Discover if this is a suitable investor for your startup. If they are we'll make a warm introduction for free. Otherwise, we'll connect you with matching investors.
Humboldt Fund, also known as Humboldt Ventures, is a venture capital organization based in New York, NY, that focuses on early-stage companies synthesizing engineering with physical and life sciences. Founded in 2020, the firm has quickly established itself as a key player in the synthetic biology sector, targeting investments that address critical global issues while generating substantial economic returns. The fund's first close is confirmed for 2024, and it actively deploys capital across various sectors.
The firm currently manages a portfolio of over 50 companies, with a strong emphasis on biotech, healthcare, food-agtech, and climate sectors. Humboldt Fund's team comprises experts with backgrounds in cell biology and business from prestigious institutions such as UCSF and MIT Sloan. This expertise enhances the fund's ability to evaluate and support innovative startups effectively.
Humboldt Fund distinguishes itself through its deep scientific credibility and strong network, particularly in Latin America and Europe. This unique positioning allows the firm to identify and nurture groundbreaking technologies that can transform industries and improve lives.
Humboldt Fund invests primarily in early-stage companies, specifically in the synthetic biology sector. The firm targets pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages, with check sizes ranging from $500,000 to $2 million. For pre-seed investments, the check size typically falls between $500,000 and $1 million, while seed investments range from $1 million to $2 million. The firm focuses on sectors where engineering intersects with life sciences, including biotech, healthcare, food-agtech, and climate.
The investment thesis emphasizes creating biology-based alternatives to industrial inputs, addressing significant global challenges while generating economic value. Humboldt Fund seeks companies that develop revolutionary technologies capable of transforming industries. The firm looks for founders who demonstrate a strong commitment to innovation and possess the technical expertise necessary to execute their vision.
Humboldt Fund's portfolio includes over 50 companies, showcasing a diverse range of innovative solutions across various sectors. Notable companies in their portfolio 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 degree in Business from Universidad Católica. He brings valuable business acumen to the team, focusing on strategic investments.
Francisco Dopazo - Partner; MBA from MIT Sloan. His background combines business strategy with scientific expertise, enhancing the firm's investment decisions.
To pitch to Humboldt Fund, founders should submit their proposals through the firm's website at humboldtfund.com. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the technology, market opportunity, and team background. Founders should expect a response within a few weeks, and warm introductions are preferred but not mandatory.
As of 2024, Humboldt Fund has confirmed its first close and is actively deploying capital in the synthetic biology space. The firm has invested in over 50 companies since its inception in 2020, with a focus on pre-seed through Series A stages. Notable portfolio companies include unicorn NotCo and gene editing firm Metagenomi, showcasing the fund's commitment to innovative solutions in critical sectors.
What are Humboldt Fund's investment criteria?
Humboldt Fund focuses on early-stage investments in synthetic biology, targeting companies that develop revolutionary technologies at the intersection of engineering and life sciences. The firm invests in sectors such as biotech, healthcare, food-agtech, and climate.
How can founders apply or pitch to Humboldt Fund?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the Humboldt Fund website at humboldtfund.com. It is recommended to include a detailed business plan and information about the technology being developed.
What makes Humboldt Fund different from other venture capital firms?
Humboldt Fund distinguishes itself through its deep scientific credibility and strong network, particularly in Latin America and Europe. The team's expertise in synthetic biology allows them to identify and support innovative startups effectively.
What is the geographic scope of Humboldt Fund's investments?
The firm primarily focuses on the US market but also has a significant presence in Latin America and Europe, allowing them to tap into a diverse range of innovative startups.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Humboldt Fund typically invests between $500,000 and $2 million, with pre-seed investments ranging from $500,000 to $1 million and seed investments from $1 million to $2 million.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Humboldt Fund have?
The firm provides deep scientific credibility and access to a strong network, which can be invaluable for portfolio companies. They actively support their founders in navigating challenges and scaling their businesses.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.