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Vida Ventures, LLC is a life sciences investment firm founded in 2017 by a group of scientists, physicians, entrepreneurs, and investors. The firm operates from multiple locations across the United States, including Los Angeles, Fort Worth, Boston, and New York. Vida Ventures manages approximately $1.8 billion in assets, with a fund size of $600 million for its third fund. The firm is dedicated to advancing transformative biomedical innovations that aim to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives.
Since its inception, Vida Ventures has established a strong reputation in the life sciences sector, particularly in therapeutics. The firm has achieved notable milestones, including significant exits such as Halda Therapeutics and Capstan Therapeutics. These accomplishments underscore the firm's commitment to supporting innovative companies that are poised to make a difference in healthcare.
Vida Ventures invests primarily in the life sciences sector, with a specific emphasis on therapeutics. The firm employs a flexible investment strategy that allows it to support companies at various stages of development, including Friends & Family, Angel, Accelerator/Incubator, Pre-seed, Seed, Seed+ (Extension), Series A, Series B, Series C, and Growth Equity. This broad stage range enables Vida Ventures to engage with startups from their earliest phases through to more mature commercial enterprises.
The firm focuses on sectors such as biotech, healthcare, and pharma-tech, leveraging its extensive experience in both early-stage startups and commercial-stage enterprises. Vida Ventures seeks to partner with founders who are committed to advancing innovative solutions in these therapeutic areas, particularly in oncology, immunology, CAR-T, radiopharmaceuticals, precision medicine, autoimmune diseases, genetic medicines, and neurodegeneration.
Vida Ventures has built a notable portfolio of companies in the life sciences sector. Key portfolio companies include:
These companies represent a diverse range of therapeutic innovations, highlighting Vida Ventures' commitment to supporting groundbreaking advancements in healthcare.
Arie Belldegrun, M.D.: Founder and Senior Managing Director. Dr. Belldegrun is a renowned figure in the biotech industry, having co-founded Kite Pharma, which was acquired by Gilead for $12 billion in 2017. His expertise lies in cell therapy and oncology.
Helen S. Kim, M.B.A.: Senior Managing Director. Kim brings extensive experience in venture capital and life sciences, having held leadership roles in various investment firms prior to joining Vida Ventures.
Matt Cohen, M.D., M.B.A.: Managing Director. Dr. Cohen has a strong background in healthcare investments and has been instrumental in identifying and supporting innovative therapeutics companies.
Startups interested in pitching to Vida Ventures should send their proposals via email to info@vidaventures.com. It is recommended to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team qualifications. Founders should expect a response within a few weeks, although timelines may vary based on the volume of inquiries.
Warm introductions are preferred, as they can facilitate a more favorable review process. Startups should ensure that their decks are concise and focused, highlighting key metrics and milestones that demonstrate traction and potential for growth.
Vida Ventures offers a Fellowship Program aimed at individuals with a Ph.D. and/or M.D. in life sciences. This program provides hands-on experience in healthcare and life sciences investment, allowing fellows to gain insights into the investment process and the operational aspects of the industry.
Eligibility for the Fellowship Program typically requires advanced degrees in relevant fields, and interested candidates can apply by reaching out to the firm directly for more information on the application process.
In 2025, Vida Ventures marked a record-setting year with four major portfolio acquisitions, including Halda Therapeutics, which was acquired by Johnson & Johnson for $3.05 billion, and Capstan Therapeutics, acquired by AbbVie for $2.1 billion upfront. These exits highlight the firm's successful investment strategy and its focus on high-potential life sciences companies.
Recently, Vida Ventures congratulated Aktis Oncology on its entry into the public markets and announced the launch of Poplar Therapeutics, which secured $50 million in Series A funding to develop a new class of anti-IgE therapy. These activities demonstrate Vida Ventures' ongoing engagement in the life sciences ecosystem and its commitment to supporting innovative companies.
What are Vida Ventures' investment criteria?
Vida Ventures focuses on life sciences investments, particularly in therapeutics. The firm invests across various stages, from Friends & Family to Growth Equity, and seeks companies that demonstrate innovative approaches in biotech, healthcare, and pharma-tech.
How can startups apply or pitch to Vida Ventures?
Startups interested in pitching to Vida Ventures can reach out via email at info@vidaventures.com. It is advisable to include a detailed pitch deck outlining the business model, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes Vida Ventures different from other investors?
Vida Ventures combines deep scientific expertise with investment experience, allowing the firm to provide strategic guidance and valuable resources to its portfolio companies. The team consists of experienced scientists and entrepreneurs who understand the complexities of the life sciences sector.
What is the geographic scope of Vida Ventures' investments?
Vida Ventures primarily invests in companies based in the United States, leveraging its bicoastal presence to engage with startups across the country.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Vida Ventures invests across a range of stages, indicating flexibility in funding amounts based on the needs of the portfolio companies.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Vida Ventures have?
Vida Ventures actively engages with its portfolio companies, providing strategic guidance, access to industry networks, and operational support to help drive growth and innovation.
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