Leaps by Bayer

Leaps by Bayer is the corporate venture capital arm of Bayer. Established in 2015 and headquartered in Leverkusen, Germany, it invests in life sciences, including healthcare, biotechnology, and agriculture. The firm seeks long-term, disruptive technologies and supports innovations with potential for significant societal impact.

Paimun Amini

Investor

Rakhshita Dhar

Investor

Juergen Eckhardt

SVP and Head

Naveen Krishnan

Investor

Derek Norman

Vice President

Fabio Pucci

Investor

Ryan D. Teksten

Investor

Past deals in Genetics

Senti Biosciences

Post in 2024
Senti Biosciences is a biotechnology company focused on synthetic biology. It develops gene circuit platforms to engineer therapeutics, with a focus on improving precision and control in cancer treatments.

Pairwise Plants

Series C in 2024
Pairwise Plants is an innovative agricultural company based in San Diego, California, focused on gene editing to enhance the quality of fruits and vegetables. Founded in 2017 by a team of experts in biotechnology and agriculture, Pairwise utilizes advanced techniques, including base editing and high-fidelity enzymes, which are licensed from renowned institutions such as Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital. The company develops new varieties of crops, including leafy greens, berries, and stone fruits, in addition to working with traditional crops like corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, and canola. By collaborating with food and agriculture organizations, Pairwise aims to create healthier and more sustainable produce, with initial products expected to be available in the coming years.

Egenesis

Series D in 2024
Egenesis is a biotechnology company focused on gene editing and genome engineering to develop human-compatible organs, tissues, and cells for transplantation. Its platform enables the creation of solid organs and therapeutic cells intended for transplantation, addressing the global organ shortage. The company pursues programs in kidney and islet cell transplantation and related regenerative approaches. It is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with an additional office in New York.

GRO Biosciences

Series B in 2024
GRO Biosciences employs computational protein design and synthetic biology to enhance protein therapeutics. It has developed multiple genomically recoded bacterial strains capable of incorporating non-standard amino acids into proteins, resulting in improved potency, stability, and targeted delivery. The company focuses on developing advanced treatments for diabetes, growth disorders, and autoimmunity.

ReCode Therapeutics

Series B in 2023
ReCode Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision medicines for pulmonary diseases, particularly targeting genetic conditions such as primary ciliary dyskinesia and cystic fibrosis. Founded in 2015 and based in Menlo Park, California, the company utilizes a groundbreaking selective organ targeting (SORT) lipid nanoparticle platform. This innovative technology facilitates the precise delivery of genetic therapies, including mRNA and gene correction therapeutics, to specific organs and cells beyond the liver. By overcoming limitations of traditional gene therapy approaches, ReCode Therapeutics aims to address the needs of patients with rare and life-limiting respiratory diseases, thus providing new treatment options for those affected by genetic disorders.

Paratus Sciences

Series A in 2023
Paratus Sciences focuses on advancing human health and health security by studying the biology of bats. It integrates cell biology, genomics, informatics, and large-scale data inputs to compare disease resistance patterns in bats with those in humans, aiming to develop therapeutics that mimic bats' adaptations.

Metagenomi

Series B in 2023
Metagenomi is a genetic medicines company headquartered in Emeryville, California. It leverages metagenomics and machine learning to discover novel genome editing systems from diverse organisms, then convert these natural systems into compact, highly efficient, and specific tools aimed at reducing immune responses. The company maintains a proprietary, metagenomics-derived genome editing toolbox that includes programmable nucleases, base editors, small RNA-mediated integration systems (RIGS), large template RIGS, and CRISPR-associated transposases (CASTs). Its development focus is in vivo gene editing with a wholly owned pipeline, while exploring technology out-licensing for ex vivo cell therapies to pursue curative therapeutics for genetic diseases.

NuCicer

Seed Round in 2022
NuCicer develops customized chickpea varieties to move chickpeas from an interesting ingredient to a staple superfood. Using a diverse breeding library and a proprietary platform grounded in plant genetics and machine learning, it creates chickpeas with enhanced protein content, targeted functional properties, and favorable agronomic traits. The company aims to deliver better nutrition, improved flavor, and more economical ingredients while reducing agriculture's environmental footprint. By offering multiple lines of chickpeas tailored to nutritional and environmental requirements, NuCicer supports the growth of protein-rich diets and related sectors, including plant-based foods and alternative meat.

ReCode Therapeutics

Series B in 2022
ReCode Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision medicines for pulmonary diseases, particularly targeting genetic conditions such as primary ciliary dyskinesia and cystic fibrosis. Founded in 2015 and based in Menlo Park, California, the company utilizes a groundbreaking selective organ targeting (SORT) lipid nanoparticle platform. This innovative technology facilitates the precise delivery of genetic therapies, including mRNA and gene correction therapeutics, to specific organs and cells beyond the liver. By overcoming limitations of traditional gene therapy approaches, ReCode Therapeutics aims to address the needs of patients with rare and life-limiting respiratory diseases, thus providing new treatment options for those affected by genetic disorders.

Senti Biosciences

Post in 2022
Senti Biosciences is a biotechnology company focused on synthetic biology. It develops gene circuit platforms to engineer therapeutics, with a focus on improving precision and control in cancer treatments.

Senti Biosciences

Convertible Note in 2022
Senti Biosciences is a biotechnology company focused on synthetic biology. It develops gene circuit platforms to engineer therapeutics, with a focus on improving precision and control in cancer treatments.

Affini-T Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2022
Affini-T Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing T-cell therapies for patients suffering from cancer. Affini-T uses a validated platform to select high-affinity T cell receptors specific to oncogenic mutations to pioneer cutting-edge solid tumor therapies. Affini-T leverages gene editing and synthetic biology to engineer novel T-cell therapies designed to eradicate tumors.

Gandeeva Therapeutics

Series A in 2022
Gandeeva Therapeutics is a precision biotechnology company that combines cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and machine learning to discover and develop therapeutics by targeting and modulating key protein-protein interactions. Its structure-guided drug discovery platform comprises SPOTLIGHT for target prediction and validation, HYPERFOCUS for hit identification from virtual and fragment libraries, and CRYO-CADD for lead optimization. The company pursues a preclinical oncology program focused on difficult-to-treat cancers with novel protein interaction modulators, including interfacial glues and allosteric inhibitors. Headquartered in the Greater Vancouver area of Canada, Gandeeva aims to advance differentiated therapeutics and improve outcomes for patients by leveraging its integrated imaging, modeling, and screening capabilities.

Metagenomi

Series B in 2022
Metagenomi is a genetic medicines company headquartered in Emeryville, California. It leverages metagenomics and machine learning to discover novel genome editing systems from diverse organisms, then convert these natural systems into compact, highly efficient, and specific tools aimed at reducing immune responses. The company maintains a proprietary, metagenomics-derived genome editing toolbox that includes programmable nucleases, base editors, small RNA-mediated integration systems (RIGS), large template RIGS, and CRISPR-associated transposases (CASTs). Its development focus is in vivo gene editing with a wholly owned pipeline, while exploring technology out-licensing for ex vivo cell therapies to pursue curative therapeutics for genetic diseases.

GRO Biosciences

Series A in 2021
GRO Biosciences employs computational protein design and synthetic biology to enhance protein therapeutics. It has developed multiple genomically recoded bacterial strains capable of incorporating non-standard amino acids into proteins, resulting in improved potency, stability, and targeted delivery. The company focuses on developing advanced treatments for diabetes, growth disorders, and autoimmunity.

Century Therapeutics

Series C in 2021
Century Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing allogeneic cell therapies derived from induced pluripotent stem cells to treat cancer and related diseases. Its platform enables engineering of iPSCs into NK and T cells with master cell banks of modified cells that can be expanded and differentiated into standardized, off-the-shelf therapies. The company combines CRISPR-mediated gene editing, proprietary chimeric antigen receptors, Allo-Evasion technology, and manufacturing capabilities to enable scalable production of homogeneous cell products for hematologic and solid tumors. While focused on oncology, its platform also targets autoimmune and inflammatory diseases with the goal of improving cell therapy performance and reducing host immune rejection.

Egenesis

Series C in 2021
Egenesis is a biotechnology company focused on gene editing and genome engineering to develop human-compatible organs, tissues, and cells for transplantation. Its platform enables the creation of solid organs and therapeutic cells intended for transplantation, addressing the global organ shortage. The company pursues programs in kidney and islet cell transplantation and related regenerative approaches. It is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with an additional office in New York.

Amfora

Series B in 2021
Founded in 2016, Amfora is a biotechnology company based in San Francisco. It harnesses biology to sustainably enhance the nutritional density of food and feed crops, particularly focusing on increasing protein content through gene editing. The company aims to meet global demand for high-protein foods while reducing environmental impact.

Pairwise Plants

Series B in 2021
Pairwise Plants is an innovative agricultural company based in San Diego, California, focused on gene editing to enhance the quality of fruits and vegetables. Founded in 2017 by a team of experts in biotechnology and agriculture, Pairwise utilizes advanced techniques, including base editing and high-fidelity enzymes, which are licensed from renowned institutions such as Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital. The company develops new varieties of crops, including leafy greens, berries, and stone fruits, in addition to working with traditional crops like corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, and canola. By collaborating with food and agriculture organizations, Pairwise aims to create healthier and more sustainable produce, with initial products expected to be available in the coming years.

Senti Biosciences

Series B in 2021
Senti Biosciences is a biotechnology company focused on synthetic biology. It develops gene circuit platforms to engineer therapeutics, with a focus on improving precision and control in cancer treatments.

Metagenomi

Series A in 2020
Metagenomi is a genetic medicines company headquartered in Emeryville, California. It leverages metagenomics and machine learning to discover novel genome editing systems from diverse organisms, then convert these natural systems into compact, highly efficient, and specific tools aimed at reducing immune responses. The company maintains a proprietary, metagenomics-derived genome editing toolbox that includes programmable nucleases, base editors, small RNA-mediated integration systems (RIGS), large template RIGS, and CRISPR-associated transposases (CASTs). Its development focus is in vivo gene editing with a wholly owned pipeline, while exploring technology out-licensing for ex vivo cell therapies to pursue curative therapeutics for genetic diseases.

Egenesis

Series B in 2019
Egenesis is a biotechnology company focused on gene editing and genome engineering to develop human-compatible organs, tissues, and cells for transplantation. Its platform enables the creation of solid organs and therapeutic cells intended for transplantation, addressing the global organ shortage. The company pursues programs in kidney and islet cell transplantation and related regenerative approaches. It is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with an additional office in New York.

Century Therapeutics

Series A in 2019
Century Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing allogeneic cell therapies derived from induced pluripotent stem cells to treat cancer and related diseases. Its platform enables engineering of iPSCs into NK and T cells with master cell banks of modified cells that can be expanded and differentiated into standardized, off-the-shelf therapies. The company combines CRISPR-mediated gene editing, proprietary chimeric antigen receptors, Allo-Evasion technology, and manufacturing capabilities to enable scalable production of homogeneous cell products for hematologic and solid tumors. While focused on oncology, its platform also targets autoimmune and inflammatory diseases with the goal of improving cell therapy performance and reducing host immune rejection.

AgBiome

Series C in 2018
AgBiome is a biotechnology company that develops biological products for agriculture by leveraging the plant-associated microbiome. It identifies plant microbes with potential to improve plant health, pest resistance, and yields, using genomics and screening technologies. The company builds a microbial collection and operates a platform to discover ingredients for agriculturally relevant applications, including fungicides and other biologics that target soil-borne diseases, insects, and nematodes. Through partnerships with agricultural players, AgBiome accelerates discovery and global deployment of solutions. It is based in Durham, North Carolina, with a state-of-the-art laboratory and greenhouse facility, and has a substantial research team.

Pairwise Plants

Series A in 2018
Pairwise Plants is an innovative agricultural company based in San Diego, California, focused on gene editing to enhance the quality of fruits and vegetables. Founded in 2017 by a team of experts in biotechnology and agriculture, Pairwise utilizes advanced techniques, including base editing and high-fidelity enzymes, which are licensed from renowned institutions such as Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital. The company develops new varieties of crops, including leafy greens, berries, and stone fruits, in addition to working with traditional crops like corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, and canola. By collaborating with food and agriculture organizations, Pairwise aims to create healthier and more sustainable produce, with initial products expected to be available in the coming years.

AgBiome

Series B in 2015
AgBiome is a biotechnology company that develops biological products for agriculture by leveraging the plant-associated microbiome. It identifies plant microbes with potential to improve plant health, pest resistance, and yields, using genomics and screening technologies. The company builds a microbial collection and operates a platform to discover ingredients for agriculturally relevant applications, including fungicides and other biologics that target soil-borne diseases, insects, and nematodes. Through partnerships with agricultural players, AgBiome accelerates discovery and global deployment of solutions. It is based in Durham, North Carolina, with a state-of-the-art laboratory and greenhouse facility, and has a substantial research team.

AgBiome

Venture Round in 2014
AgBiome is a biotechnology company that develops biological products for agriculture by leveraging the plant-associated microbiome. It identifies plant microbes with potential to improve plant health, pest resistance, and yields, using genomics and screening technologies. The company builds a microbial collection and operates a platform to discover ingredients for agriculturally relevant applications, including fungicides and other biologics that target soil-borne diseases, insects, and nematodes. Through partnerships with agricultural players, AgBiome accelerates discovery and global deployment of solutions. It is based in Durham, North Carolina, with a state-of-the-art laboratory and greenhouse facility, and has a substantial research team.

AgBiome

Seed Round in 2012
AgBiome is a biotechnology company that develops biological products for agriculture by leveraging the plant-associated microbiome. It identifies plant microbes with potential to improve plant health, pest resistance, and yields, using genomics and screening technologies. The company builds a microbial collection and operates a platform to discover ingredients for agriculturally relevant applications, including fungicides and other biologics that target soil-borne diseases, insects, and nematodes. Through partnerships with agricultural players, AgBiome accelerates discovery and global deployment of solutions. It is based in Durham, North Carolina, with a state-of-the-art laboratory and greenhouse facility, and has a substantial research team.
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