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Longwood Fund is a Boston-based venture capital firm founded in 2010, specializing in the creation and investment in novel healthcare companies. The firm has a strong track record, with its partners co-founding over 20 biotech companies that have launched approximately 25 drugs, resulting in sustained market capitalizations exceeding $170 billion. Longwood Fund's unique approach involves actively co-founding companies and collaborating closely with entrepreneurs and scientists to bring transformative therapies to market.
As of 2023, Longwood Fund manages over $650 million in assets under management (AUM) and has closed its largest fund, Fund VI, at $180 million. The firm primarily invests in early-stage companies, focusing on seed, Series A, Series B, and growth equity stages. Longwood Fund's commitment to the biotech sector is evident in its extensive portfolio, which includes notable companies such as Grail and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals.
Located in Boston, Massachusetts, Longwood Fund benefits from its proximity to leading academic institutions and research centers, enhancing its ability to identify and support groundbreaking healthcare innovations. The firm’s partners often take on executive roles within portfolio companies, providing strategic guidance and operational support to accelerate the development of new therapies.
Longwood Fund invests in science-based companies that address significant medical challenges, particularly in the sectors of biotech, healthcare, cell and gene therapy, oncology, neurology, and rare genetic diseases. The firm collaborates with world-class entrepreneurs and academic innovators to identify and develop groundbreaking discoveries in healthcare. Longwood Fund typically invests at seed, Series A, Series B, and growth equity stages, with check sizes ranging from $100,000 to $5 million, and a sweet spot around $1.5 million.
The firm’s investment thesis emphasizes the creation of innovative healthcare companies that tackle unmet medical needs through science-based therapies. Longwood Fund's hands-on approach allows partners to actively participate in the formation and development of portfolio companies, often taking on roles such as CEO or CBO. This model not only enhances the potential for success but also accelerates the path to market for innovative therapies.
Longwood Fund's portfolio includes a range of companies focused on developing therapies for unmet medical needs. Notable portfolio companies include:
Longwood Fund has also achieved notable exits with companies such as Grail, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Acceleron Pharma, Momenta Pharmaceuticals, and Sirtris Pharmaceuticals. These exits highlight the firm's successful track record in the biotech sector and its ability to create significant value through its investments.
Christoph Westphal, MD, PhD - Co-Founder & General Partner. Christoph has extensive experience in the biotech sector, having co-founded multiple successful companies and served in executive roles.
Rich Aldrich, MBA - Founding Partner. Rich brings a wealth of knowledge in venture capital and has played a key role in the firm's development since its inception.
Aleks Radovic-Moreno, PhD - Partner. Aleks has a strong background in life sciences and contributes to the firm's investment strategy and portfolio management.
Vikas Goyal, MBA - Partner. Vikas focuses on identifying and supporting innovative healthcare companies within the firm's portfolio.
Josh Lubov, MBA - Chief Financial Officer. Josh oversees the financial operations of Longwood Fund and its portfolio companies.
Rob Hadfield, JD - General Counsel & Operating Partner. Rob provides legal guidance and operational support to the firm and its investments.
John McCabe, MBA - Portfolio Company CFO & COO. John works closely with portfolio companies to ensure financial and operational success.
David Donabedian, PhD - Partner, NewCo Formation. David specializes in the formation of new companies within the biotech sector.
Lucy Liu, PhD - Principal. Lucy focuses on research and analysis to support the firm's investment decisions.
Lizzie Ngo, PhD - Principal. Lizzie contributes to the firm's scientific evaluation of potential investments.
Arielle Jackson, BBA - Head, Corporate Communications & Industry Engagement. Arielle manages communications and engagement with industry stakeholders.
Annalisa D’Andrea, PhD - Venture Partner. Annalisa brings expertise in drug development and commercialization.
Lea Hachigian, PhD - Venture Partner. Lea focuses on identifying innovative therapeutic approaches in the biotech space.
Alex Margolin, PhD - Venture Partner. Alex specializes in scientific evaluation and due diligence for potential investments.
Roger Tung, PhD - Venture Partner. Roger has a strong background in drug discovery and development.
To pitch Longwood Fund, founders should visit their website at Longwood Fund's website for details on the application process. The firm prefers pitches that include a clear overview of the startup's mission, the medical need being addressed, and the scientific foundation of the proposed solution. While specific email addresses for pitches are not provided, founders are encouraged to utilize the contact form on the website. Response times may vary, but the firm is known for its active engagement with potential investments.
In May 2023, Longwood Fund closed its largest fund to date, Fund VI, at $180 million. This fund will continue the firm's commitment to creating and investing in early-stage biotechnology companies.
Longwood Fund has been actively monitoring the progress of its portfolio companies, with recent blog posts detailing financial results and business updates from companies like Evommune and TScan Therapeutics. This ongoing engagement reflects the firm's dedication to supporting its investments and keeping stakeholders informed about developments in the healthcare sector.
What are Longwood Fund's investment criteria?
Longwood Fund focuses on investing in science-based companies that address significant medical needs, particularly in the biotech and healthcare sectors. The firm typically invests at seed, Series A, Series B, and growth equity stages, with check sizes ranging from $100,000 to $5 million.
How can I apply or pitch to Longwood Fund?
Founders interested in pitching to Longwood Fund can visit their website at Longwood Fund's website for more information on the application process. Specific email addresses for pitches are not provided.
What makes Longwood Fund different from other venture capital firms?
Longwood Fund distinguishes itself through its active co-founding model, where partners often take on executive roles within portfolio companies. This hands-on approach allows for closer collaboration with entrepreneurs and scientists, enhancing the potential for success.
What is Longwood Fund's geographic scope?
The firm primarily focuses on investments in North America, particularly in the Boston area, which is known for its strong biotech ecosystem.
What is Longwood Fund's post-investment involvement like?
Longwood Fund is highly involved with its portfolio companies, often providing strategic guidance and operational support. Partners frequently take on executive roles, which allows them to directly influence the direction and success of the companies they invest in.
What is the size of Longwood Fund's latest fund?
Longwood Fund's latest fund, Fund VI, closed at $180 million in May 2023, making it the largest fund in the firm's history.
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