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Hatteras Venture Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 2000 and based in Durham, North Carolina. Over its 25 years of investing history, the firm has established itself as one of the premier life sciences and healthcare VC firms in the Southeastern United States. Hatteras focuses on building transformational companies in the health innovation sector, particularly in biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, and healthcare IT.
The firm manages over $900 million across multiple funds and has invested in more than 100 companies. Hatteras has a strong presence in North Carolina and the Southeast, with additional offices in Dallas, Beijing, Providence, Washington D.C., Allen, and the San Francisco Bay Area. The firm has achieved notable milestones, including significant exits and a commitment to supporting innovative healthcare solutions.
Hatteras Venture Partners invests in seed and early-stage companies across the healthcare continuum, including sectors such as biotechnology, medical devices, diagnostics, and health technology. The firm emphasizes opportunities in regions that are research-driven but undercapitalized, particularly in North Carolina and the Southeastern United States. Their investment strategy is centered on identifying high-quality science and teams with the potential for significant impact on patient care.
Investment stages include pre-seed, seed, seed-plus, and Series A, with check sizes typically ranging from $500,000 to $5 million. Hatteras seeks to identify disruptive healthcare opportunities that can lead to substantial advancements in patient care and health outcomes.
Hatteras Venture Partners has invested in over 100 portfolio companies, showcasing a diverse range of innovations in healthcare. Notable portfolio companies include:
Clay Thorp — General Partner, co-leads investments and has extensive experience in healthcare venture capital.
John Crumpler — General Partner, co-leads investments and has a strong background in healthcare innovation.
Ben Scruggs, PhD — Partner, also serves as CEO of portfolio company Altis Biosystems, with expertise in biotechnology.
Lauren Flickinger — Partner and Fund Manager of the Pisgah Fund, previously an investment banker at Morgan Stanley.
Christy Shaffer, PhD — General Partner with a focus on biopharmaceuticals and healthcare investments.
Douglas Reed, MD — General Partner with a medical background, enhancing the firm's healthcare investment strategy.
Kim Hodges — CFO and General Partner, overseeing financial operations and fund management.
Fred Goldwater — Venture Partner with extensive experience in healthcare investments.
Holden Thorp — Venture Partner with a strong academic background in health innovation.
Kseniya Simpson, PhD — Principal with expertise in healthcare technology.
Alston Gardner — Special Advisor providing strategic insights.
Parker Johnson — Head of Investor Relations, managing relationships with limited partners.
Graham Smith — Associate involved in deal sourcing and analysis.
Declan Devens — Operations Analyst supporting operational efficiency.
Myla Lai-Goldman, MD — Venture Partner with a focus on medical devices.
Kirkland Hendrickson — Program Manager overseeing various initiatives.
Heather Madsen, PhD — Operating Partner with expertise in healthcare operations.
To pitch Hatteras Venture Partners, founders should prepare a concise pitch deck that includes key information about the business model, market opportunity, and team. The preferred channel for initial contact is through their website or email. Founders should expect a response within a few weeks, and warm introductions are often beneficial.
Hatteras Venture Partners has launched several initiatives to support early-stage healthcare innovation. The **Hatteras Discovery** program focuses on seed-stage projects, allocating up to 20% of certain funds to these opportunities. Additionally, the **Venture Capital Multiplier Fund (VCMF)** is a $60 million fund aimed at co-investing in North Carolina Nexus companies, enhancing the firm's commitment to regional healthcare innovation.
In August 2025, Hatteras Venture Partners closed two new funds, HVP VII and HOF I, raising over $200 million to support healthcare-focused investments. This marks a significant milestone in their ongoing commitment to health innovation.
Recent portfolio activity includes the acquisition of Jumo Health, Inc. in 2024 and Iris Healthcare, Inc. by Aledade in 2023, highlighting the firm's successful exit strategy and active engagement in the healthcare sector.
Q?
What are Hatteras Venture Partners' investment criteria?
Hatteras focuses on seed and early-stage investments in healthcare innovation, particularly in biotechnology, medical devices, diagnostics, and healthcare IT. They look for high-quality science and teams with significant potential impact on patient care.
Q?
How can startups apply or pitch to Hatteras?
Startups can reach out directly through their website or contact them via email. A well-prepared pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team is essential.
Q?
What makes Hatteras different from other venture capital firms?
Hatteras Venture Partners has a strong focus on healthcare innovation and a deep understanding of the complexities within the sector. Their extensive network and experience in navigating healthcare investments provide significant value to portfolio companies.
Q?
What is the geographic scope of Hatteras Venture Partners?
The firm primarily invests in North America, with a strong emphasis on opportunities in North Carolina and the Southeastern United States.
Q?
What is the typical check size for investments?
Hatteras typically invests between $500,000 and $5 million in seed and early-stage companies.
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