Sahsen Ventures

Parse Biosciences is a biotechnology startup based in Seattle, Washington, that specializes in single-cell analysis. Founded in 2018 and rebranded from Split Biosciences in 2020, the company has developed innovative single-cell sequencing kit solutions that utilize combinatorial cDNA barcoding. This technology allows researchers to conduct experiments without the need for complex and costly microfluidic instruments. It also enables the fixation, freezing, and storage of samples, which separates sample extraction from downstream library preparation steps. As a result, researchers can analyze fixed samples collected on different dates in a single experiment, enhancing control over sample handling and minimizing errors. Additionally, Parse Biosciences’ technology improves gene detection in individual cells while reducing common confounding artifacts in single-cell sequencing, making it a valuable resource for researchers in the field.

Monod Bio is a life sciences company based in Seattle, Washington, focused on developing innovative biosensors for detecting proteins, toxins, antibodies, and other analytes. Founded in 2021, the company has created a biosensor platform that integrates binding, transduction, and amplification processes in a single step, allowing for the rapid and sensitive detection of a diverse array of target molecules. By leveraging recent advancements in computational protein engineering, Monod Bio has designed highly modular bio-sensing nanoswitches that facilitate cost-effective analytical assays. This technology aims to enhance the capabilities of the healthcare industry in biotechnology and medicine.

Athira Pharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Seattle, Washington, focused on developing small molecules aimed at restoring neuronal health and addressing neurodegenerative diseases. The company's lead candidate, ATH-1017, is a small hepatocyte growth factor/MET activator designed to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and is currently undergoing various clinical trials for the treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Additionally, Athira is advancing other candidates, including ATH-1019, which is in preclinical development for depression, and ATH-1018, aimed at treating peripheral neuropathy. Founded in 2011 and originally named M3 Biotechnology, Athira Pharma changed its name in April 2019 to reflect its commitment to innovative therapies that positively impact individuals affected by brain disorders.

Variant Bio Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, that focuses on developing therapeutics through the study of human genetic diversity. Founded in 2018, the company identifies individuals and populations that exhibit extreme traits of medical significance, utilizing advanced sequencing technologies and analytic methods to uncover the genes and pathways associated with these traits. By leveraging insights from genetic research, Variant Bio aims to discover new therapeutic targets for conditions such as neurodegenerative, autoimmune, and cardiometabolic diseases. The company's innovative approach combines statistical genetics and machine learning, enhancing the potential for genomic drug discovery to address unmet medical needs.

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.

Sana Biotechnology is a biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, with additional offices in South San Francisco, California, and Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 2018, the company specializes in developing engineered cells as medicines to treat a variety of diseases. Sana Biotechnology focuses on reprogramming cells in the body and replacing damaged cells and tissues, leveraging recent scientific advancements to create new therapeutic options. The company's research spans multiple therapeutic areas with significant unmet needs, including oncology, diabetes, B-cell-mediated autoimmune disorders, and central nervous system conditions. Its pipeline includes various product candidates aimed at addressing these challenges through innovative cell engineering programs.

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.

Parse Biosciences is a biotechnology startup based in Seattle, Washington, that specializes in single-cell analysis. Founded in 2018 and rebranded from Split Biosciences in 2020, the company has developed innovative single-cell sequencing kit solutions that utilize combinatorial cDNA barcoding. This technology allows researchers to conduct experiments without the need for complex and costly microfluidic instruments. It also enables the fixation, freezing, and storage of samples, which separates sample extraction from downstream library preparation steps. As a result, researchers can analyze fixed samples collected on different dates in a single experiment, enhancing control over sample handling and minimizing errors. Additionally, Parse Biosciences’ technology improves gene detection in individual cells while reducing common confounding artifacts in single-cell sequencing, making it a valuable resource for researchers in the field.

Forterra is a non-profit organization that supports the Pacific Northwest and its wild mountains, rich ecosystems, farmland, small towns, and thriving cities.

PoliarisProject is a humanitarian organization that aims to combat human trafficking and modern-day slavery. The organization operates hotlines, policy advocacy programs, client services, advisory services, strategic initiatives, data analysis programs, and global programs to achieve its mission. PolarisProject is based in Washington, D.C.

Icosavax, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2017. The company specializes in developing vaccines using its innovative virus-like particle (VLP) technology platform, which allows for the multivalent display of complex viral antigens. This technology aims to provide broad and durable protection against various infectious diseases, with an initial focus on life-threatening respiratory illnesses. Icosavax's pipeline includes vaccine candidates targeting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV), and SARS-CoV-2. The company is dedicated to advancing its VLP technology to discover, develop, and ultimately commercialize effective vaccines against these infectious diseases.

98point6 Inc. is a Seattle-based company that offers primary care services through its mobile application in the United States. Founded in 2015, it provides an on-demand, virtual primary care solution that allows board-certified physicians to deliver personalized consultation, diagnosis, and treatment for both acute and chronic illnesses. Utilizing a text-based platform, the service enables patients to communicate with healthcare providers anytime and anywhere, facilitating private consultations, diagnosing conditions, outlining care options, and managing prescriptions and lab tests. By leveraging technology, 98point6 aims to make healthcare more accessible and cost-effective, allowing physicians to focus more on patient care.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center provides research services for the prevention, early detection, and treatment of cancer and other diseases in the United States and other countries. The research center is engaged in researches to prevent, detect, and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other life-threatening diseases. Its activities in the areas of diseases and research cover fundamental research, prevention, early detection, treatment and cures, and survivorships. Researchers of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center pioneered bone-marrow transplantation for leukemia and other blood diseases. This research has cured thousands of patients worldwide and has boosted survival rates for certain forms of leukemia from zero to 85 percent. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center was incorporated in 1971 and is based in Seattle, Washington.

BROTMAN BATY INSTITUTE focuses on basic and applied research in genomics, bioinformatics, and data science to diagnose and cure disease. The Institute was founded in 2017 by philanthropic sponsors Jeff and Susan Brotman, and Dan and Pam Baty in collaboration with UW Medicine, The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and Seattle Children’s. The Institute led by Dr. Jay Shendure was formed to accelerate both the basic sciences of precision medicine and the delivery of benefits to patients. The Institute organizes world-renowned investigators in genomics, bioinformatics and data science to share centralized platforms of advanced technologies and equipment in a uniquely collaborative manner. The Institute's aim is to develop insights and knowledge that will more precisely diagnose and treat people with cancer, rare childhood diseases, Alzheimer’s, and other conditions.

The mission of the University of Washington Institute for Protein Design is to design a new world of proteins to address 21st century challenges in medicine, energy and technology. The Institute for Protein Design was established in 2012, and is building on strengths within the University of Washington and Seattle more generally. Protein design requires high-level expertise and talent in computing and software, biochemistry, genome sciences, biological structure, pharmacology, immunology and other basic science disciplines, as well as clinical medicine. They are marshaling deep institutional strengths in our faculty, scientific staff, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students, their partners from collaborating institutions, innovator networks, and from the computer and biotechnology industries — bringing extraordinary expertise to bear on a singular focus to advance the potential of protein design. Over the past 16 years, UW researchers have made significant progress in protein design and protein structure prediction, developing the world leading Rosetta software. During this period, UW scientists have developed methods for designing proteins with a wide range of new functions, including catalysts for chemical reactions, HIV and RSV vaccine candidates, and flu virus inhibitors. The IPD integrates these strengths in protein design with Seattle-area expertise in biochemistry, engineering, computer science and medicine, and leverages the exceptional Seattle strength in the software industry.

Landesa is a charitable organization founded in 1967 and based in Seattle, Washington, dedicated to helping impoverished individuals gain legal control over their land. Formerly known as the Center for Women's Land Rights, the organization rebranded in 2010. Landesa collaborates with governments, businesses, and local organizations to secure land rights for vulnerable populations. By ensuring that families have safe land rights, Landesa enables them to invest in their properties, leading to improved agricultural yields and benefits such as enhanced nutrition, health, education, resilience, and overall opportunities for future generations.

Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM) was founded in 2006 at the University of Washington by Tony Blau, Randy Moon, and Chuck Murry. The Institute is working to transform therapies for heart failure, neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, muscular dystrophy, cancer, diabetes, hearing loss, and retinal, kidney, and liver diseases. Our scientists are conducting research using multiple approaches including pluripotent stem cell technology, gene therapy and precision medicine with the goal of developing novel therapies for diseases where there are few treatments at present.

Imagine a world where people are healthy. There would be less poverty and fewer orphans. There would be stronger economies. There would be hope.Seattle Biomedical Research Institute (Seattle BioMed) was founded at a time when infectious disease research in the U.S. was rare. Our founder had a vision to create a place where the brightest scientists could come together and generate new knowledge and develop innovative solutions to ultimately combat the world’s deadliest diseases. Today that vision is reality. 360 people strong, we're an internationally renowned, non-profit research Institute striving every day to eliminate the world's most devastating infectious disease.

Northwest Harvest distributes food to a network of more than 370 food banks, meal programs, and high-need schools throughout Washington State.