WRF Capital

WRF Capital supports groundbreaking research and early-stage companies that focus on life sciences and enabling technologies. WRF Capital is composed of the Washington Research Foundation and WRF Capital. It is a venture investment arm of the Washington Research Foundation. It works with entrepreneurs, research institutions, other investors, and industry partners to transform great ideas into successful Washington-based businesses. It was founded in 1981 and is based in Seattle, Washington.

Thomas Cable

Founder

William Canestaro Ph.D

Managing Director

Loretta Little

Managing Director

Brooks Simpson

Chairman of the Board of Directors

34 past transactions

Archon Biosciences

Seed Round in 2024
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 Corp is an operator of a biomedical company intended to develop drugs. The company's biomedical service has already demonstrated preclinical efficacy in treating nerve agent-induced seizures, as well as in studies of rodents exposed to the chemical weapon soman, which is more toxic than sarin gas, enabling medical researchers to continue their research work and discover drugs. It was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

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 developing therapeutics used to cure late-stage and metastatic cancers. Its programs work on inhibiting a key enzyme that is responsible for protecting the cancer cells and depleting regulatory T-cells that intends to cure hitherto incurable cancers and give hope to patients. The company's mission is to develop the first-in-class immuno- and targeted therapies to drive cures in advanced cancers KayoThera was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey.

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 commercializes miniature sensors for eye tracking, human-machine interface, wearables, and industrial safety. It’s the world’s first paper-composite capacitive sensor. It’s paper-thin, consumes little power, and can potentially be disposable. The company was founded in 2021 and is based in Seattle, Washington.

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 produces millimeter wave imaging technology designed for markets including robotics, construction, and quality control. The company's low-cost sensors for commercial and industrial applications use patent-pending radar signal processing innovations and GPU accelerated image reconstruction techniques. Its technology lowers risk by imaging the internal structure of walls, ceilings, and floors that enable construction professionals to work faster. ThruWave was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

WiBotic

Series A in 2020
WiBotic provides the most reliable wireless power and battery intelligence solutions to charge your aerial, mobile and aquatic robot systems. Using WiBotic wireless power and battery intelligence solutions, you can greatly enhance the working efficiency of your robot fleets and save significant money in charging and maintenance costs. Our solutions include wireless power delivery, battery intelligence and fleet-level power management software. So we not only maximize the battery life of each battery we charge, we create an operational plan for the entire collection of batteries in your robot fleet. WiBotic wireless power and battery intelligence solutions are safe, reliable and scalable. And they are easy-to-implement and highly customizable for specific robot deployments.

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 utilizes deep learning AI and synthetic biology to enhance the therapeutic potential of proteins. By employing its Integrated Drug Creation Platform, Absci identifies novel drug targets and discovers optimal biotherapeutic candidates while simultaneously generating the necessary cell lines for manufacturing. This innovative approach allows biotech and pharmaceutical partners to develop next-generation protein-based drugs, including Bionic Proteins that incorporate nonstandard amino acids and other unique drug designs that may be unattainable through traditional methods. Absci's mission focuses on advancing 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's team of experienced entrepreneurs and seasoned medical device professionals are partnering with an exceptional group of physicians and scientists to develop innovative, cost effective devices that provide physiological feedback to alleviate doubt and uncertainty during common medical procedures.

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 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, operates as a biopharmaceutical company. It engages in developing and manufacturing Tarmogens, a targeted molecular immunotherapy for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Its products include GI-3000, a Tarmogen for epidermal growth factor receptor over expressing tumors; GI-4000, a Tarmogen for mutated-Ras mediated cancers; GI-5005, a Tarmogen for chronic hepatitis C infection; GI-8000, a Tarmogen for influenza; and GI-10000 Targeted Ablation of Mutational Escape, a novel use of the Tarmogen platform that eliminates or prevents the emergence of mutated escape variants in patients receiving antiviral or targeted cancer therapies. GlobeImmune was founded in 1995 as Ceres Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The company is based in Louisville, Colorado.

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 for a range of indications, including inflammation, complement-mediated diseases, and central nervous system disorders. The company is known for its commercial product, OMIDRIA, which is used during cataract surgery in the United States. Omeros has several clinical programs, with its lead candidate, Narsoplimab, in Phase III trials for conditions such as thrombotic microangiopathy and immunoglobulin A nephropathy, as well as Phase II trials for lupus nephritis. Other clinical programs include OMS405 for opioid and nicotine addiction and OMS527 for addiction and compulsive disorders. The company also has a robust pipeline of preclinical programs targeting various disorders, including MASP-3 for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and a GPCR platform aimed at treating a broad range of diseases. Omeros was incorporated in 1994 and remains dedicated to addressing significant unmet medical needs.

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 develops innovative medical technologies for the treatment of lung diseases. Its first product, InterVapor™, is the first and only approach to endoscopic lung volume reduction for people with severe emphysema that uses the body’s natural healing process without leaving any foreign materials in the lung. In clinical studies, InterVapor has demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in breathing function, exercise capacity and quality of life.

Accium BioSciences

Seed Round in 2006
Developer of an ultrasensitive detection platform designed to overcome challenges faced in clinical development of novel drugs. The company's ultrasensitive detection platform investigates pharmacologic and pharmacodynamic endpoints of Merck's Temodar® in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients, providing 14C-methylation measurements of tumor DNA after 14C-Temodar® administration. The purpose of the study is to identify pharmacologic or pharmacodynamic endpoints that may be predictive of response to therapy in individual patients, enabling clinicians to involve therapeutic response prediction and resistance to treatment.

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 facilitating digital transformation in the Life and Pensions industry. It develops a comprehensive policy administration system that streamlines operations and replaces outdated legacy systems, allowing for the automation and digitization of essential business processes. In addition to its software solutions, Lumera specializes in the development of proprietary polymer materials, utilizing expertise in nanotechnology to design and synthesize materials at the molecular level. This approach enhances the electrical, optical, and surface properties of the materials, enabling a wide range of applications. Through its innovative technologies, Lumera aims to drive efficiency and modernization within the insurance sector.
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