WRF Capital

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.

Thomas Cable

Co-Founder, Private Investor and Board Member

William Canestaro

Managing Director

Loretta Little

Managing Director

Brooks Simpson

Chairman of the Board of Directors

34 past transactions

Archon Bio

Seed Round in 2024
Archon Bio is a biotechnology company that specializes in engineering proteins to enhance therapeutic outcomes. It focuses on creating self-assembling protein antibody nanomaterials, aiming to improve immune modulation and super agonism of the TNF receptor superfamily. By increasing the size and valency of off-the-shelf antibodies, Archon seeks to induce stronger responses, thereby advancing regenerative medicine and cancer treatment.

Talus Bio

Seed Round in 2024
Talus Bio is a biotechnology startup focused on drug discovery and development, particularly targeting challenging cancer transcription factors. The company employs an innovative approach that integrates functional proteomics, automated biology, and machine learning. Their MARMOT platform utilizes AI, advanced proteomics, synthetic chemistry, and computational biology to design and analyze drugs, proteins, and genomics. This platform is designed to advance drug development for gene regulation in oncology, aiming to create small-molecule therapies that can effectively control gene expression in cancer cells.

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 parenteral medical countermeasure drugs, particularly tezampanel, for treating seizures and brain injuries. Founded in 2016, the company has demonstrated preclinical efficacy in addressing nerve agent-induced seizures, particularly in studies involving exposure to soman, a highly toxic chemical weapon. By targeting the central nervous system, Proniras aims to develop novel small-molecule therapeutics for various neurological conditions characterized by high unmet medical needs. Their research is designed to provide medical researchers with valuable tools for advancing treatments in this critical area.

AdaptX

Series B in 2023
AdaptX is a Seattle-based healthcare technology company established in 2016, spun out from Seattle Children's Hospital. It specializes in data analytics, visualization, and AI for hospitals and surgery centers. The company's core product is a clinical healthcare analytics platform that integrates with institutions' existing electronic data systems. This platform enables medical professionals to monitor, analyze, and improve clinical outcomes and workflows, ultimately enhancing care quality and reducing costs. AdaptX empowers both medical leaders and frontline clinicians to make data-driven decisions, transforming clinical operations within healthcare providers' facilities.

KayoThera

Series A in 2023
KayoThera is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapeutics aimed at treating late-stage and metastatic cancers. Founded in 2019 and based in Princeton, New Jersey, the company specializes in creating first-in-class immuno- and targeted therapies. Its primary approach involves inhibiting a key enzyme that protects cancer cells and depleting regulatory T-cells, which enhances the effectiveness of existing chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments. KayoThera's mission is to provide new hope for patients facing previously incurable cancers by advancing its therapeutic programs.

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 is a Seattle-based company that specializes in the development and commercialization of innovative miniature sensors for applications such as eye tracking, human-machine interfaces, wearables, and industrial safety. Founded in 2021, the company has created the world's first paper-composite capacitive sensor, which is ultra-thin, energy-efficient, and potentially disposable. These carbon nanotube-based sensors enhance sensitivity and aim to replace traditional cameras and sensors in various devices, thereby improving the overall human experience through advanced 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 Seattle-based healthcare technology company established in 2016, spun out from Seattle Children's Hospital. It specializes in data analytics, visualization, and AI for hospitals and surgery centers. The company's core product is a clinical healthcare analytics platform that integrates with institutions' existing electronic data systems. This platform enables medical professionals to monitor, analyze, and improve clinical outcomes and workflows, ultimately enhancing care quality and reducing costs. AdaptX empowers both medical leaders and frontline clinicians to make data-driven decisions, transforming clinical operations within healthcare providers' facilities.

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 develops a range of products aimed at improving health and wellness. Its flagship programs include SmartQuit, a smoking cessation program grounded in acceptance commitment therapy; My Pocket Coach, which helps users set and achieve personal goals; and Healthy Habits, designed to cultivate positive habits and eliminate negative ones. 2Morrow distributes these programs through various channels, including employers, state health initiatives, wellness programs, and health plans. With a strong emphasis on research, the company has published multiple studies and participated in clinical trials, further establishing its role in the digital health arena. 2Morrow continues to innovate, with additional products in development targeting substance use and chronic conditions.

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 is a technology company that specializes in millimeter wave imaging solutions for various commercial and industrial applications. Founded in 2017 and based in Seattle, Washington, ThruWave offers low-cost sensors that leverage patent-pending radar signal processing and GPU-accelerated image reconstruction techniques. Its innovative technology is designed for multiple markets, including robotics, construction, and quality control. By enabling the imaging of internal structures such as walls, ceilings, and floors, ThruWave's solutions enhance operational efficiency and reduce risks for construction professionals. Additionally, its systems assist in inventory verification, shipment validation, and detecting packaging issues, thereby empowering clients to automatically verify proper packaging, count contents, and identify damaged or missing items.

WiBotic

Series A in 2020
WiBotic Inc. is a company specializing in wireless charging and power optimization solutions for robotic systems, including aerial, mobile, and underwater vehicles. Established in 2014 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, WiBotic develops a range of products, including wireless charging systems, transmitters, onboard chargers, and antenna coils, as well as professional services. The company also offers advanced power management software that enhances battery performance and optimizes the operational efficiency of entire fleets of robots. This technology automatically detects when a robot or drone approaches a charging platform, facilitating seamless and autonomous battery charging. WiBotic's solutions are designed to be safe, reliable, and scalable, enabling clients to reduce charging and maintenance costs while maximizing battery lifespan and operational capabilities.

Membrion

Series A in 2020
Membrion, Inc. is a technology company based in Seattle, Washington, that specializes in the manufacture and commercialization of advanced membranes designed to filter various molecules, including ions, under a wide range of conditions such as temperature extremes, acidity, and biological sensitivity. Founded in 2016 as a spin-out from the University of Washington, Membrion focuses on applications in flow batteries, water purification, fuel cells, and pharmaceuticals. The company’s ion exchange membrane technology, which utilizes silica gel, offers clients membranes characterized by extended lifespans and reduced costs. Membrion has received significant funding from multiple sources, including academic institutions, charitable trusts, and private investors, facilitating the transition from research to commercial production.

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 technology company that specializes in providing contextual answer services for websites and mobile applications. Founded in 2012 and based in Seattle, Washington, AnswerDash offers a cloud-based platform that allows businesses to deliver self-service, point-and-click answers to users, thereby improving customer experience and reducing support costs. The platform integrates seamlessly with existing live chat services, enabling customers to seek personalized assistance when needed. By predicting user questions based on web page content and employing artificial intelligence, AnswerDash ensures that relevant information is readily available at the point of action. The company was previously known as Qazzow, Inc. until its name change in May 2014 and currently 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 specializes in developing enterprise software solutions for private health exchanges, health carriers, and third-party administrators. Founded in 2011, FlexMinder focuses on automating the healthcare reimbursement process, specifically for flexible spending accounts. The company's software aggregates healthcare information from various sources, streamlining the claims submission process for participants and significantly reducing manual processing time and costs for third-party administrators. By offering online tools that enhance the management of healthcare reimbursement accounts, FlexMinder aims to improve user experience and facilitate better financial management in the healthcare sector. 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 has developed a wireless sensing platform that utilizes existing electrical wiring within homes to facilitate communication. Its flagship product, WallyHome, is designed to monitor environmental conditions such as moisture, temperature, and humidity, providing homeowners with alerts about potential hazards like water leaks and mold growth. SNUPI Technologies focuses on protecting homes from various dangers, including water, smoke, heat, and methane, through its innovative sensing solutions. As of October 2015, it operates as a subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation.

Mobisante

Series A in 2013
Mobisante, Inc. is a Redmond, Washington-based company that specializes in the development of cellphone-based diagnostic devices, particularly focusing on ultrasound technology. Founded in 2009, Mobisante aims to enhance medical imaging by providing safe, simple, non-invasive, and affordable ultrasound solutions that can be utilized by emergency physicians, surgeons, academic medical centers, and community clinics. Their products enable clinicians to conduct imaging closer to the point of patient care, which has been shown to improve clinical outcomes and healthcare efficiency. By leveraging advanced mobile computing technology, Mobisante offers more accessible and cost-effective imaging alternatives compared to traditional, complex systems. In addition to human healthcare, the company is expanding its offerings to veterinarians in the United States, providing portable imaging solutions for companion animal diagnosis and treatment.

Mirador Biomedical

Series B in 2011
Mirador Biomedical is a company that focuses on the development and manufacturing of innovative physiological pressure measurement devices. It collaborates with a team of experienced entrepreneurs, medical device professionals, physicians, and scientists to create cost-effective solutions that enhance medical procedures. Their product offerings include devices for compass vascular access, lumbar puncture, compartment pressure measurement, thoracentesis, and vascular access lock systems. By providing physiological feedback, Mirador Biomedical aims to reduce doubt and uncertainty in common medical practices, ultimately improving patient outcomes and procedural efficiency.

Modumetal

Venture Round in 2009
Modumetal, Inc. specializes in the development and manufacturing of nano-laminated metals and materials, catering to various industries including energy, aerospace, automotive, defense, infrastructure, and construction. Founded in 2006 and based in Seattle, Washington, with an additional sales office in The Woodlands, Texas, the company utilizes a proprietary technology that produces these alloys at an industrial scale. Modumetal's products are engineered to be stronger, lighter, and more corrosion-resistant than traditional metals, achieved through a manufacturing process that employs electricity instead of heat, thereby minimizing environmental impact. The company's offerings include customized alloys, nano-laminated fasteners, pumps, valves, and production tubulars, all designed to enhance performance and durability while maintaining competitive pricing compared to conventional materials.

Pathway Medical Technologies

Series D in 2009
Pathway Medical Technologies Inc. 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 atherectomy catheter, which is engineered to restore circulation in peripheral arteries by effectively removing hard and soft plaque, calcium deposits, thrombus, and fibrotic lesions. Accompanying this device is a control pod that offers a user-friendly interface with keypad controls for seamless operation. Pathway Medical Technologies is dedicated to providing safe and effective treatment options for patients suffering from arterial diseases.

GlobeImmune

Series C in 2007
GlobeImmune, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Louisville, Colorado, specializing in the development of therapeutic products for cancer and infectious diseases utilizing its proprietary Tarmogen platform. Founded in 1995 as Ceres Pharmaceuticals, the company focuses on creating targeted molecular immunotherapies. Its product pipeline includes GS-4774, currently in Phase 2 trials for chronic hepatitis B infection, and GI-6301, aimed at cancers expressing the brachyury protein. Additionally, GlobeImmune is advancing GI-6207 for medullary thyroid cancer and GI-4000 for resected pancreatic cancer, with multiple Phase 2 clinical trials for various other cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer. The company is also developing several candidates targeting infectious diseases, including GI-19000 for tuberculosis, GI-2010 for HIV, and GI-18000 for hepatitis D, which are in preclinical stages. GlobeImmune has established strategic collaborations with notable organizations, enhancing its research and development efforts.

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 service founded in 2003 that helps travelers determine the optimal time to purchase airline tickets. By analyzing 175 billion points of historical airfare data, Farecast predicts whether ticket prices will rise or fall up to a week in advance, boasting a success rate of 70-75%. This innovative approach distinguishes Farecast from other travel companies, as it is the only platform that offers such predictive capabilities. In addition to airfare predictions, Farecast has expanded its services to include hotel price comparisons, displaying results from various travel search sites on an interactive map. This feature helps users identify whether a hotel is overpriced or attractively priced, using color coding to highlight deals. Overall, Farecast aims to assist travelers in making informed decisions to save on travel costs.

Alder Biopharmaceuticals

Series B in 2006
Alder BioPharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Bothell, Washington, focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing therapeutic antibodies. The company aims to transform treatment paradigms for patients with migraine and other conditions, utilizing proprietary technologies to enhance the efficacy and durability of therapeutic responses. Its lead product candidate, eptinezumab, is a monoclonal antibody designed to prevent migraines, currently in late-stage clinical development. Additionally, Alder is developing ALD1910, a preclinical monoclonal antibody for migraine prevention, and Clazakizumab, which targets interleukin-6 and has completed two Phase 2b clinical trials. Alder also collaborates with CSL Limited to develop Clazakizumab for preventing solid organ transplant rejection. The company operates primarily in the United States, Australia, and Ireland, where it seeks to address unmet medical needs in various therapeutic areas, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory disorders. Founded in 2002, Alder BioPharmaceuticals operates as a subsidiary of H. Lundbeck A/S.

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., established in 2004 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, is a contract research organization specializing in ultrasensitive bio-analytical services for biotech and pharmaceutical companies across North America. The company's core service is accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) analysis, enabling attomole-level quantitation of drugs and metabolites in clinical samples, with routine detection limits as low as 0.01 disintegrations per minute (DPM). Accium offers a range of services including HPLC method design, metabolite profiling, sample processing, analytical report writing, consulting for clinical protocol design, regulatory compliance, and pharmacokinetic data analysis. Their ultrasensitive detection platform is currently employed in a study investigating pharmacologic endpoints of Merck's Temodar® in glioblastoma multiforme patients, aiming to predict therapeutic response 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 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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