflow outcomes for hospitals and surgery centers. Founded in Seattle in 2016 as a spin-off from Seattle Children's Hospital, AdaptX provides a platform that enables medical leaders and clinicians to access and analyze clinical data effectively. The platform integrates algorithms with existing electronic data systems, allowing healthcare providers to monitor performance, compare treatment approaches, and define patient cohorts. Through automated analytics, AdaptX helps healthcare service providers improve the quality and safety of care while also reducing costs.
KayoThera
Series A in 2023
KayoThera is a biotechnology company based in Princeton, New Jersey, focused on developing therapeutics for late-stage and metastatic cancers. Founded in 2019, the company aims to create first-in-class immuno- and targeted therapies that target a key enzyme responsible for protecting cancer cells, as well as depleting regulatory T-cells. This innovative approach seeks to enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments, such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy, thereby offering new hope to patients with previously incurable cancers. KayoThera's mission is centered on driving breakthroughs in cancer treatment and improving patient outcomes.
Wavely Diagnostics
Seed Round in 2023
Wavely Diagnostics is pioneering the future of remote digital diagnostics and enabling telehealth growth by leveraging smartphone technology to address pediatric care.
Somalytics
Seed Round in 2022
Somalytics specializes in the development of miniature sensors aimed at enhancing eye tracking, human-machine interfaces, wearables, and industrial safety applications. Founded in 2021 and based in Seattle, Washington, the company has introduced the world's first paper-composite capacitive sensor, which is characterized by its thin profile, low power consumption, and potential disposability. Utilizing innovative carbon nanotube technology, Somalytics' sensors offer improved sensitivity and aim to replace traditional cameras and sensors in various applications, ultimately enhancing the user experience through superior technology.
Wavely Diagnostics
Seed Round in 2022
Wavely Diagnostics is pioneering the future of remote digital diagnostics and enabling telehealth growth by leveraging smartphone technology to address pediatric care.
Birch.ai
Seed Round in 2022
Birch.ai is a provider of automating call centers services.
AdaptX
Series A in 2021
AdaptX is a healthcare data analytics and AI company that specializes in enhancing clinical and workflow outcomes for hospitals and surgery centers. Founded in Seattle in 2016 as a spin-off from Seattle Children's Hospital, AdaptX provides a platform that enables medical leaders and clinicians to access and analyze clinical data effectively. The platform integrates algorithms with existing electronic data systems, allowing healthcare providers to monitor performance, compare treatment approaches, and define patient cohorts. Through automated analytics, AdaptX helps healthcare service providers improve the quality and safety of care while also reducing costs.
2Morrow
Venture Round in 2021
2Morrow, Inc. is a digital health company based in Kirkland, Washington, that specializes in evidence-based behavioral change programs and applications. Founded in 2012, the company offers several products, including SmartQuit, a smoking cessation program utilizing acceptance commitment therapy; My Pocket Coach, a platform designed to help individuals set and achieve personal goals while forming or breaking habits; and Healthy Habits, which focuses on promoting positive behavior change. 2Morrow's programs are distributed through employers, states, wellness initiatives, and health plans, and they emphasize an evidence-based approach to health and wellness. With a commitment to addressing mental, emotional, and behavioral challenges, 2Morrow aims to support individuals in overcoming unhelpful thoughts and urges while pursuing their goals. The company also has ongoing developments in behavioral health and chronic condition management.
Outpace Bio
Series A in 2021
Outpace Bio is a biotechnology company that creates smart cell therapies aimed at improving efficacy and safety. It offers a platform that combines custom-designed biological functions with cellular control modalities that program the right response at the right time and place. It creates a mechanism-driven solution tailor-made to improve efficacy and safety. The company collaborates with Lyell Immunopharma to develop and commercialize a potential immune cell therapy for the treatment of cancer, auto-immune diseases, infectious diseases, degenerative diseases, regenerative medicine, metabolic disorders, and genetic disorders, enabling healthcare providers to cure a wide range of diseases as per patient's need.
ThruWave
Seed Round in 2020
ThruWave specializes in millimeter wave imaging technology, catering to various commercial and industrial sectors such as robotics, construction, and quality control. Founded in 2017 and based in Seattle, Washington, the company offers low-cost sensors that leverage patent-pending radar signal processing and GPU-accelerated image reconstruction techniques. ThruWave's technology enhances operational efficiency by allowing construction professionals to visualize the internal structures of walls, ceilings, and floors, thereby reducing risks and expediting workflows. Additionally, its solutions support inventory verification, shipment confirmations, and detection of packaging issues, enabling clients to automate processes such as counting contents and identifying damaged or missing items.
WiBotic
Series A in 2020
WiBotic Inc. specializes in wireless charging and power optimization solutions primarily for robotic systems, including aerial, mobile, and underwater vehicles. Founded in 2014 and based in Seattle, the company offers a range of products such as wireless charging systems, onboard chargers, transmitters, antenna coils, and integrated options. Additionally, WiBotic provides battery intelligence and fleet management software designed to enhance the operational efficiency of robotic fleets, maximizing battery life and reducing charging and maintenance costs. Its technology enables automatic detection of robots or drones, facilitating seamless charging as they approach the wireless platform. WiBotic's solutions are characterized by their safety, reliability, scalability, and ease of implementation, making them suitable for various industrial applications.
Membrion
Series A in 2020
Membrion, Inc., founded in 2016 and based in Seattle, Washington, specializes in the manufacturing and commercialization of advanced membranes that filter molecules, including ions, under a variety of conditions such as heat, acidity, and biological sensitivity. Originating as a spin-out from the University of Washington, Membrion has received funding from multiple organizations, including the National Science Foundation and private investors, which has facilitated the transition from research to commercial production. The company's innovative ion exchange membrane technology is designed for applications in flow batteries, water purification, fuel cells, and pharmaceuticals, offering clients membranes that feature a longer lifespan and reduced costs.
Absci
Series D in 2020
Absci is a drug and target discovery company that leverages deep learning AI and synthetic biology to enhance the therapeutic potential of proteins. Its Integrated Drug Creation Platform streamlines the process of identifying novel drug targets, discovering optimal biotherapeutic candidates, and generating the necessary cell lines for manufacturing. By combining biologic drug discovery and cell line development into a single, efficient workflow, Absci collaborates with biotech and pharmaceutical innovators to develop next-generation protein-based drugs. These innovations include Bionic Proteins, which feature nonstandard amino acids, and other unique drug designs that may be unattainable through conventional methods. Absci's mission is to facilitate the development of improved medicines by effectively translating innovative ideas into viable drugs.
AnswerDash
Seed Round in 2015
AnswerDash, Inc. is a Seattle-based company that offers a cloud-based Q&A platform designed to provide contextual answers to customers on websites, web applications, and mobile experiences. Founded in 2012 and originally known as Qazzow, Inc., the company allows businesses to integrate self-service features that enable customers to obtain answers through a point-and-click interface, facilitating easy access to information without cluttering web pages. By predicting user questions based on the content of the page, AnswerDash helps reduce support costs and enhances customer engagement. The platform can also integrate with live chat services to offer personalized assistance. As of June 2020, AnswerDash operates as a subsidiary of CloudEngage, Inc.
STASYS
Series A in 2015
Stasys Medical is a company that specializes in developing innovative testing methods for analyzing blood clotting disorders and platelet dysfunction. Its system is designed to quickly identify blood clotting deficiencies, providing caregivers with relevant, actionable information. Utilizing a small volume of blood, the test can be completed in under five minutes and does not require anticoagulation, allowing for direct measurement immediately after the blood draw. This capability is particularly valuable in critical situations, such as emergency resuscitation, where understanding bleeding and the need for transfusions is essential for patient care.
FlexMinder
Series A in 2014
FlexMinder, Inc. is a Seattle-based company that develops enterprise software solutions aimed at private health exchanges, health carriers, and third-party administrators (TPAs). Founded in 2011, FlexMinder focuses on automating the healthcare reimbursement process, enhancing the management of medical spending for flexible spending accounts. The company aggregates healthcare information from various sources to streamline claims submission, significantly reducing manual processing time and costs for TPAs. By providing online tools for managing the reimbursement process, FlexMinder aims to improve the user experience for consumers utilizing their flexible spending arrangements. In 2013, the company secured $1.4 million in Series AA financing to support its growth initiatives and was selected for the TechStars incubator program. As of January 2017, FlexMinder operates as a subsidiary of Jelleyvision Lab Inc.
SNUPI Technologies
Series A in 2014
SNUPI Technologies, Inc. is a Seattle-based company specializing in sensor technology and services aimed at enhancing home safety, security, and loss prevention. Founded in 2012, the company developed a wireless sensing solution called WallyHome, which monitors critical environmental factors such as moisture, temperature, and humidity. This system is designed to detect water leaks and other hazards, alerting homeowners to potential issues before they escalate, including risks related to mold and humidity. SNUPI Technologies leverages existing electrical wiring in homes to create a comprehensive sensing platform, facilitating effective communication and notifications through its web service.
Mobisante
Series A in 2013
Mobisante, Inc., founded in 2009 and based in Redmond, Washington, develops cellphone-based diagnostic devices aimed at enhancing medical imaging for emergency physicians, surgeons, academic medical centers, and community clinics. The company specializes in smartphone and tablet-based ultrasound devices, as well as cloud-based image management services. Its innovative approach utilizes advanced mobile computing technology to provide affordable and accessible ultrasound solutions, thereby facilitating point-of-care imaging that can improve clinical outcomes and healthcare delivery efficiency. Additionally, Mobisante is expanding its offerings to veterinarians in the United States, delivering portable imaging solutions for companion animal diagnosis and treatment. By making ultrasound technology more accessible, Mobisante aims to transform traditional imaging practices in both human and veterinary medicine.
Mirador Biomedical
Series B in 2011
Mirador Biomedical is a company focused on developing and manufacturing innovative physiological pressure measurement devices. By collaborating with experienced medical professionals and scientists, the company aims to create cost-effective solutions that enhance the safety and accuracy of various medical procedures. Their product offerings include devices designed for compass vascular access, lumbar puncture, compartment pressure measurement, thoracentesis, and vascular access lock applications. Through these advancements, Mirador Biomedical seeks to provide vital physiological feedback, helping to reduce doubt and uncertainty during common medical interventions.
Modumetal
Venture Round in 2009
Modumetal, Inc. is a manufacturer and developer of nano laminated metals and materials, founded in 2006 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, with an additional sales office in The Woodlands, Texas. The company specializes in producing industrial-scale nanolaminated alloys that are stronger and lighter than steel, as well as more corrosion-resistant and durable than traditional metals. By utilizing electricity instead of heat in their manufacturing process, Modumetal reduces environmental impact while delivering high-performance solutions. Their products, which include customized alloys, coatings, fasteners, pumps, valves, and production tubulars, cater to various industries, including energy, aerospace, automotive, defense, infrastructure, and construction. Modumetal's technology enables these sectors to enhance performance and achieve cost-effective alternatives to conventional materials.
Pathway Medical Technologies
Series D in 2009
Pathway Medical Technologies Inc. is a company that specializes in the design, development, manufacturing, and marketing of medical devices aimed at treating arterial and vascular diseases. The company focuses on addressing peripheral arterial disease through its innovative products, including an atherectomy catheter designed to restore circulation in the peripheral arteries. This device effectively removes hard and soft plaque, calcium, thrombus, and fibrotic lesions from treatment sites, enhancing blood flow. Additionally, Pathway Medical Technologies offers a control pod that provides a user-friendly interface with keypad controls for seamless device operation, ensuring that patients receive safe and effective treatment for arterial conditions.
GlobeImmune
Series C in 2007
GlobeImmune, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Louisville, Colorado, dedicated to developing therapeutic products for cancer and infectious diseases through its proprietary Tarmogen platform. The company’s pipeline includes GS-4774, currently in Phase 2 trials for hepatitis B virus treatment, and various candidates targeting cancer, such as GI-6207 for medullary thyroid cancer, GI-6301 for tumors expressing the brachyury protein, and GI-4000 for resected pancreatic cancer. Additionally, GlobeImmune is advancing several candidates for infectious diseases, including GI-19000 for tuberculosis, GI-2010 for HIV, and GI-18000 for hepatitis D virus, currently in preclinical stages. The Tarmogen platform also includes products designed to address challenges in cancer therapy, such as preventing the emergence of mutated escape variants. The company has established strategic collaborations with Gilead Sciences and Celgene Corporation. Originally founded as Ceres Pharmaceuticals in 1995, GlobeImmune changed its name in 2001 to reflect its focus on innovative immunotherapy solutions.
Omeros
Series E in 2007
Omeros Corporation is a Seattle-based biopharmaceutical company that focuses on discovering, developing, and commercializing small-molecule and protein therapeutics targeting inflammation, complement-mediated diseases, and disorders of the central nervous system. The company offers OMIDRIA, a product used during cataract surgery in the United States. Omeros is advancing several clinical programs, including narsoplimab, which is in Phase III trials for conditions such as hematopoietic stem-cell transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy and immunoglobulin A nephropathy, as well as Phase II trials for lupus nephritis. Other key programs include OMS405, targeting opioid and nicotine addiction, and OMS527, aimed at treating addiction and movement disorders. The company's preclinical pipeline includes compounds addressing various conditions, such as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and other alternative pathway disorders. Founded in 1994, Omeros is dedicated to addressing both large-market and orphan indications through innovative therapeutic approaches.
Farecast
Series C in 2007
Farecast is a fare-prediction startup founded in 2003 that helps travelers decide whether to purchase airline tickets or wait for potentially lower fares. The company utilizes analysis of 175 billion points of historical airfare data to provide intelligent predictions, claiming a success rate of 70-75% in forecasting price trends up to a week in advance. Farecast distinguishes itself from competitors by being the only service that offers these predictive insights. Additionally, the platform has expanded its offerings to include hotel deals, displaying results from various travel search sites on a map, which highlights pricing information. This allows users to quickly identify overpriced hotels, marked in blue, and attractively priced options, marked in red, ultimately helping travelers save money on their travel expenses.
Alder Biopharmaceuticals
Series B in 2006
Alder BioPharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing therapeutic antibodies to improve treatment for migraine patients in the United States, Australia, and Ireland. The company's lead candidate, eptinezumab, is a monoclonal antibody targeting calcitonin gene-related peptide, currently in late-stage clinical development for migraine prevention. Alder is also developing ALD1910, a preclinical monoclonal antibody aimed at inhibiting pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide-38 for similar purposes, and Clazakizumab, which targets the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 and has completed two Phase 2b trials. In addition to its product development efforts, Alder engages in strategic collaborations, notably with CSL Limited for advancing clazakizumab as a treatment for solid organ transplant rejection. Incorporated in 2002 and headquartered in Bothell, Washington, Alder operates primarily in the United States, where it generates most of its revenue.
VLST Corporation
Series B in 2006
VLST Corporation is a privately held biotechnology company that has developed a novel and streamlined approach to speed the development of effective therapeutics for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The VLST platform uses novel bioinformatics and state-of-the-art proteomics, to identify viral genes whose protein products function as immunomodulatory agents. The resulting product candidates will be either human homologues to these virulence factors or monoclonal antibodies that mimic the function of the virulence gene products. This approach allows for the efficient identification of high quality, pre-validated drug targets for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. The Company's technology has identified potential product candidates for the treatment of disorders such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes.
Uptake Medical
Series A in 2006
Uptake Medical specializes in developing innovative medical technologies aimed at treating lung diseases. The company's flagship product, InterVapor™, is an endoscopic lung volume reduction therapy designed specifically for individuals with severe emphysema. This unique approach leverages the body’s natural healing processes and does not introduce any foreign materials into the lungs. Clinical studies have shown that InterVapor™ can lead to significant improvements in patients' breathing function, exercise capacity, and overall quality of life.
Accium BioSciences
Seed Round in 2006
Accium BioSciences, Inc. is a contract research organization based in Seattle, Washington, specializing in accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) bio-analytical services for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies in North America. The company provides ultrasensitive quantitation of radio-labeled drugs and their metabolites in clinical samples, achieving routine detection levels of less than 0.01 DPM in small biological specimens. Accium's offerings include AMS analysis, HPLC method design, metabolite profiling, sample processing, and analytical report writing. Additionally, it offers consulting services related to clinical and analytical protocol design, regulatory compliance, and pharmacokinetic data analysis. The company's capabilities facilitate attomole-level quantitation in studies related to human mass balance, absolute bioavailability, microdosing, and drug metabolism. Founded in 2004, Accium BioSciences aims to address challenges in the clinical development of novel drugs, including investigations into pharmacologic and pharmacodynamic endpoints to enhance therapeutic response predictions and treatment resistance assessments.
Amnis Corporation
Venture Round in 2001
Amnis manufactures and supplies flow cytometry products and services. Their technology is used in research and clinical studies with biomedical and therapeutic applications, including investigating the role of the body’s immune system in fighting cancer, diagnosing leukemia and lymphoma, and detecting minimal residual disease in organ transplant patients.
Lumera
Venture Round in 2001
Lumera is an Insurtech company focused on advancing the Life and Pensions industry through digital transformation. It develops proprietary polymer materials and creates products based on these innovations, utilizing expertise in nanotechnology to design and synthesize materials at the molecular level. This approach optimizes the electrical, optical, and surface properties of the materials. Additionally, Lumera offers a comprehensive policy administration system that provides efficient and cost-effective IT support, enabling the life insurance and pension sectors to automate and digitize their business processes. By replacing multiple outdated legacy systems with a streamlined, industry-standard solution, Lumera enhances operational efficiency and fosters a modernized approach to policy management.
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