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Immune Boost Capital (IBC) is the philanthropic venture subsidiary of the Arthritis National Research Foundation (ANRF), established to invest in early-stage autoimmune diagnostics and therapeutics. Founded in October 2025, IBC operates independently while being guided by a team of experienced investors, scientists, and healthcare leaders. The fund is designed to recycle 100% of returns to support future innovation, ensuring that successful investments contribute to ongoing advancements in the field.
IBC's mission is to bridge the funding gap between academic discovery and clinical development in autoimmune diseases. The fund focuses on early-stage investments, particularly in diagnostics and therapeutics that are at or before preclinical proof-of-concept. IBC is based in Los Angeles, California, and aims to support academic spinouts and emerging biotech companies that are pursuing innovative solutions in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
As a philanthropic evergreen venture fund, IBC does not distribute capital returns to donors or management. Instead, all returns are reinvested into future mission-aligned investments, reinforcing its commitment to advancing research and development in the autoimmune sector.
Immune Boost Capital specializes in investments targeting autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, with a specific emphasis on diagnostics and therapeutics at or before preclinical proof-of-concept. The fund seeks to address the early-stage funding gap by providing initial and co-investments ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, with potential follow-on investments to support further development. Their investment strategy is milestone-driven, focusing on de-risking events that can validate the potential of the technologies being developed.
IBC is particularly interested in academic spinouts and emerging biotech companies that demonstrate compelling early data in their pursuit of innovative solutions for autoimmune conditions. The fund's investment approach includes a focus on sectors such as autoimmune disease, inflammatory disease, arthritis-related therapeutics, diagnostics, and enabling technologies. IBC's goal is to provide catalytic funding that helps bridge the gap between academic research and commercial viability, ultimately leading to advancements in patient care.
Immune Boost Capital does not publicly disclose specific portfolio companies or notable investments. However, the fund targets academic spinouts and emerging biotech companies that are focused on developing diagnostics, therapeutics, or enabling technologies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. IBC is particularly interested in opportunities that have compelling early data but require initial funding to advance toward preclinical validation or clinical readiness.
While the specific names of portfolio companies are not available, IBC's investment strategy emphasizes supporting innovative projects that align with its mission of advancing autoimmune research. The fund aims to provide the necessary capital to help these companies navigate the early stages of development, ultimately contributing to breakthroughs in the treatment of autoimmune conditions.
Sai Nandi, D.Phil. - Fund Principal. Sai has extensive experience in venture financing and life sciences, focusing on early-stage investments in biotech.
Emily Stormoen - Chief Executive Officer, Arthritis National Research Foundation. Emily leads the ANRF and serves as the liaison for IBC, emphasizing the fund's mission to bridge the gap between research and therapy development.
Jeff Greenberg, MD - Chair, IBC, Thermo Fisher Scientific. Jeff brings a wealth of knowledge in clinical research and development, contributing to IBC's strategic direction.
Schalon Newton, DBA - Vice Chair, IBC. Schalon has decades of experience in corporate strategy and business development within the life sciences sector.
Leonard Dragone, MD, PhD - Treasurer, IBC, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. Leonard's expertise in innovative medicine and therapeutics supports IBC's investment strategy.
KT Moortgat, PhD - Secretary, IBC, Dalena Capital. KT is a seasoned biotech venture investor with a focus on life sciences.
Ayo Akande - Board Member, IBC, Retired, Dell Technologies. Ayo brings a diverse background in technology and business management.
DB Kartik - Board Member, IBC, JPA Health. DB has extensive experience in health and life sciences, contributing to IBC's advisory capabilities.
Rich Narido - Board Member, IBC, Life Sciences. Rich's background in life sciences enhances IBC's strategic insights.
Piet van der Graaf, PharmD, PhD - Board Member, IBC, Certara. Piet's expertise in pharmacology and quantitative systems supports IBC's investment decisions.
To pitch to Immune Boost Capital, founders should visit their website at immuneboostcapital.org or send an email to info@immuneboostcapital.org. It is recommended to include a comprehensive deck that outlines the technology, market opportunity, and any preliminary data that supports the project. Founders should be prepared for a milestone-driven funding approach, where investments are tied to specific de-risking events.
IBC does not have a formal application portal, but they encourage warm introductions from industry contacts or existing network members. Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back regarding their proposals as the team reviews submissions.
On October 8, 2025, the Arthritis National Research Foundation announced the launch of Immune Boost Capital, marking a significant step in supporting early-stage autoimmune innovation. The fund aims to provide catalytic funding for promising diagnostics and therapeutics in the autoimmune sector.
On October 22, 2025, Schalon Newton was appointed as the Principal of Immune Boost Capital, bringing decades of experience in corporate strategy and venture financing in life sciences to lead the fund's initiatives.
What are Immune Boost Capital's investment criteria?
IBC focuses on early-stage investments in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, specifically targeting diagnostics and therapeutics at or before preclinical proof-of-concept. The fund seeks to support academic spinouts and emerging biotech companies with compelling early data.
How can founders apply or pitch to Immune Boost Capital?
Founders can pitch their ideas by visiting the IBC website at immuneboostcapital.org or by emailing their proposals to info@immuneboostcapital.org. It is advisable to include detailed information about the technology, market potential, and any preliminary data.
What makes Immune Boost Capital different from traditional VCs?
IBC operates as a philanthropic venture fund, meaning that all returns from successful investments are reinvested into future innovations rather than distributed to donors or management. This mission-first approach allows IBC to focus on supporting early-stage projects that may not yet attract traditional venture capital.
What is the typical check size for investments?
IBC provides initial and co-investments ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, with potential follow-on investments to support further development of portfolio companies.
What is the geographic focus of Immune Boost Capital?
While IBC primarily focuses on U.S.-based opportunities, it does not explicitly restrict its investments to a specific geographic area. The fund is open to innovative projects that align with its mission, regardless of location.
What kind of post-investment support does Immune Boost Capital provide?
IBC offers strategic guidance to portfolio companies, helping them navigate the path from early-stage development to clinical readiness. This support is aimed at ensuring that companies can effectively advance their technologies and achieve their milestones.
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