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.
Northpond Ventures is a multi-billion-dollar venture capital firm founded in 2018. The firm operates from offices in Bethesda, Maryland; Cambridge, Massachusetts; and San Francisco, California. Northpond Ventures is dedicated to advancing science and technology for the benefit of humanity, partnering with academic institutions, researchers, and entrepreneurs to translate scientific discoveries into viable companies.
As of now, Northpond Ventures manages approximately $2 billion in assets under management (AUM) and has made over 131 investments across various sectors. The firm emphasizes a deep engagement model with its partners, which enhances the scientific and operational capabilities of its portfolio companies. Notable milestones include partnerships with prestigious institutions such as Harvard University and MIT, and the establishment of Northpond Labs, an R&D affiliate that supports translational research and company formation.
Northpond Ventures invests primarily in biotechnology, diagnostics, digital health, life sciences, and medical devices. The firm targets a diverse range of disease categories, including cardiology, gastrointestinal/microbiome, immunology, infectious diseases, neurology, oncology, and rare/genetic diseases. Northpond Ventures typically engages with early-stage companies, focusing on innovative research and development.
The firm seeks to partner with founders who demonstrate a strong commitment to scientific advancement and possess a clear vision for their companies. Northpond Ventures prefers to structure deals that allow for significant collaboration and support, ensuring that portfolio companies benefit from the firm's extensive network and resources.
Northpond Ventures has a diverse portfolio of over 60 companies, with notable investments including:
Michael P. Rubin, M.D., Ph.D., CFA - Founder & CEO. He has a background in medicine and finance, with extensive experience in venture capital and scientific research.
Sharon Kedar, CFA - Co-Founder, Partner. Kedar brings expertise in investment management and has a strong track record in the life sciences sector.
Andrea Jackson - Partner. Jackson has a background in healthcare investments and operational management.
Pat Smerkers, CPA - Chief Financial Officer, Partner. Smerkers oversees financial operations and has experience in venture capital finance.
Diana Bernstein, Ph.D. - Director. Bernstein specializes in scientific research and has a strong academic background.
Lucy Coassin - Director. Coassin focuses on operational support and portfolio management.
Ben Hartheimer - Senior Associate, Portfolio Operations. Hartheimer supports portfolio companies in operational matters.
Paxton Major - Managing Director. Major has extensive experience in venture capital and strategic investments.
Andrew Lee, Ph.D. - Managing Director. Lee specializes in scientific research and technology commercialization.
Steve Liapis, Ph.D. - Managing Director. Liapis has a strong background in life sciences and investment strategy.
To pitch Northpond Ventures, founders should send an email to contact@npv.vc with a detailed pitch deck. The deck should include information on the team, product, market opportunity, and financial projections. Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are preferred but not mandatory.
Northpond Ventures collaborates with institutions like Stanford Medicine and MIT to launch programs aimed at advancing research and innovation in life sciences and engineering. Notable initiatives include the Northpond Laboratories program at Stanford and the MIT-Northpond Program, which focus on fostering scientific advancements and supporting early-stage companies.
In January 2026, Northpond Ventures made its latest investment in VieCure, further expanding its portfolio in the life sciences sector. The firm has also been recognized as one of the most active lead investors in the life sciences sector, with a total of 131 investments and 60+ active portfolio companies.
In 2023, Northpond Ventures announced a partnership with Stanford Medicine, committing $12 million over five years to support research and innovation programs. This partnership enhances the firm's position as a pre-seed company formation engine.
Q?
What are Northpond Ventures' investment criteria?
Northpond Ventures invests in biotechnology, diagnostics, digital health, and life sciences, focusing on early-stage companies with innovative solutions across various disease categories.
Q?
How can I pitch to Northpond Ventures?
Founders can reach out via email at contact@npv.vc. A well-prepared pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and scientific basis is recommended.
Q?
What makes Northpond Ventures different from other VC firms?
Northpond Ventures emphasizes deep engagement with its portfolio companies and partners with leading academic institutions to enhance the scientific and operational capabilities of its investments.
Q?
What is the geographic scope of Northpond Ventures?
The firm primarily focuses on North America but is also engaged in the broader life sciences ecosystem.
Q?
What is the typical check size for investments?
Northpond Ventures invests across a range of stages, typically focusing on early-stage funding rounds.
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.