Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is an independent non-profit organization based in Seattle, Washington, established in 2000. It is dedicated to reducing global inequities by focusing on improving health, alleviating extreme poverty, and supporting educational initiatives. The foundation also engages in community giving within the Pacific Northwest, promoting strategies and programs that assist low-income families. With regional offices in Washington, D.C.; New Delhi, India; Beijing, China; and London, United Kingdom, the foundation is governed by its co-founders, Bill and Melinda Gates, along with trustee Warren Buffett. Its mission encompasses a wide range of global challenges, aiming to create lasting change through targeted grant-making and programmatic efforts.

Harish Iyer

Deputy Director, Digital and Health Innovation

Chris Karp

Director, Global Health Discovery and Translational Sciences

Keith Klugman

Director

Trevor Mundel

President, Global Health

Rob Nabors

Director, North America

Lynda Stuart

Deputy Director

Mark Suzman

President, Global Policy and Advocacy

Chris Wilson

Director

Past deals in Genetics

Tessera Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2024
Tessera Therapeutics is an early-stage life sciences company pioneering Gene Writing, a new biotechnology designed to offer scientists and clinicians the ability to write small and large therapeutic messages into the genome, thereby curing diseases at their source. Gene Writing holds the potential to become a new category in genetic medicine, building upon recent breakthroughs in gene therapy and gene editing while eliminating important limitations in their reach, utilization, and efficacy. Tessera Therapeutics was founded by Flagship Pioneering, a life sciences innovation enterprise that conceives, resources, and develops first-in-category companies to transform human health and sustainability.

Snipr Biome

Grant in 2024
Snipr Biome ApS is a biotechnology company based in Copenhagen, Denmark, focusing on the development of CRISPR technology for the treatment of microbial diseases. Established in 2017, the company aims to revolutionize how such diseases are addressed by leveraging the adaptive immune system to create medicines that selectively target and eliminate harmful bacteria based on their specific DNA sequences. By utilizing a novel approach that subverts elements of the endogenous bacterial CRISPR machinery, Snipr Biome provides health professionals with innovative tools for targeted microbiome engineering, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of treatments for bacterial infections.

Ginkgo Bioworks

Grant in 2024
Ginkgo Bioworks is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2008. It specializes in biological engineering, designing and developing custom microbes and organisms for various applications. The company discovers and licenses molecules used in flavors, sweeteners, cosmetic ingredients, crop treatments, and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, it offers probiotic bacteria aimed at protecting against infections and creates libraries of molecules for natural product discovery. Ginkgo Bioworks operates primarily in the markets of cultured ingredients, carbon mitigation, probiotics, and biosecurity. The biosecurity segment, which generates the majority of the company's revenue, provides data analytics and related services to organizations across diverse sectors, including food, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and specialty chemicals.

Phase Genomics

Grant in 2024
Phase Genomics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2015. The company specializes in developing innovative technology for genome assembly and metagenome deconvolution, focusing on its ProxiMeta Hi-C platform. This platform empowers researchers in various fields, including agriculture, human health, and industrial biology, by enabling the cultivation-independent assembly of bacterial genomes. By exploiting the structure of DNA, Phase Genomics aims to provide scientists with the most complete and accurate genomes and metagenomes possible, facilitating transformative discoveries and advancements in their respective areas of study.

Ginkgo Bioworks

Grant in 2023
Ginkgo Bioworks is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2008. It specializes in biological engineering, designing and developing custom microbes and organisms for various applications. The company discovers and licenses molecules used in flavors, sweeteners, cosmetic ingredients, crop treatments, and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, it offers probiotic bacteria aimed at protecting against infections and creates libraries of molecules for natural product discovery. Ginkgo Bioworks operates primarily in the markets of cultured ingredients, carbon mitigation, probiotics, and biosecurity. The biosecurity segment, which generates the majority of the company's revenue, provides data analytics and related services to organizations across diverse sectors, including food, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and specialty chemicals.

STRM.BIO

Grant in 2023
STRM.BIO is a biotechnology company focused on enhancing gene therapy delivery through the use of extracellular vesicles (EVs). These natural carriers, which transport nucleic acids and proteins, offer innate targeting capabilities and can be mass-produced efficiently. By leveraging EVs, STRM.BIO aims to create a new class of therapeutics that not only introduces novel treatments but also improves the effectiveness of existing therapies. The company's approach seeks to simplify and enhance the safety of gene therapy delivery directly to patients, fulfilling the potential of this innovative medical field.

Aegis Life

Grant in 2023
Aegis Life is a biotechnology company focused on advancing nucleic acid delivery technology, specifically through its proprietary platform known as fusogenix PLV. This technology, developed over two decades, is designed to facilitate the rapid development and commercialization of vaccines and therapeutics aimed at preventing and treating infectious diseases. Aegis Life's innovative approach supports the pharmaceutical industry in accelerating the discovery, clinical development, and manufacturing processes for vaccines and treatments, particularly in response to emerging health threats such as COVID-19.

Touchlight Genetics

Grant in 2022
Touchlight Genetics Ltd. is a biotechnology company based in Leatherhead, United Kingdom, specializing in DNA therapies and technology. Founded in 2007, it has developed the proTL synthetic DNA platform, which allows for the production of doggybone closed linear DNA without the need for bacterial fermentation. This innovative approach supports various applications, including veterinary vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, cancer and gene therapies, allergy treatments, RNA interference therapies, and stem cell reprogramming. The company boasts a skilled scientific and drug development team, led by founder and CEO Jonny Ohlson, and includes experienced professionals such as Clive Dix and John Tite. Touchlight has established partnerships with several leading academic institutions, including Imperial College London and the University of Pennsylvania, to advance its research and development efforts. The company has successfully patented its synthetic DNA platform and demonstrated therapeutic proof-of-principle through collaboration with these academic partners.

Manus Bio

Grant in 2022
Manus Bio Inc. specializes in recreating plant processes within microorganisms to produce natural ingredients through advanced fermentation technology. Founded in 2011 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company focuses on converting sugar sources into a variety of applications, including flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, cosmetics, vitamins, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural chemicals. By integrating metabolic engineering, protein engineering, and systems biology, Manus Bio develops microbes that efficiently manufacture complex and bioactive natural products. The company operates manufacturing facilities in Cambridge and Augusta, Georgia, and has established a strategic partnership with BBGI Public Company Limited. Formerly known as Manus Biosynthesis, Inc., the company adopted its current name in June 2018.

Phase Genomics

Grant in 2022
Phase Genomics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2015. The company specializes in developing innovative technology for genome assembly and metagenome deconvolution, focusing on its ProxiMeta Hi-C platform. This platform empowers researchers in various fields, including agriculture, human health, and industrial biology, by enabling the cultivation-independent assembly of bacterial genomes. By exploiting the structure of DNA, Phase Genomics aims to provide scientists with the most complete and accurate genomes and metagenomes possible, facilitating transformative discoveries and advancements in their respective areas of study.

Yemaachi Biotechnology

Grant in 2022
Yemaachi Biotechnology is focused on advancing the diagnosis and treatment of cancer through innovative therapeutic technologies. The company employs immunogenomics, bioinformatics, and artificial intelligence to enhance the development of effective cancer detection and treatment strategies. By leveraging these advanced methodologies, Yemaachi aims to lower the economic burden of cancer and improve patient outcomes through more accurate and efficient therapeutic solutions.

CRISPR Therapeutics

Grant in 2020
CRISPR Therapeutics is focused on the development of transformative medicines using its proprietary CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing platform. CRISPR/Cas9 is a revolutionary technology that allows for precise, directed changes to genomic DNA. They have licensed the foundational CRISPR/Cas9 patent estate for human therapeutic use from their scientific founder, Dr. Emmanuelle Charpentier, who co-invented the application of CRISPR/Cas9 for gene editing. CRISPR Therapeutics’ vision is to cure serious human diseases at the molecular level using CRISPR-Cas9. The company is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland and has operations in London, UK.

A-Alpha Bio

Grant in 2020
A-Alpha Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, established in 2017. The company specializes in synthetic biology, offering a platform known as AlphaSeq, which assists pharmaceutical companies in the development of drugs that interact with multiple targets. A-Alpha Bio provides cell-based tools for high-throughput and quantitative measurements of protein interactions, facilitating target discovery, library screening, and preclinical drug characterization. Its proprietary technology enables the mapping of protein-protein interactions at a large scale, allowing for the identification and quantification of interactions among thousands of protein pairs simultaneously. By delivering detailed maps of these interactions, A-Alpha Bio helps researchers identify potential drug targets and understand disease mechanisms, thereby streamlining the therapeutic discovery process and improving the efficiency of drug development. The company comprises a team of experts in synthetic biology, structural biology, and next-generation sequencing, focused on overcoming challenges in the drug development pipeline.

Manus Bio

Grant in 2019
Manus Bio Inc. specializes in recreating plant processes within microorganisms to produce natural ingredients through advanced fermentation technology. Founded in 2011 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company focuses on converting sugar sources into a variety of applications, including flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, cosmetics, vitamins, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural chemicals. By integrating metabolic engineering, protein engineering, and systems biology, Manus Bio develops microbes that efficiently manufacture complex and bioactive natural products. The company operates manufacturing facilities in Cambridge and Augusta, Georgia, and has established a strategic partnership with BBGI Public Company Limited. Formerly known as Manus Biosynthesis, Inc., the company adopted its current name in June 2018.

Phase Genomics

Grant in 2019
Phase Genomics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2015. The company specializes in developing innovative technology for genome assembly and metagenome deconvolution, focusing on its ProxiMeta Hi-C platform. This platform empowers researchers in various fields, including agriculture, human health, and industrial biology, by enabling the cultivation-independent assembly of bacterial genomes. By exploiting the structure of DNA, Phase Genomics aims to provide scientists with the most complete and accurate genomes and metagenomes possible, facilitating transformative discoveries and advancements in their respective areas of study.

Lyell Immunopharma

Series A in 2018
Lyell Immunopharma is a clinical-stage company focused on developing innovative T cell therapies for patients with solid tumors. The company aims to overcome major challenges in adoptive T cell therapy, such as T cell exhaustion and the loss of durable stemness, which affects the efficacy of treatment. To achieve this, Lyell employs proprietary ex vivo genetic and epigenetic reprogramming technologies, known as Gen-R and Epi-R, to enhance T cell functionality. The company's product pipeline includes several candidates, such as LYL797, LYL119, and LYL845, which are designed to provide improved and lasting therapeutic outcomes for patients.

Evolve Biosystems

Series C in 2018
Evolve Biosystems, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Davis, California, focused on developing and marketing probiotic-based biotherapeutics aimed at establishing, restoring, and maintaining a healthy human microbiome. The company specializes in addressing gut dysbiosis across the human life cycle, particularly in newborns during their first six months of life. Evolve Biosystems utilizes a platform that combines specific probiotic bacteria with prebiotic oligosaccharides to create effective delivery systems. Their products include consumer-directed solutions for home use as well as specialized formulations for neonatal intensive care units. In addition to human health, the company also applies its discovery platform to address similar microbiome issues in production animals. Evolve Biosystems was incorporated in 2011.

Scripps Research

Grant in 2018
Scripps Research is a prominent independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing biomedical research aimed at enhancing human health. Established from the Scripps Metabolic Clinic in 1924, it has grown into one of the largest institutions of its kind, employing around 3,000 individuals across its campuses in La Jolla, California, and Jupiter, Florida. The institute is recognized for its significant contributions to the biomedical sciences, including the development of new treatments for various diseases such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and hemophilia. Scripps Research is home to renowned scientists, including three Nobel laureates, who engage in cutting-edge research. Additionally, its graduate program in biology and chemistry is highly regarded, consistently ranking among the top ten programs in the United States.

Novartis

Grant in 2018
Novartis is a global healthcare company headquartered in Switzerland, dedicated to addressing the evolving needs of patients worldwide through the development and manufacturing of innovative pharmaceuticals. The company focuses on a wide range of therapeutic areas, including oncology, rare diseases, neuroscience, immunology, respiratory, and cardio-metabolic conditions. Novartis is also active in medical nutrition, providing specialized nutritional solutions for individuals with specific dietary needs. Additionally, its animal health division develops advanced medicines aimed at improving the health and welfare of pets, farm animals, and farmed fish. The Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation plays a crucial role in bridging basic science and preclinical drug discovery, employing nearly 600 scientists to enhance drug development processes. Through its diverse portfolio and commitment to research, Novartis aims to transform patient care and improve health outcomes globally.

Manus Bio

Grant in 2018
Manus Bio Inc. specializes in recreating plant processes within microorganisms to produce natural ingredients through advanced fermentation technology. Founded in 2011 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company focuses on converting sugar sources into a variety of applications, including flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, cosmetics, vitamins, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural chemicals. By integrating metabolic engineering, protein engineering, and systems biology, Manus Bio develops microbes that efficiently manufacture complex and bioactive natural products. The company operates manufacturing facilities in Cambridge and Augusta, Georgia, and has established a strategic partnership with BBGI Public Company Limited. Formerly known as Manus Biosynthesis, Inc., the company adopted its current name in June 2018.

AgBiome

Grant in 2016
AgBiome, LLC is a biotechnology company based in Durham, North Carolina, that focuses on developing biological products to address significant challenges in agriculture, particularly soil-borne diseases affecting greenhouse and major row crops. Utilizing advanced genomics and screening technologies, AgBiome identifies plant-associated microbes that can enhance plant health, improve pest resistance, and increase crop yields. The company operates a state-of-the-art laboratory and greenhouse facility and collaborates with prominent agricultural firms to expedite its research and product development. AgBiome's offerings include fungicides that protect crops from various diseases and a platform for capturing and screening diverse microbes for agricultural applications. Established in 2012, AgBiome aims to provide sustainable solutions that support global food production and address critical agricultural issues such as insect and nematode control.

Moderna

Grant in 2016
Moderna, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that specializes in developing therapeutics and vaccines using messenger RNA technology. Founded in 2010, the company focuses on various therapeutic areas, including infectious diseases, oncology, rare genetic disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. As of September 2024, Moderna has 40 mRNA development candidates in clinical development, demonstrating its commitment to advancing medical science. The company's mRNA platform has gained significant recognition, particularly with the authorization of its COVID-19 vaccine in December 2020. Moderna has established strategic collaborations with notable organizations such as AstraZeneca, Merck & Co., and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Additionally, it collaborates with Lonza Ltd. and Catalent for the manufacturing of its COVID-19 vaccine. Through its innovative approach, Moderna aims to provide effective solutions for a range of health challenges.

AgBiome

Series B in 2015
AgBiome, LLC is a biotechnology company based in Durham, North Carolina, that focuses on developing biological products to address significant challenges in agriculture, particularly soil-borne diseases affecting greenhouse and major row crops. Utilizing advanced genomics and screening technologies, AgBiome identifies plant-associated microbes that can enhance plant health, improve pest resistance, and increase crop yields. The company operates a state-of-the-art laboratory and greenhouse facility and collaborates with prominent agricultural firms to expedite its research and product development. AgBiome's offerings include fungicides that protect crops from various diseases and a platform for capturing and screening diverse microbes for agricultural applications. Established in 2012, AgBiome aims to provide sustainable solutions that support global food production and address critical agricultural issues such as insect and nematode control.

Genocea Biosciences

Grant in 2014
Genocea Biosciences is a biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on the discovery and development of innovative cancer immunotherapies and vaccines. Utilizing its proprietary ATLAS platform, the company profiles patients' CD4+ and CD8+ T cell immune responses to identify potential antigens in tumors. Genocea is advancing several immuno-oncology programs, including GEN-009, an adjuvanted neoantigen peptide vaccine currently in phase I/IIa clinical trials, and GEN-011, a neoantigen adoptive T cell therapy. Additionally, the company has developed GEN-003, an immunotherapy aimed at treating genital herpes, and is working on personalized cancer vaccines through its pre-clinical immuno-oncology program. Established in 2006, Genocea aims to address significant unmet medical needs with its targeted therapeutic approaches.

Genocea Biosciences

Series C in 2012
Genocea Biosciences is a biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on the discovery and development of innovative cancer immunotherapies and vaccines. Utilizing its proprietary ATLAS platform, the company profiles patients' CD4+ and CD8+ T cell immune responses to identify potential antigens in tumors. Genocea is advancing several immuno-oncology programs, including GEN-009, an adjuvanted neoantigen peptide vaccine currently in phase I/IIa clinical trials, and GEN-011, a neoantigen adoptive T cell therapy. Additionally, the company has developed GEN-003, an immunotherapy aimed at treating genital herpes, and is working on personalized cancer vaccines through its pre-clinical immuno-oncology program. Established in 2006, Genocea aims to address significant unmet medical needs with its targeted therapeutic approaches.
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