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Awaken Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2023 and based in Park Ridge, Illinois, part of the Chicago metropolitan area. The firm is the successor to OS Fund, which was co-founded by Bryan Johnson and Jeff Klunzinger in 2014. Awaken Capital continues the mission of supporting entrepreneurs who build tech-enabled platforms, emphasizing a platform-based investment strategy that targets technology-driven solutions capable of creating significant impact across various sectors.
Since its inception, Awaken Capital has focused on investing in meaningful innovations that tackle large-scale challenges. The firm has established itself as a key player in the venture capital landscape, particularly in the biotechnology and digital health sectors. The firm operates with a rolling application cycle and is open to engaging with entrepreneurs who embody a platform mindset.
Awaken Capital has a diverse portfolio of 24 companies, including notable exits such as Ginkgo Bioworks and Sprout Social. The firm is committed to supporting founders with a strong vision and the potential to create foundational infrastructure across multiple markets. As of now, Awaken Capital has at least two fund vehicles, including the OS Fund-era vehicle and Awaken Capital Venture Fund II, which is independently LP-backed.
Awaken Capital invests in tech-enabled platforms that address large-scale problems across multiple markets. The firm targets sectors such as biotech, healthcare, artificial intelligence, frontier technologies, consumer products, and commerce. Their investment strategy is centered on platform-based companies rather than single products, as they believe that these platforms will lead to the most successful companies of the future.
The firm is particularly interested in life sciences, synthetic biology, advanced materials, and AI-enabled drug discovery. Awaken Capital's thesis emphasizes that platform-based companies generate premium returns by diversifying risk and applying cross-market learnings. They seek founders who demonstrate a strong vision and the capability to create foundational infrastructure that can be applied across various sectors.
Awaken Capital's check sizes are not publicly disclosed, but historical data from the OS Fund indicates that checks typically ranged from $500,000 to $2 million. The firm operates primarily within the United States, focusing on early-stage investments, including pre-seed, seed, and Series A rounds.
Awaken Capital has a diverse portfolio of 24 companies, with notable prior investments including:
These investments reflect Awaken Capital's commitment to supporting tech-enabled platforms that can drive significant impact across various sectors.
Jeff Klunzinger (General Partner & Founder) — Co-founded OS Fund in 2014 with Bryan Johnson; previously CFO of West Family Investments; board member of NuMat Technologies; former board chair of PRE Brands; CPA with over 20 years in investment management.
Lily Kim, PhD (General Partner, Chief Scientific Officer & Co-founder) — Hertz Fellow with a PhD in biomedical engineering from Harvard-MIT; formerly Partner and Chief Scientist at OS Fund; serves on the Council of the Hertz Foundation.
Doug Lorenzen (Partner) — Background details not yet extracted from the site.
Omar Ali, PhD (Partner) — Background details not yet extracted from the site.
Andrew Radin (Venture Partner) — Founder of twoXAR, an AI drug discovery company; previously part of the OS Fund portfolio.
Tariq Warsi, PhD (Venture Partner) — Background details not publicly extracted from the site.
To pitch Awaken Capital, entrepreneurs should visit their contact page at awakencapital.com/contact. The firm encourages pitches from entrepreneurs who embody a platform mindset. While specific application forms or email addresses are not disclosed, the website indicates an open policy for engagement.
Founders should include a clear articulation of their business model, market opportunity, and how their technology serves as a platform. A well-structured pitch deck that highlights the scalability and impact of the proposed solution is essential. Response times may vary, so founders should be prepared for a rolling application process.
In June 2025, Awaken Capital's portfolio company Synthego was acquired by Perceptive Advisors, marking a significant exit for the firm. This acquisition highlights Awaken Capital's focus on investing in impactful tech-enabled platforms.
Awaken Capital continues to build its portfolio, focusing on early-stage investments in sectors such as biotech and AI. The firm remains committed to supporting entrepreneurs who are developing foundational technologies that can drive significant change across multiple markets.
What are Awaken Capital's investment criteria?
Awaken Capital focuses on investing in tech-enabled platforms that address large-scale challenges across multiple markets. They are particularly interested in sectors such as biotech, healthcare, AI, and advanced materials.
How can I pitch to Awaken Capital?
Entrepreneurs can pitch to Awaken Capital through their website at awakencapital.com/contact. The firm is open to meeting entrepreneurs who embody a platform mindset.
What makes Awaken Capital different from other VC firms?
Awaken Capital emphasizes a platform-based investment strategy, targeting technology-driven solutions rather than single products. They believe that platform-based companies will lead to the most successful ventures of the future.
What is the geographic focus of Awaken Capital?
The firm primarily invests in companies based in the United States.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not publicly disclosed, historical data from the OS Fund indicates that checks typically ranged from $500,000 to $2 million.
What is Awaken Capital's post-investment involvement like?
Awaken Capital provides value to its portfolio companies through a platform mindset, leveraging their expertise in technology and market insights to help entrepreneurs scale their innovations.
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