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Illumina Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2016, focused on early-stage companies that are innovating in genomics and precision health. The firm operates from its headquarters in the San Francisco Bay Area and has a European office located in Dublin, Ireland. Illumina Ventures is independently managed but maintains a strategic partnership with Illumina, Inc., which provides significant resources and expertise to its portfolio companies.
As of now, Illumina Ventures manages approximately $200 million across its funds, with a strong emphasis on supporting companies that are transforming healthcare through advancements in gene editing, AI-enabled drug discovery, and sustainable health solutions. The firm has established a reputation for its deep focus on life sciences tools, diagnostics, therapeutics, and digital health, making it a key player in the biotech investment landscape.
Illumina Ventures primarily invests in early-stage companies within the genomics and precision health sectors. The firm targets a range of investment stages, including Pre Seed, Seed, Series A, and Series B, with check sizes ranging from $1 million to $20 million. Geographic focus includes North America and Europe, allowing the firm to tap into diverse innovation hubs.
Key investment areas encompass life sciences tools, diagnostics, therapeutics, and digital health. Specific interests include innovations in single-cell analysis, gene editing, and agricultural biotechnology. Illumina Ventures seeks to partner with founders who are committed to making significant impacts in human health, emphasizing the importance of scientific rigor and market potential in their investment decisions.
Illumina Ventures boasts a diverse portfolio of innovative companies, including:
Nick Naclerio, Ph.D. - Founding Partner. Naclerio has extensive experience in the life sciences sector and has led numerous successful investments in genomics.
Abhijit “Ron” Mazumder, Ph.D. - Partner. Mazumder brings a strong scientific background and has been instrumental in identifying promising startups in the biotech space.
Wouter Meuleman, Ph.D. - Partner. Meuleman has a deep understanding of genomics and has contributed to the firm's investment strategy.
Malek Faham, M.D., Ph.D. - Chief Scientist. Faham's expertise in genomics and precision health enhances the firm's scientific rigor in evaluating investments.
Bill Rastetter, Ph.D. - Advisor. Rastetter provides strategic guidance based on his extensive experience in the biotech industry.
Charles White, Ph.D. - Senior Associate. White supports the investment team with research and analysis of potential portfolio companies.
David C. Duffy, Ph.D. - Entrepreneur in Residence. Duffy offers mentorship and operational support to portfolio companies.
Donal Delaney - Chief Financial Officer. Delaney manages the financial operations of the firm.
Martin Moorhead, Ph.D. - Chief AI Scientist. Moorhead focuses on integrating AI technologies into the firm's investment strategy.
To pitch to Illumina Ventures, startups should send an email to info@illuminaventures.com. It is advisable to include a detailed deck that outlines the business model, technology, market opportunity, and team background. Response times may vary, but founders should expect to hear back within a few weeks.
Illumina Ventures operates the Illumina Ventures Labs, which accelerates value creation for early-stage genomics startups. This program provides access to capital, sequencing technologies, mentorship, and fully equipped genomics lab capabilities. Startups interested in participating can inquire through the firm's contact channels.
In 2025, Illumina Ventures led an $8 million Series A investment in Infinity Bio, a company focused on innovative solutions in the biotech sector. Additionally, portfolio company Iambic Therapeutics successfully raised over $100 million in an oversubscribed round for its AI-discovered therapeutics.
Previously, Illumina Ventures led a EUR 11 million Series A investment in DNA Script, a company specializing in synthetic DNA technologies. The firm also participated in an $18 million funding round for a French PCR firm, collaborating with Kurma Partners and LBO France.
Illumina Ventures has been actively deploying capital from its Fund III, which was originally targeted at $300 million but was adjusted to $200 million amid challenging fundraising conditions in the biotech sector.
What are Illumina Ventures' investment criteria?
Illumina Ventures invests in early-stage companies focused on genomics and precision health, particularly in life sciences tools, diagnostics, therapeutics, and digital health. They look for innovations in areas such as gene editing and AI-enabled drug discovery.
How can startups apply or pitch to Illumina Ventures?
Startups can reach out via email at info@illuminaventures.com. A well-prepared pitch deck should include details about the technology, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes Illumina Ventures different from other VCs?
Illumina Ventures provides unique access to the Illumina ecosystem, which includes resources from Illumina Inc. and the Illumina Accelerator. This partnership allows portfolio companies to benefit from industry expertise and networks without the typical constraints of corporate venture capital.
What is the geographic scope of Illumina Ventures?
The firm primarily focuses on investments in North America and Europe, leveraging its offices in the San Francisco Bay Area and Dublin, Ireland to access a wide range of innovative startups.
What is the typical fund size and check size for Illumina Ventures?
Illumina Ventures currently manages a fund size of approximately $200 million, with check sizes ranging from $1 million to $20 million for early-stage investments.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Illumina Ventures have?
Illumina Ventures actively supports its portfolio companies by providing access to the Illumina ecosystem, mentorship, and operational support, enhancing their growth potential in the market.
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