SyntaxBio
Seed Round in 2024
SyntaxBio develops CRISPR/Cas9-based, genetic programming platform that converts cells into biological computers using DNA-based instructions that read like lines of code. SyntaxBio's platform can program cells without the need for consistent external intervention.
Latus Bio
Series A in 2024
Latus Bio is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing innovative gene therapies for neurological diseases. It specializes in novel discovery approaches using non-human primate models, enabling precise delivery of therapeutic genes to targeted cells within the central nervous system. Latus Bio aims to enhance clinical safety and manufacturing efficiency by administering low doses of its proprietary adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsids.
Relation Therapeutics
Seed Round in 2024
Relation Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on advancing drug discovery and development. It utilizes human genetics and clinical omics data, alongside patient-derived tissue samples, to identify and validate therapeutic programs. The company employs machine learning to explore the relationships between genes, proteins, and drugs, generating insights that have real translational validity. By combining single-cell multi-omics from patient tissues with functional assays, Relation Therapeutics aims to deepen the understanding of biological processes in human health and disease. This approach enables healthcare providers to discover and develop novel treatments, particularly in areas with unmet medical needs.
Elo Life Systems
Series A in 2024
Elo Life Systems is a biotechnology company dedicated to enhancing human health and wellness through innovative food solutions. The company aims to bridge the gap between food, agriculture, and health by employing precision gene editing and breeding technologies, genomics, and data analytics. Through partnerships with stakeholders across the food systems value chain, Elo focuses on improving agricultural productivity, meeting nutritional demands, and addressing food security challenges. By replacing sugar and artificial sweeteners with healthier alternatives, Elo Life Systems empowers individuals to enjoy their favorite foods while promoting healthier lifestyles.
Totus Medicines
Series B in 2023
Totus Medicines is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies for diseases that have been historically difficult to treat. Utilizing advanced chemical biology techniques, the company employs a proprietary platform that enables high-throughput screening of billions of drug candidates against numerous biological targets. This approach allows Totus Medicines to identify effective molecules for traditionally challenging conditions, including cancer, Alzheimer's disease, infectious diseases, and age-related disorders. By harnessing the potential of covalent bonding and cutting-edge drug discovery methods, Totus Medicines aims to translate genetic insights into viable therapeutic options, addressing unmet medical needs across the human genome.
Elo Life Systems
Series A in 2023
Elo Life Systems is a biotechnology company dedicated to enhancing human health and wellness through innovative food solutions. The company aims to bridge the gap between food, agriculture, and health by employing precision gene editing and breeding technologies, genomics, and data analytics. Through partnerships with stakeholders across the food systems value chain, Elo focuses on improving agricultural productivity, meeting nutritional demands, and addressing food security challenges. By replacing sugar and artificial sweeteners with healthier alternatives, Elo Life Systems empowers individuals to enjoy their favorite foods while promoting healthier lifestyles.
Evonetix Ltd is a biotechnology company based in Little Chesterford, United Kingdom, founded in 2015. The company specializes in the development of a novel technology that allows for the parallel synthesis of DNA on silicon arrays, thereby advancing the field of synthetic biology. Evonetix aims to enhance DNA synthesis accuracy and scalability, making it accessible to researchers and transforming how DNA is produced and utilized for gene synthesis. With a highly experienced engineering team that combines expertise from various scientific and engineering disciplines, Evonetix is positioned to significantly impact the capabilities of synthetic biology by enabling applications that were previously unfeasible.
Nest Genomics (YC W22)
Seed Round in 2023
Nest Genomics is a lab-agnostic, comprehensive software solution for implementing genomic programs at scale.
Novome Biotechnologies
Series B in 2022
Novome Biotechnologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company specializing in the engineering of gut bacteria to create innovative therapies for chronic diseases. Established in 2015 and located in South San Francisco, California, Novome has developed a pioneering platform for the controlled colonization of the gut with genetically engineered microbial medicines (GEMMs). This platform allows for the precise delivery of therapeutic activities aimed at treating conditions such as hyperoxaluria, with a focus on creating a bacterial strain that can degrade oxalate to help prevent kidney stone formation. The company is also expanding its synthetic biology capabilities to explore additional therapeutic indications, aiming to improve long-term health outcomes for patients through its living therapeutics.
Relation Therapeutics
Seed Round in 2022
Relation Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on advancing drug discovery and development. It utilizes human genetics and clinical omics data, alongside patient-derived tissue samples, to identify and validate therapeutic programs. The company employs machine learning to explore the relationships between genes, proteins, and drugs, generating insights that have real translational validity. By combining single-cell multi-omics from patient tissues with functional assays, Relation Therapeutics aims to deepen the understanding of biological processes in human health and disease. This approach enables healthcare providers to discover and develop novel treatments, particularly in areas with unmet medical needs.
Totus Medicines
Series A in 2021
Totus Medicines is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies for diseases that have been historically difficult to treat. Utilizing advanced chemical biology techniques, the company employs a proprietary platform that enables high-throughput screening of billions of drug candidates against numerous biological targets. This approach allows Totus Medicines to identify effective molecules for traditionally challenging conditions, including cancer, Alzheimer's disease, infectious diseases, and age-related disorders. By harnessing the potential of covalent bonding and cutting-edge drug discovery methods, Totus Medicines aims to translate genetic insights into viable therapeutic options, addressing unmet medical needs across the human genome.
GenEdit Inc., established in 2016 and headquartered in Berkeley, California, specializes in developing innovative genome editing tools. The company's core technology is CRISPR/Cas9, which enables precise therapeutic gene editing. GenEdit has further advanced this field by creating the NanoGalaxy™ platform, a proprietary non-viral delivery system that efficiently transports CRISPR/Cas9 to target tissues, overcoming previous delivery challenges. This platform systematically screens a library of nanoparticles to ensure safer and more effective delivery, making therapeutic gene editing easier, faster, and more accurate than traditional methods. GenEdit's ultimate goal is to facilitate the cure of previously incurable genetic diseases by providing physicians with powerful tools for gene therapy.
Zymergen, Inc. is a biotechnology company that focuses on researching, developing, and manufacturing microbes for various industries, including agriculture, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and personal care. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Emeryville, California, Zymergen employs a platform that integrates automation, machine learning, and genomics to enhance the efficiency of microbial strain optimization and production processes. This technology enables the company to improve existing manufacturing strains and facilitates the development of new products by engineering novel molecules from microbes. With additional offices in Boise, Idaho; Medford, Massachusetts; Seattle, Washington; and Tokyo, Japan, Zymergen aims to partner with nature to create innovative materials and products that deliver significant value across multiple sectors.
Evonetix Ltd is a biotechnology company based in Little Chesterford, United Kingdom, founded in 2015. The company specializes in the development of a novel technology that allows for the parallel synthesis of DNA on silicon arrays, thereby advancing the field of synthetic biology. Evonetix aims to enhance DNA synthesis accuracy and scalability, making it accessible to researchers and transforming how DNA is produced and utilized for gene synthesis. With a highly experienced engineering team that combines expertise from various scientific and engineering disciplines, Evonetix is positioned to significantly impact the capabilities of synthetic biology by enabling applications that were previously unfeasible.
Empirico is a biotechnology company focused on developing an insights platform that leverages biological data derived from human genetics to facilitate the creation of new medicines. The platform integrates extensive biological datasets and employs programmable biology to enhance target discovery and development processes. This enables researchers to systematically generate, analyze, and prioritize therapeutic hypotheses with a high degree of confidence, thereby advancing the search for innovative treatments. Through its technology, Empirico aims to transform the landscape of drug development by providing actionable insights that can lead to effective medical solutions.
Novome Biotechnologies
Series A in 2020
Novome Biotechnologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company specializing in the engineering of gut bacteria to create innovative therapies for chronic diseases. Established in 2015 and located in South San Francisco, California, Novome has developed a pioneering platform for the controlled colonization of the gut with genetically engineered microbial medicines (GEMMs). This platform allows for the precise delivery of therapeutic activities aimed at treating conditions such as hyperoxaluria, with a focus on creating a bacterial strain that can degrade oxalate to help prevent kidney stone formation. The company is also expanding its synthetic biology capabilities to explore additional therapeutic indications, aiming to improve long-term health outcomes for patients through its living therapeutics.
Zymergen, Inc. is a biotechnology company that focuses on researching, developing, and manufacturing microbes for various industries, including agriculture, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and personal care. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Emeryville, California, Zymergen employs a platform that integrates automation, machine learning, and genomics to enhance the efficiency of microbial strain optimization and production processes. This technology enables the company to improve existing manufacturing strains and facilitates the development of new products by engineering novel molecules from microbes. With additional offices in Boise, Idaho; Medford, Massachusetts; Seattle, Washington; and Tokyo, Japan, Zymergen aims to partner with nature to create innovative materials and products that deliver significant value across multiple sectors.
Genedit
Seed Round in 2018
GenEdit Inc., established in 2016 and headquartered in Berkeley, California, specializes in developing innovative genome editing tools. The company's core technology is CRISPR/Cas9, which enables precise therapeutic gene editing. GenEdit has further advanced this field by creating the NanoGalaxy™ platform, a proprietary non-viral delivery system that efficiently transports CRISPR/Cas9 to target tissues, overcoming previous delivery challenges. This platform systematically screens a library of nanoparticles to ensure safer and more effective delivery, making therapeutic gene editing easier, faster, and more accurate than traditional methods. GenEdit's ultimate goal is to facilitate the cure of previously incurable genetic diseases by providing physicians with powerful tools for gene therapy.
Empirico is a biotechnology company focused on developing an insights platform that leverages biological data derived from human genetics to facilitate the creation of new medicines. The platform integrates extensive biological datasets and employs programmable biology to enhance target discovery and development processes. This enables researchers to systematically generate, analyze, and prioritize therapeutic hypotheses with a high degree of confidence, thereby advancing the search for innovative treatments. Through its technology, Empirico aims to transform the landscape of drug development by providing actionable insights that can lead to effective medical solutions.
Evonetix Ltd is a biotechnology company based in Little Chesterford, United Kingdom, founded in 2015. The company specializes in the development of a novel technology that allows for the parallel synthesis of DNA on silicon arrays, thereby advancing the field of synthetic biology. Evonetix aims to enhance DNA synthesis accuracy and scalability, making it accessible to researchers and transforming how DNA is produced and utilized for gene synthesis. With a highly experienced engineering team that combines expertise from various scientific and engineering disciplines, Evonetix is positioned to significantly impact the capabilities of synthetic biology by enabling applications that were previously unfeasible.
Asimov, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on designing and developing genetically engineered therapeutics. Founded in 2017, the company specializes in creating tools for programming living cells, utilizing a multidisciplinary approach that integrates mammalian synthetic biology, computer-aided design, and machine learning. Asimov's platform includes the development of genetic circuits for molecular manufacturing and therapeutic applications, alongside the manufacture of protein biologics, viral vectors, and cell and gene therapies. By combining synthetic biology with biophysical simulations and machine learning algorithms, Asimov aims to optimize the design and production of advanced biologics and gene therapies, thereby contributing to innovations in healthcare.
Cofactor Genomics
Series A in 2017
Cofactor Genomics is a biotechnology company that specializes in predictive immune modeling and RNA sequencing. By advancing precision medicine, Cofactor aims to address existing barriers in the healthcare sector, transitioning from single-analyte biomarkers to comprehensive multidimensional biomarkers through health expression models. The company operates one of the first CAP-certified clinical RNA sequencing laboratories, which enhances the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of clinical trials for their partners. Cofactor’s expertise encompasses molecular biology, informatics, and database management, allowing them to provide high-quality services tailored to the needs of the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. Their focus on RNA biomarkers associated with responses to targeted therapeutics supports the commercialization of clinical diagnostic assays for oncologic, immunologic, and neurodegenerative diseases, ultimately contributing to medical research and improved patient outcomes.
HelixNano
Convertible Note in 2017
HelixNano is a biotechnology startup that employs artificial intelligence and synthetic biology to develop innovative treatments for genetic diseases. Founded with backing from Y Combinator and venture capitalists, the company initially focused on creating cancer vaccines over two years. Currently, HelixNano is adapting its technology to combat COVID-19, aiming to produce precise and safe vaccine candidates. Its long-term goal is to develop a universal coronavirus vaccine that protects against future outbreaks.
Molecular Assemblies
Venture Round in 2017
Molecular Assemblies, Inc. is a San Diego-based company that specializes in enzymatic DNA synthesis technology, aimed at creating DNA-based products across various industries. Founded in 2013, the company has developed a proprietary method that allows for the reliable, affordable, and sustainable production of long, high-quality, sequence-specific DNA. This innovative technology is designed to support advancements in industrial synthetic biology, personalized therapeutics, precision diagnostics, and has potential applications in information storage and nanotechnology. With a strong executive and scientific team, as well as a robust intellectual property portfolio, Molecular Assemblies is positioned to enhance the capabilities of researchers and contribute to the evolution of DNA-based applications.
Karius, Inc. is a life sciences company based in Redwood City, California, with an additional office in Menlo Park. Founded in 2014, Karius specializes in generating genomic insights for infectious diseases through its innovative Karius Test. This non-invasive blood test utilizes sequencing of microbial cell-free DNA to identify and quantify a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, DNA viruses, fungi, and parasites. The Karius Test is particularly useful in the diagnosis of complicated pneumonia, infections in immunocompromised patients, and endocarditis, enabling clinicians to make rapid and informed treatment decisions. Karius operates a CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited laboratory, providing high-complexity clinical laboratory testing and offering services for pathogen biomarker detection aimed at biopharmaceutical companies. The company is dedicated to advancing the understanding and management of infectious diseases, striving for a future where these conditions pose less of a threat to human health.
Superfluid DX
Seed Round in 2017
Superfluid DX is a company focused on developing advanced molecular diagnostics technology aimed at early disease detection and monitoring. By leveraging innovative research in transcriptomics, Superfluid DX analyzes tissue-specific cell-free circulating RNA found in blood samples. This non-invasive approach enables the identification of genetic information linked to neurodegenerative diseases and other conditions, providing healthcare professionals with critical insights into a patient's health status. The company's platform is designed to facilitate early diagnosis and ongoing monitoring of organ damage, ultimately improving patient outcomes by enabling timely interventions.
Zymergen, Inc. is a biotechnology company that focuses on researching, developing, and manufacturing microbes for various industries, including agriculture, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and personal care. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Emeryville, California, Zymergen employs a platform that integrates automation, machine learning, and genomics to enhance the efficiency of microbial strain optimization and production processes. This technology enables the company to improve existing manufacturing strains and facilitates the development of new products by engineering novel molecules from microbes. With additional offices in Boise, Idaho; Medford, Massachusetts; Seattle, Washington; and Tokyo, Japan, Zymergen aims to partner with nature to create innovative materials and products that deliver significant value across multiple sectors.
Sequence Bio
Seed Round in 2016
Sequence Bio is a biotechnology company focused on advancing drug discovery and development through genome therapy. Leveraging the unique genetic characteristics of isolated populations, particularly those in Newfoundland, the company collects DNA and health information to enhance the identification of drug targets. This approach aims to improve the treatment of complex and inherited diseases, ultimately addressing the high failure rate of drug candidates and expediting access to effective therapies for patients in need. By utilizing genetic insights, Sequence Bio seeks to transform the landscape of medicine and deliver better health outcomes.
Agenovir Corporation is dedicated to the research and development of antiviral therapeutics aimed at addressing diseases linked to latent or persistent viral reservoirs. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, the company specializes in innovative nucleases, including CRISPR/Cas9 technology, to disrupt viral DNA. This approach enables the development of a new class of therapeutics designed to eliminate pathogenic viral genomes, thereby providing healthcare providers with effective treatment options for patients suffering from chronic viral infections. Agenovir operates as a subsidiary of Vir Biotechnology, Inc. as of January 31, 2019.
Cofactor Genomics
Seed Round in 2015
Cofactor Genomics is a biotechnology company that specializes in predictive immune modeling and RNA sequencing. By advancing precision medicine, Cofactor aims to address existing barriers in the healthcare sector, transitioning from single-analyte biomarkers to comprehensive multidimensional biomarkers through health expression models. The company operates one of the first CAP-certified clinical RNA sequencing laboratories, which enhances the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of clinical trials for their partners. Cofactor’s expertise encompasses molecular biology, informatics, and database management, allowing them to provide high-quality services tailored to the needs of the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. Their focus on RNA biomarkers associated with responses to targeted therapeutics supports the commercialization of clinical diagnostic assays for oncologic, immunologic, and neurodegenerative diseases, ultimately contributing to medical research and improved patient outcomes.
Ginkgo Bioworks
Series B in 2015
Ginkgo Bioworks is a biotechnology firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, that specializes in designing, engineering, and developing custom microbes and organisms for various applications. Founded in 2008, the company focuses on discovering and licensing molecules used in flavors, sweeteners, cosmetic ingredients, crop treatments, and pharmaceuticals. In addition to these capabilities, Ginkgo Bioworks provides probiotic bacteria that help protect against infections and creates extensive libraries of molecules. The firm operates across multiple markets, including cultured ingredients, carbon mitigation, probiotics, and natural product discovery. It has reorganized its operations into two primary segments: Cell Engineering and Biosecurity, with a significant portion of its revenue generated from biosecurity-related data analytics and services.
Zymergen, Inc. is a biotechnology company that focuses on researching, developing, and manufacturing microbes for various industries, including agriculture, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and personal care. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Emeryville, California, Zymergen employs a platform that integrates automation, machine learning, and genomics to enhance the efficiency of microbial strain optimization and production processes. This technology enables the company to improve existing manufacturing strains and facilitates the development of new products by engineering novel molecules from microbes. With additional offices in Boise, Idaho; Medford, Massachusetts; Seattle, Washington; and Tokyo, Japan, Zymergen aims to partner with nature to create innovative materials and products that deliver significant value across multiple sectors.
Ginkgo Bioworks
Series A in 2015
Ginkgo Bioworks is a biotechnology firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, that specializes in designing, engineering, and developing custom microbes and organisms for various applications. Founded in 2008, the company focuses on discovering and licensing molecules used in flavors, sweeteners, cosmetic ingredients, crop treatments, and pharmaceuticals. In addition to these capabilities, Ginkgo Bioworks provides probiotic bacteria that help protect against infections and creates extensive libraries of molecules. The firm operates across multiple markets, including cultured ingredients, carbon mitigation, probiotics, and natural product discovery. It has reorganized its operations into two primary segments: Cell Engineering and Biosecurity, with a significant portion of its revenue generated from biosecurity-related data analytics and services.
Karius, Inc. is a life sciences company based in Redwood City, California, with an additional office in Menlo Park. Founded in 2014, Karius specializes in generating genomic insights for infectious diseases through its innovative Karius Test. This non-invasive blood test utilizes sequencing of microbial cell-free DNA to identify and quantify a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, DNA viruses, fungi, and parasites. The Karius Test is particularly useful in the diagnosis of complicated pneumonia, infections in immunocompromised patients, and endocarditis, enabling clinicians to make rapid and informed treatment decisions. Karius operates a CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited laboratory, providing high-complexity clinical laboratory testing and offering services for pathogen biomarker detection aimed at biopharmaceutical companies. The company is dedicated to advancing the understanding and management of infectious diseases, striving for a future where these conditions pose less of a threat to human health.
Omniome
Seed Round in 2014
Omniome, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in developing a proprietary DNA sequencing platform aimed at providing high accuracy in clinical sequencing. Founded in 2013, Omniome utilizes its Sequencing By Binding technology to enhance nucleotide and DNA matching, leveraging the natural matching capabilities of polymerases. This innovative approach allows researchers to achieve accurate and rapid sequencing results while maintaining low costs. The company's ambition is to become a leading name in DNA sequencing, particularly in advancing cancer diagnostics and improving outcomes in clinical settings.
Zymergen
Seed Round in 2014
Zymergen, Inc. is a biotechnology company that focuses on researching, developing, and manufacturing microbes for various industries, including agriculture, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and personal care. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Emeryville, California, Zymergen employs a platform that integrates automation, machine learning, and genomics to enhance the efficiency of microbial strain optimization and production processes. This technology enables the company to improve existing manufacturing strains and facilitates the development of new products by engineering novel molecules from microbes. With additional offices in Boise, Idaho; Medford, Massachusetts; Seattle, Washington; and Tokyo, Japan, Zymergen aims to partner with nature to create innovative materials and products that deliver significant value across multiple sectors.
Moleculo
Seed Round in 2012
Moleculo is a biotechnology company specializing in innovative DNA sequencing technologies. It has created a novel sequencing method that delivers long and accurate reads, significantly enhancing the efficiency and precision of various DNA sequencing applications. This advancement allows clients to explore a broader range of applications within genomic analysis, positioning Moleculo as a key player in the biotechnology sector focused on improving genomic tools and methodologies.