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Humboldt Fund, also known as Humboldt Ventures, is a venture capital organization based in New York, NY, that supports early-stage companies synthesizing engineering with physical and life sciences. Founded with the mission to address critical global issues, the fund emphasizes investments in synthetic biology and innovative technologies. The firm actively deploys capital, having achieved its first close in 2024, and has been investing in the synthetic biology space since 2020.
The organization currently manages a portfolio of over 50 companies, focusing on sectors such as biotech, healthcare, food-agtech, and climate. Humboldt Fund's team comprises experts with backgrounds in cell biology and business from prestigious institutions like UCSF and MIT Sloan. Their strong network, particularly in Latin America and Europe, enhances their ability to identify and support promising startups.
Humboldt Fund's notable milestones include investments in companies like NotCo, a unicorn in plant-based food, and Metagenomi, a leader in gene editing. The firm aims to generate substantial economic returns while tackling significant global challenges through its investments.
Humboldt Fund invests primarily in early-stage companies, specifically targeting the synthetic biology sector. The firm focuses on pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages, with check sizes ranging from $500,000 to $2 million. Investments typically include $500,000 to $1 million for pre-seed rounds and $1 million to $2 million for seed rounds. The organization seeks to create biology-based alternatives to industrial inputs, addressing critical global challenges while generating economic value.
The sectors of interest for Humboldt Fund include biotech, healthcare, food-agtech, and climate technologies. Their investment strategy emphasizes revolutionary technologies that synthesize engineering with life sciences. The firm looks for founders who demonstrate a strong commitment to innovation and possess the technical expertise necessary to drive their companies forward. Humboldt Fund's thesis highlights a $25 trillion opportunity across industrial inputs, food and agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and specialized applications.
Humboldt Fund's portfolio consists of over 50 companies, showcasing a diverse range of innovative solutions across various sectors. Notable companies include:
This diverse portfolio reflects Humboldt Fund's commitment to investing in companies that leverage synthetic biology to create impactful solutions.
Sebastian Bernales - Managing Partner; PhD in Cell Biology from UCSF. He has extensive experience in the synthetic biology sector and a strong network across Latin America and Europe.
Benjamin Quiroga - Partner; holds a business degree from Universidad Católica. He brings a wealth of experience in business development and investment strategies.
Francisco Dopazo - Partner; MBA from MIT Sloan. He has a background in business and finance, contributing to the firm's investment decision-making process.
To pitch Humboldt Fund, founders should submit their proposals through the firm's website at humboldtfund.com. It is essential to include a comprehensive deck that outlines the startup's technology, market opportunity, and team qualifications. The firm prefers detailed presentations that clearly articulate the problem being solved and the innovative approach taken.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are beneficial but not mandatory.
As of 2024, Humboldt Fund has been actively deploying capital following its first close. The firm has invested in over 50 companies, focusing on the synthetic biology sector. Notable portfolio highlights include the unicorn NotCo and Metagenomi, both of which exemplify the firm's commitment to innovative solutions in biotechnology.
Recent activities indicate a strong focus on expanding their portfolio in the biotech and healthcare sectors, with ongoing investments in companies that address critical global challenges.
What are Humboldt Fund's investment criteria?
Humboldt Fund focuses on early-stage companies, particularly in the synthetic biology sector. They look for innovative technologies that address significant global challenges and create economic value. The firm invests in pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages, with check sizes ranging from $500,000 to $2 million.
How can founders apply or pitch to Humboldt Fund?
Founders can pitch to Humboldt Fund through their website at humboldtfund.com. It is advisable to include a detailed deck that outlines the technology, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes Humboldt Fund different from other venture capital firms?
Humboldt Fund distinguishes itself through its strong emphasis on synthetic biology and its deep scientific credibility. The team has expertise in cell biology and business, and they maintain a robust network in Latin America and Europe, which enhances their investment reach.
What is the geographic scope of Humboldt Fund's investments?
The firm primarily focuses on the US market but also has a secondary presence in Latin America and Europe, allowing them to tap into innovative startups in these regions.
What is Humboldt Fund's post-investment involvement like?
Humboldt Fund provides significant support to its portfolio companies, leveraging its scientific expertise and network to help them navigate challenges and scale effectively. The firm is actively involved in guiding their companies through strategic decisions and operational support.
What is the fund size and check size range?
Humboldt Fund's check sizes range from $500,000 to $2 million, with specific allocations for pre-seed and seed rounds. The total assets under management (AUM) have not been disclosed, but the firm is actively deploying capital following its first close in 2024.
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