Section 32

Section 32 is a venture capital firm founded by Bill Maris, who previously established Google Ventures. The firm is based in San Diego and focuses on investing in groundbreaking technologies that aim to enhance the human condition. Section 32's investment strategy encompasses a wide range of sectors, including artificial intelligence, enterprise software, cybersecurity, fintech, quantum computing, computational biology, and biotechnology. With a team experienced in building successful companies, Section 32 seeks to accelerate the discovery, development, and distribution of revolutionary innovations.

Andrew Harrison

Managing Partner and CEO

Steven J. Kafka

Managing Partner

Bill Maris

Founder

Michael J. Pellini

Managing Partner

Carlos Solórzano

Senior Principal and Healthcare investor

Wesley Tillu

Senior Principal

Past deals in Genetics

Sunbird Bio

Venture Round in 2024
Sunbird Bio is a diagnostics platform developer focused on advancing molecular diagnostics to deliver faster and more accurate results. Founded by Huilin Shao, the company specializes in detecting a wide array of diseases, including infectious diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. By enabling early diagnosis, Sunbird Bio aims to enhance healthcare outcomes and support physicians in making informed decisions. The platform is designed to improve clarity and accessibility in diagnostic testing, thereby contributing to better patient care.

Basecamp Research

Series B in 2024
Basecamp Research specializes in mapping biodiversity to facilitate the AI-driven design of biological systems. The company utilizes its advanced platform, BaseGraph™, which leverages a high-resolution map of global genetic diversity to match and refine novel proteins tailored to specific industrial, therapeutic, or diagnostic needs. By comprehensively understanding the genetic, evolutionary, and environmental contexts of proteins, Basecamp Research can create customized solutions without relying on costly and time-intensive directed evolution methods. The team comprises explorers, scientists, and policy experts dedicated to harnessing nature's diversity to deliver innovative breakthroughs and contribute to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.

ROME Therapeutics

Series B in 2023
ROME Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. Established in 2019, the company utilizes the repeatome—a previously overlooked segment of genetic material—to create novel treatment options. By identifying multiple drug targets and advancing several discovery programs, ROME Therapeutics aims to tap into this unexplored area of biology. The organization has assembled a team of experts in oncology, immunology, virology, and machine learning to lead its research and development efforts, which are designed to provide healthcare professionals with effective new treatments for patients suffering from these conditions.

Character Biosciences

Series A in 2022
Character Therapeutics is a patient-driven therapeutics company that uses genomics, longitudinal clinical and imaging data, machine learning, and novel experimental approaches to identify the molecular drivers of disease progression and develop innovative targeted medicines. Its dedication to patients is reflected in the high standards set to ensure privacy, data security, ethics, scientific rigor, and a meaningful impact on patient health. To enable clinical genomic research, the company collaborates with patients, providers, payers, and scientists to create deeply phenotyped patient cohorts.

Aspen Neuroscience

Series B in 2022
Aspen Neuroscience, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to create patient-specific therapies for neurological conditions, particularly Parkinson's disease. Founded in 2018 and based in San Diego, California, the company is advancing its pipeline of products, which includes ANPD001, an autologous neuron replacement therapy for sporadic Parkinson's disease, and ANPD002, a gene-edited autologous neuron replacement therapy targeting familial forms of the disease. Aspen Neuroscience employs innovative genomic approaches in conjunction with stem cell biology to address diseases with significant unmet medical needs, aiming to provide restorative cell therapies that can modify the progression of Parkinson's disease and potentially extend to other affected organs.

Arbor Biotechnologies

Series B in 2021
Arbor Biotechnologies, Inc., founded in 2016 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, operates within the biotechnology sector, focusing on bio-discovery and human diagnostic development. The company utilizes a range of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, genome sequencing, gene synthesis, and high-throughput screening, to facilitate the discovery of proteins aimed at enhancing human health and sustainability. Arbor's proprietary genomic tools leverage AI and machine learning to analyze genomic sequence data, thereby improving the efficiency of developing curative treatments for genetic diseases. These innovations enable drug developers to replace entire genes and precisely correct mutations, ultimately addressing previously untreatable genetic conditions.

Singular Genomics

Convertible Note in 2021
Singular Genomics is a life science technology company focused on advancing next generation sequencing (NGS) and multiomics technologies to support researchers and clinicians. The company's core platform, the Singular Sequencing Engine, underpins its product offerings, emphasizing accuracy, speed, flexibility, and scalability. Singular Genomics has developed two primary integrated solutions: the G4 Integrated Solution, which targets the NGS market with a combination of instrument and consumable kits, and the PX Integrated Solution, which integrates single cell analysis, spatial analysis, genomics, and proteomics into a versatile platform. These solutions cater to various market segments, including basic biology, oncology, and immunology, enhancing research capabilities across diverse applications.

TwinStrand Biosciences

Series B in 2021
TwinStrand Biosciences specializes in advanced DNA sequencing technologies, significantly enhancing the accuracy of mutation detection beyond conventional methods. Their proprietary Duplex Sequencing technology enables the identification of mutations that are often undetectable by standard approaches, making it valuable in various fields such as oncology, infectious disease, organ transplantation, reproductive and genetic health, and forensics. The company is dedicated to improving diagnostic capabilities and advancing research through its innovative sequencing solutions. TwinStrand is also involved in biopharmaceutical development, focusing on the discovery and commercialization of biological drugs aimed at treating life-threatening diseases, particularly cancers. Their product pipeline includes recombinant protein-based prodrugs designed for activation by matrix metalloproteinases associated with solid tumors.

C2i Genomics

Series B in 2021
C2i Genomics, Inc. specializes in whole genome analysis solutions aimed at monitoring tumor recurrence in post-surgery cancer patients. The company offers liquid biopsy services that analyze subtle changes in tumor DNA to provide insights into cancer progression and recurrence. This technology enables the development of a bio-platform approach applicable across various cancer types, facilitating the guidance of diverse treatment modalities, including surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. Additionally, C2i Genomics provides cloud-based cancer diagnostic services to pharmaceutical and diagnostic organizations, enhancing the ability of healthcare providers to monitor treatment responses and detect recurrences or failures earlier than traditional methods allow. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in New York, with a research and development center in Haifa, Israel, C2i Genomics aims to improve the lives and outcomes of cancer patients through innovative diagnostic solutions.

GeneDx Holding

Series C in 2020
GeneDx is dedicated to providing personalized health insights that enhance diagnosis, treatment, and drug discovery. By integrating extensive genomic expertise with advanced data interpretation capabilities, the company aims to establish precision medicine as a standard in healthcare. GeneDx specializes in exome and genome testing and interpretation, leveraging one of the largest rare disease data sets available. Its operations are divided into two segments: GeneDx, which generates the majority of revenue, and Legacy Sema4 diagnostics. Through these efforts, GeneDx is positioned to significantly impact health outcomes by using genomic and large-scale clinical information.

Aspen Neuroscience

Series A in 2020
Aspen Neuroscience, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to create patient-specific therapies for neurological conditions, particularly Parkinson's disease. Founded in 2018 and based in San Diego, California, the company is advancing its pipeline of products, which includes ANPD001, an autologous neuron replacement therapy for sporadic Parkinson's disease, and ANPD002, a gene-edited autologous neuron replacement therapy targeting familial forms of the disease. Aspen Neuroscience employs innovative genomic approaches in conjunction with stem cell biology to address diseases with significant unmet medical needs, aiming to provide restorative cell therapies that can modify the progression of Parkinson's disease and potentially extend to other affected organs.

Aspen Neuroscience

Seed Round in 2019
Aspen Neuroscience, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to create patient-specific therapies for neurological conditions, particularly Parkinson's disease. Founded in 2018 and based in San Diego, California, the company is advancing its pipeline of products, which includes ANPD001, an autologous neuron replacement therapy for sporadic Parkinson's disease, and ANPD002, a gene-edited autologous neuron replacement therapy targeting familial forms of the disease. Aspen Neuroscience employs innovative genomic approaches in conjunction with stem cell biology to address diseases with significant unmet medical needs, aiming to provide restorative cell therapies that can modify the progression of Parkinson's disease and potentially extend to other affected organs.

GeneDx Holding

Series B in 2019
GeneDx is dedicated to providing personalized health insights that enhance diagnosis, treatment, and drug discovery. By integrating extensive genomic expertise with advanced data interpretation capabilities, the company aims to establish precision medicine as a standard in healthcare. GeneDx specializes in exome and genome testing and interpretation, leveraging one of the largest rare disease data sets available. Its operations are divided into two segments: GeneDx, which generates the majority of revenue, and Legacy Sema4 diagnostics. Through these efforts, GeneDx is positioned to significantly impact health outcomes by using genomic and large-scale clinical information.

Cradle Genomics

Series A in 2019
Cradle Genomics, Inc. specializes in fetal genetic analysis and pregnancy health screening solutions, focusing on non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) to provide comprehensive insights at the earliest stages of pregnancy. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in San Diego, California, with research and development operations in Detroit, Michigan, the company has developed a platform that analyzes genetic material from fetal cells collected during a first trimester visit. This approach allows pregnant women to receive critical information about their health and the health of their developing fetus without any risk. Cradle Genomics aims to empower expectant parents with knowledge that can guide their decisions throughout the pregnancy journey.

Embark

Series A in 2019
Embark offers dog DNA testing that ends preventable diseases in dogs. It was founded by top experts in genomics, computational biology, and software design to sell an industry-leading dog DNA test. They use a clinical-grade CLIA-certified SNP chip to provide the most accurate and comprehensive results (200,000+ genetic markers) available on the market. Their data contributes to proprietary genetics research that will help dog owners optimize nutrition, exercise, allergies, and prevent a variety of heritable conditions. Their technological advantage, intellectual capital, and research-focus enable them to push canine health toward our shared vision of preventative veterinary care.

Alector

Series E in 2018
Alector, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia. The company’s lead products, AL001, AL101, AL002, and AL003, are currently undergoing various stages of clinical trials, with AL001 in a phase II trial for frontotemporal dementia and AL101 in phase I trials targeting multiple neurodegenerative conditions. Alector employs advanced antibody technology combined with insights from neuroimmunology and human genetics to create therapeutics that address underlying disease mechanisms. The company has established a collaboration with Adimab, which specializes in the discovery and optimization of antibody therapeutics, to enhance its research and development efforts. Alector also has several additional programs in the research and development stage, reflecting its commitment to advancing novel treatments for complex neurological disorders. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, Alector aims to restore healthy immune function in the brain through its unique therapeutic approaches.

Celularity

Venture Round in 2018
Celularity is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on advancing cellular medicine through the development of off-the-shelf placental-derived allogeneic cell therapies. Its product pipeline includes unmodified and genetically modified natural killer (NK) cells, CAR-engineered T cells, and mesenchymal-like adherent stromal cells. The company targets various health conditions, including cancer, immunologic disorders, infectious diseases, and degenerative illnesses. Celularity leverages the unique biology of the placenta, aiming to create effective and accessible therapies to address significant unmet medical needs. In addition to its cell therapy initiatives, Celularity operates a bio-banking segment, which contributes substantially to its revenue.

Embark

Seed Round in 2017
Embark offers dog DNA testing that ends preventable diseases in dogs. It was founded by top experts in genomics, computational biology, and software design to sell an industry-leading dog DNA test. They use a clinical-grade CLIA-certified SNP chip to provide the most accurate and comprehensive results (200,000+ genetic markers) available on the market. Their data contributes to proprietary genetics research that will help dog owners optimize nutrition, exercise, allergies, and prevent a variety of heritable conditions. Their technological advantage, intellectual capital, and research-focus enable them to push canine health toward our shared vision of preventative veterinary care.
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