5AM Ventures

5AM Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2002 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, with an additional office in Boston. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments, primarily focusing on companies in the life sciences and healthcare sectors, including biopharmaceuticals, medical technology, and advanced research instruments. With a commitment to nurturing innovation, 5AM Ventures plays a pivotal role in supporting emerging companies that are at the forefront of scientific and technological advancements.

David Allison

Partner

John Diekman

Founding Partner

Max Farina

Senior Associate

Mason Freeman

Venture Partner

Michelle Ho

Associate

Michael Klein

Principal

Pengpeng Li

Associate

Deborah Palestrant

Partner

Kush Parmar

Managing Partner

Scott M. Rocklage

Founding Partner

Andrew Schwab

Managing Partner

Katie Bodner Spielberg

Senior Associate

Aniqa Tasnim

Associate

Arthur Tzianabos

Venture Partner

Rathnam Venkat

Analyst

Joseph Victor

Venture Partner

Anna Yaeger

Partner and Head of Public Equities

John Diekman Ph.D

Founding Partner

James Young Ph.D

Venture Partner

Past deals in Life Science

RareCyte

Series G in 2021
RareCyte, Inc. is a life sciences company based in Seattle, Washington, that specializes in the development of liquid and tissue biopsy analysis platforms aimed at the detection of rare cells. Founded in 2009, RareCyte focuses on providing innovative technologies for the Life Sciences research, drug development, and diagnostic markets. The company offers a range of products, including sample preparation systems, staining kits, and automated fluorescence microscopy instruments. Its AccuCyte system is particularly notable for enabling the unbiased discovery and isolation of circulating tumor cells and circulating endothelial cells from whole blood. RareCyte's technologies are designed to address complex challenges in cancer and cardiovascular disease research, facilitating advancements in precision medicine and non-invasive prenatal testing.

TMRW Life Sciences

Series C in 2021
TMRW Life Sciences is a developer of a cryo-storage platform intended to improve the success rates of assisted reproductive technology. The company's platform offers an in-clinic robotic storage system and a fully digital chain of custody from clinic to offsite longterm storage, continuous remote and local monitoring and electronically integrated processes characterized by digital health signals received from every oocyte and embryo daily, enabling clients to streamline embryology lab operations, eliminate manual steps and integrates digital quality control.

Ensoma

Series A in 2021
Ensoma is expanding the reach of the curative power of genomic medicine by pioneering a next-generation in vivo approach using its Engenious™ vectors. Ensoma’s vectors are designed to deliver a diverse range of gene modification technologies without the need for stem cell collection or prior myeloablative conditioning (e.g., chemotherapy). As a result, Ensoma’s therapies can be delivered as a single injection in a diverse range of settings, including outpatient and settings where access to sophisticated healthcare systems may be limited.

Enliven Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Enliven Therapeutics is a clinical-stage precision oncology company dedicated to the discovery and development of innovative small molecule therapies aimed at enhancing patient outcomes. The company focuses on addressing critical challenges in cancer treatment, such as tolerability, combinability, resistance, and disease progression, particularly in the context of brain metastases. Enliven's lead product candidates include ELVN-001, a selective small molecule kinase inhibitor targeting the BCR-ABL gene fusion associated with chronic myeloid leukemia, and ELVN-002, an irreversible HER2 inhibitor designed to penetrate the central nervous system and target both wild type HER2 and related variants. Through its advanced discovery process, Enliven Therapeutics aims to create first-in-class therapies that improve the quality of life for patients facing cancer.

Nido Biosciences

Venture Round in 2020
Nido Biosciences, Inc., founded in 2018 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, operates in the healthcare services sector. The company specializes in biotechnology and personal health, aiming to innovate within these fields. Currently in stealth mode, Nido Biosciences is focused on developing solutions that address unmet needs in healthcare and personal health management.

Vor Biopharma

Series B in 2020
Vor Biopharma, Inc. develops engineered hematopoietic stem cell (eHSC) therapies for cancer patients. It offers VOR33, an eHSC product candidate that is in preclinical development to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The company’s VOR33 eHSCs lacks CD33, a protein that is expressed by AML cancer cells. Vor Biopharma, Inc. was incorporated in 2015 and is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

RareCyte

Series F in 2019
RareCyte, Inc. is a life sciences company based in Seattle, Washington, that specializes in the development of liquid and tissue biopsy analysis platforms aimed at the detection of rare cells. Founded in 2009, RareCyte focuses on providing innovative technologies for the Life Sciences research, drug development, and diagnostic markets. The company offers a range of products, including sample preparation systems, staining kits, and automated fluorescence microscopy instruments. Its AccuCyte system is particularly notable for enabling the unbiased discovery and isolation of circulating tumor cells and circulating endothelial cells from whole blood. RareCyte's technologies are designed to address complex challenges in cancer and cardiovascular disease research, facilitating advancements in precision medicine and non-invasive prenatal testing.

TMRW Life Sciences

Series B in 2019
TMRW Life Sciences is a developer of a cryo-storage platform intended to improve the success rates of assisted reproductive technology. The company's platform offers an in-clinic robotic storage system and a fully digital chain of custody from clinic to offsite longterm storage, continuous remote and local monitoring and electronically integrated processes characterized by digital health signals received from every oocyte and embryo daily, enabling clients to streamline embryology lab operations, eliminate manual steps and integrates digital quality control.

Nido Biosciences

Venture Round in 2019
Nido Biosciences, Inc., founded in 2018 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, operates in the healthcare services sector. The company specializes in biotechnology and personal health, aiming to innovate within these fields. Currently in stealth mode, Nido Biosciences is focused on developing solutions that address unmet needs in healthcare and personal health management.

Cleave Therapeutics

Series C in 2019
Cleave Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The company specializes in developing novel small-molecule drugs that target valosin-containing protein and other protein-degradation pathways critical for the survival of cancer cells. By focusing on these mechanisms, Cleave Therapeutics aims to create enzyme inhibitors that can effectively treat cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Its research efforts are directed toward discovering innovative therapies that may improve patient outcomes in oncology.

Vor Biopharma

Series A in 2019
Vor Biopharma, Inc. develops engineered hematopoietic stem cell (eHSC) therapies for cancer patients. It offers VOR33, an eHSC product candidate that is in preclinical development to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The company’s VOR33 eHSCs lacks CD33, a protein that is expressed by AML cancer cells. Vor Biopharma, Inc. was incorporated in 2015 and is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Enliven Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2019
Enliven Therapeutics is a clinical-stage precision oncology company dedicated to the discovery and development of innovative small molecule therapies aimed at enhancing patient outcomes. The company focuses on addressing critical challenges in cancer treatment, such as tolerability, combinability, resistance, and disease progression, particularly in the context of brain metastases. Enliven's lead product candidates include ELVN-001, a selective small molecule kinase inhibitor targeting the BCR-ABL gene fusion associated with chronic myeloid leukemia, and ELVN-002, an irreversible HER2 inhibitor designed to penetrate the central nervous system and target both wild type HER2 and related variants. Through its advanced discovery process, Enliven Therapeutics aims to create first-in-class therapies that improve the quality of life for patients facing cancer.

BlueLight Therapeutics

Series C in 2018
Biodesy has developed a unique and highly sensitive means of detecting conformational change in proteins and other biological molecules. Our technology, based on a phenomenon called ‘second-harmonic generation’ (SHG), can monitor structural change at any site within a protein, in real time.

RareCyte

Venture Round in 2017
RareCyte, Inc. is a life sciences company based in Seattle, Washington, that specializes in the development of liquid and tissue biopsy analysis platforms aimed at the detection of rare cells. Founded in 2009, RareCyte focuses on providing innovative technologies for the Life Sciences research, drug development, and diagnostic markets. The company offers a range of products, including sample preparation systems, staining kits, and automated fluorescence microscopy instruments. Its AccuCyte system is particularly notable for enabling the unbiased discovery and isolation of circulating tumor cells and circulating endothelial cells from whole blood. RareCyte's technologies are designed to address complex challenges in cancer and cardiovascular disease research, facilitating advancements in precision medicine and non-invasive prenatal testing.

Scientist.com

Series C in 2017
Scientist.com has connected buyers and sellers of research services. Through this exchange, they are able to deliver faster science through an innovative approach to R&D. Find the best resources to support studies surrounding human biological samples, biomarkers, immunotherapy, protein engineering, molecular pharmacology, in vitro / in vivo assays and over 3,000 additional areas.

Scientist.com

Series C in 2017
Scientist.com has connected buyers and sellers of research services. Through this exchange, they are able to deliver faster science through an innovative approach to R&D. Find the best resources to support studies surrounding human biological samples, biomarkers, immunotherapy, protein engineering, molecular pharmacology, in vitro / in vivo assays and over 3,000 additional areas.

Cleave Therapeutics

Series B in 2016
Cleave Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The company specializes in developing novel small-molecule drugs that target valosin-containing protein and other protein-degradation pathways critical for the survival of cancer cells. By focusing on these mechanisms, Cleave Therapeutics aims to create enzyme inhibitors that can effectively treat cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Its research efforts are directed toward discovering innovative therapies that may improve patient outcomes in oncology.

Bioz

Seed Round in 2016
Bioz Inc. is a technology company that has developed a cloud-based platform utilizing natural language processing (NLP) and artificial intelligence (AI) to aid scientific researchers in the life sciences. Founded in 2013 and based in Palo Alto, California, Bioz offers a search engine that allows life scientists in academia and biopharma to efficiently find, compare, and select the appropriate reagents, instruments, and consumables for their experiments. The platform includes features such as full-text analysis, relevancy ranking, and a product rating system, all designed to enhance the research process. By analyzing data from the materials and methods sections of peer-reviewed articles, Bioz helps researchers identify key insights and correlations, ultimately accelerating scientific discovery and increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes in drug development and disease treatment.

BlueLight Therapeutics

Series B in 2016
Biodesy has developed a unique and highly sensitive means of detecting conformational change in proteins and other biological molecules. Our technology, based on a phenomenon called ‘second-harmonic generation’ (SHG), can monitor structural change at any site within a protein, in real time.

Spyryx Biosciences

Series A in 2015
Spyryx Biosciences is a biopharmaceutical company based in Durham, North Carolina, specializing in the development of inhaled peptide therapeutics aimed at treating obstructive lung diseases, specifically cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Founded in 2013 by Dr. Robert Tarran, the company emerged from his discovery of a novel mechanism by which the lungs regulate surface fluid. This mechanism is impaired in CF patients due to genetic mutations, leading to dehydration, mucus buildup, and subsequent lung damage. Spyryx's therapeutic approach targets this underlying dysfunction, showing promising results in preclinical studies by significantly improving survival in animal models of CF. Importantly, the treatment is designed to function independently of the specific genetic mutations responsible for CF, offering potential benefits to a broader patient population. Additionally, the company is exploring the relevance of this fluid regulation mechanism in COPD, a condition characterized by chronic bronchitis and emphysema, as part of its commitment to addressing multiple obstructive lung diseases.
EPIRUS is focusing on the central development of a broad pipeline of biosimilar monoclonal antibodies and therapeutic proteins, optimized for use within the SCALE™ disposable manufacturing system, and designed to be deployed in an "In Market, For Market" ™ manufacturing configuration.

Bird Rock Bio

Series B in 2014
Bird Rock Bio is focused on the discovery and development of novel biologic therapeutics that meet the medical and commercial needs for China’s patients and healthcare system and that have the potential to be disruptive globally. RYI-008 is a novel, extremely potent monoclonal antibody that is highly selective to IL-6, a cytokine widely implicated in inflammation and cancer. In addition to RYI-008, RuiYi has a growing pipeline of monoclonal antibodies from its internal discovery efforts utilizing a series of the Company’s technologies, including the iCAP (intramembranous Conformation Antigen Presenting) system. Targets include a select subset of G protein coupled receptors (GPCR), where specificity in binding is critical but has proven difficult to achieve with small molecule modulators.

BlueLight Therapeutics

Series A in 2013
Biodesy has developed a unique and highly sensitive means of detecting conformational change in proteins and other biological molecules. Our technology, based on a phenomenon called ‘second-harmonic generation’ (SHG), can monitor structural change at any site within a protein, in real time.

Achaogen

Series D in 2013
Achaogen, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing antibacterial agents to combat multi-drug resistant (MDR) gram-negative infections. The company's primary product, plazomicin, is designed to treat serious bacterial infections caused by MDR enterobacteriaceae, particularly carbapenem-resistant strains. Additionally, Achaogen is working on C-Scape, an orally-administered combination therapy targeting infections due to expanded spectrum beta-lactamases producing enterobacteriaceae. Achaogen has established several collaboration agreements, including partnerships with Thermo Fisher Scientific for assay development, and Ionis Pharmaceuticals for the advancement of aminoglycoside antibacterial compounds. The company generates revenue primarily through government contracts for research and development. Founded in 2002 and based in South San Francisco, California, Achaogen filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April 2019, transitioning to a liquidation plan in May 2020.
EPIRUS is focusing on the central development of a broad pipeline of biosimilar monoclonal antibodies and therapeutic proteins, optimized for use within the SCALE™ disposable manufacturing system, and designed to be deployed in an "In Market, For Market" ™ manufacturing configuration.
EPIRUS is focusing on the central development of a broad pipeline of biosimilar monoclonal antibodies and therapeutic proteins, optimized for use within the SCALE™ disposable manufacturing system, and designed to be deployed in an "In Market, For Market" ™ manufacturing configuration.

Cleave Therapeutics

Series A in 2011
Cleave Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The company specializes in developing novel small-molecule drugs that target valosin-containing protein and other protein-degradation pathways critical for the survival of cancer cells. By focusing on these mechanisms, Cleave Therapeutics aims to create enzyme inhibitors that can effectively treat cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Its research efforts are directed toward discovering innovative therapies that may improve patient outcomes in oncology.

DVS Sciences

Series A in 2011
DVS Sciences, Inc. manufactures and has global distribution of novel bioanalytical solutions for use in biomarker discovery, biological research and possible clinical applications. The patented multi-parameter solution comprises a high-throughput mass cytometer for quantitative individual cell analysis, CyTOF®, and a suite of MAXPAR® reagents, which include stable-isotope-tagged antibodies. The CyTOF – MAXPAR system overcomes the limitations of conventional flow cytometry, simplifies sample preparation and simultaneously identifies up to 100 biomarkers with high resolution and wide dynamic range. CyTOF systems are installed in leading laboratories across the U.S., Canada and Asia.

Achaogen

Series C in 2010
Achaogen, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing antibacterial agents to combat multi-drug resistant (MDR) gram-negative infections. The company's primary product, plazomicin, is designed to treat serious bacterial infections caused by MDR enterobacteriaceae, particularly carbapenem-resistant strains. Additionally, Achaogen is working on C-Scape, an orally-administered combination therapy targeting infections due to expanded spectrum beta-lactamases producing enterobacteriaceae. Achaogen has established several collaboration agreements, including partnerships with Thermo Fisher Scientific for assay development, and Ionis Pharmaceuticals for the advancement of aminoglycoside antibacterial compounds. The company generates revenue primarily through government contracts for research and development. Founded in 2002 and based in South San Francisco, California, Achaogen filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April 2019, transitioning to a liquidation plan in May 2020.

Bird Rock Bio

Series A in 2009
Bird Rock Bio is focused on the discovery and development of novel biologic therapeutics that meet the medical and commercial needs for China’s patients and healthcare system and that have the potential to be disruptive globally. RYI-008 is a novel, extremely potent monoclonal antibody that is highly selective to IL-6, a cytokine widely implicated in inflammation and cancer. In addition to RYI-008, RuiYi has a growing pipeline of monoclonal antibodies from its internal discovery efforts utilizing a series of the Company’s technologies, including the iCAP (intramembranous Conformation Antigen Presenting) system. Targets include a select subset of G protein coupled receptors (GPCR), where specificity in binding is critical but has proven difficult to achieve with small molecule modulators.

S*Bio

Venture Round in 2008
S*BIO Pte, Ltd., a biotech company, focuses on the discovery and clinical development of novel targeted small drugs for the treatment of cancer. It serves the biotechnology industry in Singapore. The company was founded in 2000 and is based in Singapore, Singapore. S*BIO Pte, Ltd. operates as a subsidiary of Chiron Corporation Limited.

Bird Rock Bio

Series A in 2008
Bird Rock Bio is focused on the discovery and development of novel biologic therapeutics that meet the medical and commercial needs for China’s patients and healthcare system and that have the potential to be disruptive globally. RYI-008 is a novel, extremely potent monoclonal antibody that is highly selective to IL-6, a cytokine widely implicated in inflammation and cancer. In addition to RYI-008, RuiYi has a growing pipeline of monoclonal antibodies from its internal discovery efforts utilizing a series of the Company’s technologies, including the iCAP (intramembranous Conformation Antigen Presenting) system. Targets include a select subset of G protein coupled receptors (GPCR), where specificity in binding is critical but has proven difficult to achieve with small molecule modulators.

VBI Vaccines

Series A in 2007
VBI Vaccines Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing vaccines for infectious diseases and immuno-oncology, with operations in Israel, the United States, and internationally. The company offers Sci-B-Vac, a prophylactic hepatitis B vaccine suitable for various age groups, and is advancing VBI-2601, an immunotherapeutic candidate aimed at achieving a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B. Utilizing its enveloped virus-like particle (eVLP) platform technology, VBI develops vaccines that closely mimic target viruses to elicit strong immune responses. Key candidates in its eVLP program include VBI-1901, a glioblastoma vaccine in Phase I/IIa clinical trials, and VBI-1501, a cytomegalovirus vaccine that has completed Phase I trials. VBI Vaccines also engages in collaboration and licensing agreements with various pharmaceutical and biotechnology entities, including partnerships for the commercialization of its hepatitis B vaccine and the development of a pan-coronavirus vaccine candidate. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company also has research facilities in Ottawa, Canada.

Achaogen

Series B in 2006
Achaogen, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing antibacterial agents to combat multi-drug resistant (MDR) gram-negative infections. The company's primary product, plazomicin, is designed to treat serious bacterial infections caused by MDR enterobacteriaceae, particularly carbapenem-resistant strains. Additionally, Achaogen is working on C-Scape, an orally-administered combination therapy targeting infections due to expanded spectrum beta-lactamases producing enterobacteriaceae. Achaogen has established several collaboration agreements, including partnerships with Thermo Fisher Scientific for assay development, and Ionis Pharmaceuticals for the advancement of aminoglycoside antibacterial compounds. The company generates revenue primarily through government contracts for research and development. Founded in 2002 and based in South San Francisco, California, Achaogen filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April 2019, transitioning to a liquidation plan in May 2020.

Kalypsys

Series B in 2004
Kalypsys specializes in pathway-based drug discovery and development services. The company conducts discovery programs across a wide range of therapeutic areas, leveraging its automated and integrated suite of technologies in biology, chemistry, and informatics. By utilizing advanced methodologies, Kalypsys aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the drug discovery process, ultimately contributing to the development of innovative therapies.
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