Polaris Partners

Polaris Partners, established in 1996 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, is a venture capital firm focusing on healthcare, life sciences, and biotechnology sectors. The firm invests across various stages, from early-stage companies to growth equity, partnering with repeat entrepreneurs and innovators. Polaris' healthcare portfolio spans digital health, consumer-centric businesses, patient-provider solutions, data science, and analytics, while its life sciences and biotechnology investments center around molecules, platforms, therapeutics, and genomics. With offices in Boston and San Francisco, Polaris has a 20-year history of supporting companies that improve people's lives and work.

Marissa Bertorelli

Principal

Alexandra Cantley

Partner

Darren Carroll

Managing Partner

Brian Chee

Managing Partner

Isaac Ciechanover

Partner

Jon Flint

Founding Partner

Harold Friedman

CFO

John Gannon

CFO and Partner

Nil Gural

Senior Associate

Rahul Kakkar

Entrepreneur Partner

Pat Kinsel

Partner

Dan Lombard

Partner

Eileen McGuire

Partner

Ellie McGuire

Partner

Pat Mulach

Associate

Kim Png Ph.D

Principal

Amy Schulman

Managing Partner

Gary Swart

Partner

Jim Weinstein

Entrepreneur Partner

Past deals in Series E

Freenome

Series E in 2024
Freenome, Inc. is an artificial intelligence genomics biotech company based in South San Francisco, California, founded in 2014. The company focuses on developing accurate, accessible, and non-invasive blood tests for the early detection of cancer and treatment selection. Utilizing a proprietary multi-omics platform, Freenome employs advanced algorithms to analyze cell-free genomic data, which aids in identifying early-stage cancers and other diseases. This innovative approach aims to transform disease management by enabling timely interventions and proactive treatment strategies. In addition to its diagnostic solutions, Freenome also offers clinical research services to further advance cancer detection and management.

Lyndra Therapeutics

Series E in 2023
Lyndra Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in the development of ultra-long-acting oral medicines. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, the company focuses on creating orally administered dosage forms that can deliver a sustained release of medications for periods ranging from a week to a month while remaining in the stomach. Lyndra's therapeutic initiatives target a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, psychiatric issues, opioid use disorders, immunology, HIV, malaria vector control, and oral contraceptives. By enhancing medication adherence and improving health outcomes, Lyndra Therapeutics aims to contribute to lower healthcare costs and better patient care.

1366 Technologies

Series E in 2019
1366 Technologies Inc. is a manufacturer of silicon wafers primarily used in solar cell modules. Founded in 2007 and based in Bedford, Massachusetts, the company specializes in producing 3D direct wafers and traditional silicon solar wafers. Its innovative technology allows for the direct creation of silicon wafers from molten silicon, resulting in lower production costs, reduced energy requirements, and improved uniformity. This approach enables businesses to develop solar cells that offer a better price-to-performance ratio. 1366 Technologies has established strategic partnerships with Hanwha Q CELLS and operates additional locations in Shanghai, China, and Mumbai, India.

Alector

Series E in 2018
Alector, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, the company utilizes advanced antibody technology and insights from neuroimmunology and human genetics to create innovative treatments. Alector’s pipeline includes several candidates, such as AL001, which is undergoing phase II clinical trials for frontotemporal dementia, and AL101, currently in phase I trials for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Additionally, AL002 and AL003 are in phase 1b trials for Alzheimer’s disease. The company is actively engaged in research and development, with a total of ten programs at various stages. Alector has formed a strategic collaboration with Adimab, LLC to enhance its antibody research and development capabilities, aiming to efficiently generate and validate antibody drugs that target key disease-related mechanisms.

Iora Health

Series E in 2018
Iora Health, Inc. is a healthcare provider based in Boston, Massachusetts, established in 2010. The company specializes in primary care services, focusing on delivering personalized and relationship-based care to patients across the United States. Each patient is assigned a dedicated physician and a health coach, who maintain regular communication through various channels, including email, text, and video. Iora Health employs a team-based approach that includes physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, behavioral health specialists, and health coaches, all supported by a proprietary technology platform that enhances population health management. The organization also offers educational programs, such as group visits, to help patients achieve their health goals and navigate the healthcare system without barriers.

Avitide

Series E in 2017
Avitide, Inc. is a company that specializes in the discovery, manufacturing, and supply of molecule-specific affinity purification solutions tailored for the biopharmaceutical industry. Founded in 2012 and based in Lebanon, New Hampshire, Avitide focuses on enhancing the purification of therapeutic proteins through its innovative affinity separation technology. This technology helps clients streamline bioprocess development timelines, mitigate program risks, and lower manufacturing costs while ensuring scalability for commercial applications. The company develops customized solutions for a variety of life-saving therapeutics, including enzymes, multi-specific antibodies, gene therapies, and vaccines. By utilizing rapid development techniques for chromatography resins, Avitide aims to improve drug safety and establish bio-similarity in its offerings.

Selecta Biosciences

Series E in 2015
Selecta Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing nanoparticle immunomodulatory drugs for the treatment and prevention of human diseases. The company's proprietary platform utilizes advances in immunobiology and nanotechnology to create targeted immunomodulatory nanoparticles. Selecta's lead product, SEL-212, has successfully completed Phase II clinical trials for chronic refractory gout. Additionally, the company is advancing gene therapy candidates in preclinical development for rare metabolic disorders, including SEL-302 for methylmalonic acidemia and SEL-313 for ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, Selecta Biosciences has established collaborations with various organizations, including Spark Therapeutics and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, to enhance its research and development capabilities.

T2 Biosystems

Series E in 2013
T2 Biosystems, Inc. is an in vitro diagnostics company focused on developing advanced diagnostic products for detecting pathogens and biomarkers. Utilizing its proprietary T2 Magnetic Resonance technology, the company offers rapid and accurate testing for various medical conditions directly from unpurified patient samples, including whole blood, plasma, and urine. Key products include the T2Dx Instrument for diagnosing sepsis and Lyme disease, the T2Candida Panel for identifying Candida species, and the T2Bacteria Panel for detecting bacterial pathogens linked to sepsis. Additionally, T2 Biosystems provides the T2Resistance Panel for identifying antibiotic resistance markers and is developing other diagnostic panels for multi-drug resistant pathogens and Lyme disease strains. The company collaborates with organizations like Canon U.S. Life Sciences and Allergan Sales to enhance its testing capabilities. Founded in 2006 and based in Lexington, Massachusetts, T2 Biosystems aims to improve patient care and reduce healthcare costs through its innovative diagnostic solutions.

Neuronetics

Series E in 2011
Neuronetics, Inc. is a commercial-stage medical technology company based in Malvern, Pennsylvania, focused on developing non-invasive therapies for psychiatric disorders. Founded in 2003, the company markets the NeuroStar Advanced Therapy System, which provides an innovative treatment for adult patients with major depressive disorder. This system employs transcranial magnetic stimulation, utilizing pulsed, MRI-strength magnetic fields to generate electrical currents that target specific brain areas linked to mood regulation. Neuronetics sells its products primarily through a dedicated sales and customer support team, catering to psychiatrists and healthcare providers. The company aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals suffering from mental health conditions through its advanced therapeutic solutions.

MarkMonitor

Series E in 2008
MarkMonitor is a leading provider of enterprise brand protection services based in San Francisco, California. The company offers a range of comprehensive solutions designed to safeguard brands from online risks, including fraud, brand abuse, and unauthorized distribution channels. Its technology includes domain management, monitoring for illegal distribution of pirated digital content, and enforcement against threats such as phishing and malware attacks. By leveraging exclusive data access and innovative real-time prevention and detection capabilities, MarkMonitor helps protect the revenues and reputations of prominent global brands in an increasingly complex online landscape.

Impinj

Series E in 2007
Impinj, Inc. is a provider of RAIN RFID solutions that facilitate wireless connectivity for various everyday items, enabling businesses and consumers to identify, locate, and authenticate billions of items. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, the company offers an integrated platform that includes endpoint integrated circuits (ICs) and a range of connectivity products, such as reader ICs, modules, readers, and gateways. This platform delivers real-time information about items across multiple sectors, including retail, healthcare, supply chain, automotive, and manufacturing. Impinj also offers software solutions like ItemSense, which supports enterprise-class RAIN deployment management and provides tools for application developers. The company's offerings are utilized through a network of distributors, system integrators, value-added resellers, and software partners globally, covering regions such as the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Heavy

Series E in 2006
Heavy operates a digital media platform focused on delivering timely news and information through its primary website, Heavy.com, and its Spanish-language counterpart, AhoraMismo.com. Founded in 1999 by Simon Assaad and David Carson, Heavy initially targeted young men with video content but transitioned to a news-centric approach in 2012. The platform now attracts nearly 25 million readers monthly, driven by data on popular stories and trends. Its editorial team, composed of experienced journalists and independent reporters, emphasizes quality, efficiency, and speed in reporting. Heavy is known for its rapid original reporting and user-friendly content formats, such as "5 Fast Facts," which provide concise insights on trending topics. The company has gained recognition for its ability to report ahead of mainstream news outlets. AhoraMismo serves the U.S. Hispanic community by offering a variety of news, resources, and educational content, empowering readers with information on entertainment, health, immigration, and other significant issues.

Microbia

Series E in 2006
Microbia an industrial biotechnology company, engages in the development, production, and commercialization of specialty ingredients and biomaterials utilizing fermentation technology. Its products include carotenoids, specialty ingredients, biopolymers, and other biomaterials. The company has a strategic alliance with Tate & Lyle Investments, Ltd. to develop and commercialize fermentation-derived renewable ingredients.

eRealty.com

Series E in 2003
eRealty.com is an online residential real estate brokerage firm that assists buyers and sellers of homes. The company was founded in 1998 and is based in Houston, Texas.

Incentive Systems

Series E in 2002
"Incentive Systems is the industry pioneer and leader in the Enterprise Incentive Management marketplace, which is predicted by AMR to grow rapidly, reaching an annual market size of $2 billion in software revenue alone in 2005, and is also the first software company in which Thomas Weisel Capital Partners, LP made a private equity investment," said Alan Menkes, partner, co-director of private equity for Thomas Weisel Partners LLC. "Since their initial investment, Incentive Systems has continued to deliver industry-leading technology and services to the marketplace, and has seen tremendous growth in demand for its solutions, among both public and private organizations, across several industries. The company is on track to reach its goal of profitability in the near-term, and they were delighted by the oppornity to lead this round and further strengthen their partnership with Incentive Systems."
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