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Arben Ventures is a micro-venture capital fund founded by researchers from Stanford's Department of Genetics and directors of the Stanford Healthcare Innovation Lab. Established to support early-stage health startups, the firm is based in the United States and has a fund size of $12 million. The organization has made over 70 investments, reflecting its commitment to pioneering advancements in health technology.
The firm focuses on transformative health ideas that are too advanced for academic support but too early for traditional venture capital. Notable milestones include achieving four FDA clearances for its portfolio companies, showcasing the fund's dedication to supporting innovative health solutions.
Arben Ventures has a diverse portfolio that spans various sectors, including precision medicine, early cancer detection, and mental health. The firm has also facilitated over $200 million in follow-on funding, demonstrating its active role in the health innovation space.
Arben Ventures primarily invests in early-stage health startups, concentrating on sectors such as precision medicine (30%), early cancer detection (15%), women's health (15%), chronic disease (15%), mental health (10%), brain and neurotechnology (10%), and robotics (5%). The fund typically writes initial checks ranging from $25,000 to $50,000, with the potential for follow-on funding of up to $500,000.
The firm seeks to identify startups that leverage advancements in genomics, multi-omics, wearables, and artificial intelligence to create impactful health solutions. Arben Ventures aims to bridge the gap for transformative health ideas that require support beyond academic resources but are not yet ready for traditional venture capital investment.
Arben Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of over 70 companies across various health sectors. The portfolio includes:
Notable achievements within the portfolio include four FDA clearances, which highlight the fund's commitment to supporting innovative health solutions. The firm has also facilitated over $200 million in follow-on funding, further demonstrating its active engagement in the health sector.
Ariel Ganz, PhD - Founder & Managing Partner. Ariel has a background in genetics and has led multiple successful health technology initiatives. He holds a PhD from Stanford University.
Benjamin Rolnik - Founder & Partner. Benjamin has extensive experience in venture capital and has been involved in numerous health startups, focusing on early-stage investments.
Julia Cigarroa Heymach - Venture Partner. Julia brings expertise in healthcare innovation and has a strong academic background, contributing to the firm's strategic direction.
Nico Tellez - Venture Partner. Nico has a background in health technology and works closely with portfolio companies to enhance their growth strategies.
Diana Francisco - Executive Assistant. Diana supports the team in operational functions and investor relations.
Syon - Intern. Syon assists with research and analysis, contributing to the firm's investment decision-making process.
To pitch to Arben Ventures, founders should visit the firm's website at arben.ventures. The pitch deck should include a concise overview of the business model, market opportunity, and technology being developed. It is advisable to highlight any traction or milestones achieved to date.
Arben Ventures prefers warm introductions but will also consider direct submissions through their website. Founders can expect a response within a few weeks, depending on the volume of inquiries received.
As of March 2026, Arben Ventures has continued to expand its portfolio, making over 70 investments in early-stage health startups. The firm has achieved four FDA clearances for its portfolio companies, underscoring its commitment to supporting innovative health solutions.
Additionally, Arben Ventures has facilitated more than $200 million in follow-on funding, demonstrating its active role in the health innovation space. The firm remains focused on identifying transformative health ideas that align with its investment thesis.
What are Arben Ventures' investment criteria?
Arben Ventures invests in early-stage health startups, focusing on sectors such as precision medicine, early cancer detection, women's health, chronic disease, mental health, brain and neurotechnology, and robotics. The fund typically writes initial checks between $25,000 and $50,000.
How can I pitch to Arben Ventures?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the Arben Ventures website at arben.ventures. It is recommended to include a clear business model, market analysis, and details on the technology being developed.
What makes Arben Ventures different from other investors?
Arben Ventures focuses on transformative health ideas that are too advanced for academic support but too early for traditional venture capital. The fund's founders have significant academic and industry experience, providing valuable insights and connections to portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of Arben Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in startups based in the United States, targeting innovative health solutions that can significantly impact human health.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Arben Ventures have?
Arben Ventures adds value to its portfolio companies by providing strategic guidance, leveraging its expertise in health innovation, and facilitating connections within the healthcare ecosystem.
What is the fund size and follow-on funding capability?
Arben Ventures has a fund size of $12 million and has facilitated over $200 million in follow-on funding for its portfolio companies, demonstrating its commitment to supporting growth and innovation in the health sector.
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