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Mission BioCapital is a life science venture capital firm founded in 2009, with offices located in San Francisco, California, and Cambridge, Massachusetts. The firm specializes in providing early-stage capital to life science entrepreneurs, focusing on accelerating the development of scientific solutions from discovery to clinical application. Mission BioCapital is recognized for its distinctive approach that integrates traditional venture funding with a company creation model, co-founding startups with academic researchers to drive innovation in the life sciences sector.
Currently, Mission BioCapital operates its fifth fund, which has a total size of $275 million. The firm has built a reputation as a company-creation-focused biotech VC, not merely a check writer. It has successfully supported a portfolio of 10 companies, including notable exits such as Caribou Biosciences and Alector. The firm emphasizes collaboration and mentorship, providing not just funding but also access to shared lab space and resources to its portfolio companies.
Mission BioCapital's strategic partnerships with organizations like Eli Lilly and Ono Venture Investment further enhance its capabilities in the life sciences domain. The firm has consistently demonstrated its commitment to fostering scientific advancements and bringing innovative solutions to market.
Mission BioCapital invests primarily in early-stage life science companies, with a strong emphasis on therapeutics, drug delivery, and lab tools. The firm targets investments at the pre-seed, seed, seed-plus, and Series A stages, allowing it to engage with startups at various points in their development. Their investment strategy is designed to nurture scientific advancements and facilitate the transition of innovative solutions from discovery to clinical application.
The firm values mentorship, collaboration, and respect for founders, which are integral to its investment philosophy. Mission BioCapital's unique company creation model allows it to work closely with founders and researchers, fostering an environment that accelerates the development of groundbreaking scientific solutions. This approach not only provides financial support but also enhances the operational capabilities of portfolio companies through shared resources and strategic partnerships.
Mission BioCapital's geographic focus is on North America, where it actively seeks to identify and invest in promising life science ventures. The firm’s commitment to early-stage investments positions it as a key player in the biotech sector, particularly in areas that require significant scientific expertise and innovation.
Mission BioCapital's portfolio includes a diverse range of companies focused on various aspects of life sciences. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects Mission BioCapital's commitment to advancing scientific solutions in the life sciences sector, with a strong emphasis on innovative therapies and technologies.
Mission BioCapital's team comprises experienced professionals with diverse backgrounds in life sciences and venture capital. Key individuals include:
To pitch to Mission BioCapital, founders should utilize the application portal available at this link. The firm prefers detailed decks that include information on the scientific innovation, market opportunity, and the founding team's background. It is advisable to highlight any existing partnerships or collaborations that can enhance the startup's credibility.
Response times can vary, but founders should expect a thorough review process given the firm's commitment to mentorship and collaboration. Warm introductions are beneficial, as they can facilitate a more favorable reception of the pitch.
The 2024 Platinum Program is a notable initiative by Mission BioCapital, designed to support early-stage life science founders through a structured contest. This program collaborates with partners like Eli Lilly and Alloy Therapeutics to identify and launch new companies.
In November 2021, Mission BioCapital announced the closing of its fifth fund, which raised $275 million, more than doubling the size of its previous fund. This fund has already seeded seven new companies, including four that were co-founded by the firm: ARase Therapeutics, Telo Therapeutics, Jupiter Bioventures, and Arclight Therapeutics.
In 2024, Mission BioCapital launched the Platinum Program, a company creation contest in partnership with Eli Lilly, Ono Venture Investment, and Alloy Therapeutics. This program aims to support early-stage life science founders and foster innovation in the sector.
Recent investments include ongoing support for companies like Zag Bio, which focuses on therapies for immune tolerance, and continued engagement with Symbiome and PanTher Therapeutics, reflecting the firm's commitment to its portfolio.
What are Mission BioCapital's investment criteria?
Mission BioCapital focuses on early-stage life science companies, particularly in therapeutics, drug delivery, and lab tools. They invest at the pre-seed, seed, seed-plus, and Series A stages, emphasizing collaboration and mentorship.
How can startups apply or pitch to Mission BioCapital?
Startups can apply through the Mission BioCapital application portal available at this link. The firm encourages detailed presentations that highlight the scientific innovation and market potential of the proposed solutions.
What makes Mission BioCapital different from other VC firms?
Mission BioCapital combines traditional venture funding with a unique company creation model, co-founding startups with academic researchers. This approach allows them to provide not only capital but also operational support and access to shared resources.
What is the geographic scope of Mission BioCapital's investments?
The firm primarily focuses on North America, seeking to invest in promising life science ventures within this region.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not publicly disclosed, Mission BioCapital operates from a $275 million fund, indicating a capacity for substantial early-stage investments.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Mission BioCapital have?
Mission BioCapital emphasizes mentorship and collaboration, often working closely with portfolio companies to accelerate their development and success in the market.
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