15 Best Biotech Venture Capital Firms

For founders of biotechnology and life sciences companies, understanding the venture capital scene is a crucial part of preparing to raise capital. Knowing which investors specialize in biopharma helps you connect with partners who understand your business model and its potential.

To assist with your fundraising, our team has curated this overview of top biotech venture capital firms. Use this guide to quickly identify relevant investors for your startup.

Rho provides access to business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay — built for startup teams moving fast.

Key Takeaways

• Securing venture funding provides biotech startups with the capital needed for long-term research, clinical trials, and bringing new therapies or technologies to market.
• Venture capital firms specializing in biotechnology, such as RA Capital Management, Sands Capital Ventures, Obvious Ventures, and SV Health Investors, are notable backers of companies in this sector.
• Once you secure funding, Rho helps you manage and deploy your capital efficiently with integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

Which VC Firms in Biotechnology Are Right for Your Stage?

It's helpful to know which investors to approach, whether you're just starting out or preparing for an exit. Below is an overview of venture capital firms in biotechnology, broken down by investment stage.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Biotechnology

Pre-seed and seed funding is the initial capital you'll raise to transform an idea into a viable business, often covering research, product development, and building your initial team. Some biotech venture capital firms that provide this type of support include Big Idea Ventures, 5AM Ventures, and Creative Ventures.

Early Stage VC Firms in Biotechnology

Early-stage funding, typically Series A and B, helps you scale operations, conduct clinical trials, and expand your market presence once you have initial data or a prototype. For founders at this point, examples of venture capital firms to consider are Third Rock Ventures and DCVC Bio, both of which focus on building foundational life science companies.

Late Stage VC Firms in Biotechnology

Late-stage venture capital is for established companies preparing for significant growth, an acquisition, or an initial public offering (IPO). Among the largest biotech investors focusing on this stage are RA Capital Management, Longitude Capital, and Omega Funds.

It's also worth noting that many biotech venture capital funds invest across multiple stages, from seed through to post-IPO. Once you secure funding from the right partner, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help you manage and deploy capital efficiently.

To help you identify the right partners, we've compiled an overview of leading VC firms in the biotechnology sector. Below are key details on their investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each firm distinct.

1. RA Capital Management

Based in Boston, RA Capital Management is an investment advisor that has specialized in the life sciences and drug development sectors since its founding in 2001. The firm provides both capital and strategic support to companies aiming to bring new medical technologies and therapies to market.

A key aspect of RA Capital's strategy is its flexibility to invest across all stages, from seed rounds to post-IPO financing. Their portfolio highlights a track record of backing significant companies, including Moderna, POINT Biopharma, and Shockwave Medical.

This firm is a strong potential partner for founders in biotechnology and life sciences who need an investor with deep industry knowledge. Their multi-stage approach makes them a good fit whether you're just starting your research or preparing to scale for major growth.

• Investment stages: All stages, from seed and private equity to post-IPO
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology, Life Science, Medical
• Geographical presence: Boston, Massachusetts
• Founded: 2001
• Notable portfolio companies: Moderna, POINT Biopharma, Shockwave Medical, Orchard Therapeutics
• Portfolio size: Over 450 investments

You can refer to their website here.

2. Sands Capital Ventures

Sands Capital is an investment manager based in Arlington, Virginia, that supports businesses in technology and life sciences. The firm invests across various growth phases, from Series A rounds all the way through to public listings.

A key characteristic is their multi-stage investment capability, allowing them to partner with companies for the long term. While they have a focus on biotechnology, their portfolio also features prominent technology companies like Slack and DoorDash.

Sands Capital may be a strong fit if your biotech startup has a significant software or data component. Founders seeking a financial partner who can provide support from early growth to a potential IPO should also consider them.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage, Late Stage, Private Equity, Post-IPO
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology, Enterprise Software, Financial Services
• Geographical presence: Arlington, Virginia
• Founded: 1992
• Notable portfolio companies: DoorDash, Slack, Ramp, Credo AI
• Portfolio size: 182 investments

You can refer to their website here.

3. Obvious Ventures

Based in San Francisco, Obvious Ventures invests in companies built to solve large-scale problems. The firm’s mission is to back startups that generate positive returns for planetary, human, and economic health.

A defining feature is their "world positive" investment thesis, which guides them to support purpose-driven founders across multiple stages. Their portfolio reflects this approach, with investments in companies like Recursion, an AI-driven drug discovery platform, and Beyond Meat.

This firm is a strong match for founders whose business models are fundamentally tied to creating a measurable positive impact. Biotech startups working on solutions that align with the firm's focus on human and planetary health will find them to be a fitting partner.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage, Late Stage, Private Equity
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology, Artificial Intelligence, Financial Services
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2014
• Notable portfolio companies: Recursion, Beyond Meat, Gusto, Planet
• Portfolio size: 173 investments

You can refer to their website here.

4. SV Health Investors

SV Health Investors is a Boston-based firm that has been investing in the healthcare and biotechnology industries since 1993. They provide capital to companies across the life science, medical device, and broader health care fields.

A key feature of their approach is the ability to invest across all stages, from seed funding to post-IPO support. Their portfolio shows a history of backing companies through to major exits, including the IPO of telehealth platform Amwell and the Achillion Pharmaceuticals acquisition.

Founders in the biotechnology and healthcare sectors seeking a long-term partner may find SV Health Investors to be a good match. Their capacity to support companies from inception through to public markets makes them suitable for teams planning for sustained growth.

• Investment stages: All stages, from seed and early venture to post-IPO and private equity.
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology, Health Care, Life Science, Medical Device
• Geographical presence: Boston, Massachusetts
• Founded: 1993
• Notable portfolio companies: American Well (Amwell), Insulet Corporation, Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Sutro Biopharma
• Portfolio size: 317 investments

You can refer to their website here.

5. Pfizer

Pfizer, a major biopharmaceutical company, operates a corporate venture capital arm that invests in external innovation. Based in New York, it provides capital to companies in biotechnology, healthcare, and precision medicine that align with its strategic interests.

Pfizer Ventures backs companies with pioneering science, such as RNA-targeted therapeutics and DNA-damage-response oncology. Its portfolio includes high-profile players like Arrakis Therapeutics and Artios Pharma, signaling an emphasis on innovative drug development platforms.

This firm is a strong match for founders whose work complements Pfizer's core pharmaceutical and medical focus. Startups seeking a strategic partner with deep industry expertise and a potential path to collaboration or acquisition should consider them.

• Investment stages: Private Equity, Venture
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology, Health Care, Medical, Pharmaceutical, Precision Medicine
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 1849
• Notable portfolio companies: Arrakis Therapeutics, Artios Pharma, Anaveon, Rhythm Pharmaceuticals
• Portfolio size: 52 investments

You can refer to their website here.

6. DCVC Bio

DCVC Bio is a San Francisco-based venture capital fund that invests in early-stage life science companies. The firm concentrates on startups that are driven by deep-tech approaches to solve major biological challenges.

A core element of their strategy is backing companies that merge biology with complex computation and engineering. Their portfolio includes businesses like AbCellera, which developed a COVID-19 antibody treatment in 90 days, and MycoWorks, which produces a sustainable leather alternative from mycelium.

This firm is an ideal partner for founders with a strong technical background applying deep-tech to problems in biotechnology or agriculture. If your startup is built around a core scientific or computational breakthrough, DCVC Bio is a relevant investor to consider.

Once you secure funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help you manage and deploy capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage, Late Stage
• Industries of focus: AgTech, Biotechnology, Life Science
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2018
• Notable portfolio companies: AbCellera, BioPhero, MycoWorks, Umoja Biopharma
• Portfolio size: 59 investments

You can refer to their website here.

7. Longitude Capital

Longitude Capital is a venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, that invests in biotechnology and medical technology companies. They provide capital to support businesses across various stages of development, from early venture to private equity.

The firm is known for its flexible investment strategy, participating in rounds from early-stage to late-stage growth financing. Their portfolio shows a history of guiding companies to major outcomes, including the successful IPO of CG Oncology and the acquisition of Amunix by Sanofi.

Founders in the biotech and medtech sectors who are looking for a long-term financial partner may find Longitude Capital to be a good fit. Their ability to support companies from early development through to a major exit makes them a relevant choice for teams with ambitious growth plans.

Once you secure funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Early-stage to late-stage, private equity, and debt
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology, Medical Technology
• Geographical presence: Menlo Park, California
• Founded: 2006
• Notable portfolio companies: Amunix, CG Oncology, Somatus, 89bio
• Portfolio size: 131 investments

You can refer to their website here.

8. EcoR1 Capital

EcoR1 Capital is a San Francisco-based investment firm with a strong focus on the biotechnology sector. Since its founding in 2012, it has supported companies working on new scientific and medical advancements.

The firm invests across a company's lifecycle, from early venture rounds to post-IPO financing, showing a commitment to long-term partnerships. Their portfolio includes companies that have achieved significant milestones, such as Apellis Pharmaceuticals, which received FDA approval for a first-in-class treatment, and Jazz Pharmaceuticals.

EcoR1 Capital is a suitable partner for founders in the biotech space who are looking for an investor with deep scientific knowledge and the ability to provide support through clinical trials, regulatory approvals, and public markets.

Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Post-IPO
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology, Financial Services
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2012
• Notable portfolio companies: Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Zymeworks, Crinetics Pharmaceuticals
• Portfolio size: 127 investments

You can refer to their website here.

9. Third Rock Ventures

Third Rock Ventures is a Boston-based firm that builds life science companies from the ground up. Since 2007, they have focused on translating major scientific discoveries into new therapies and medical technologies.

A key part of their strategy is a hands-on approach, often incubating companies and guiding them from initial concept to public markets. Their portfolio includes major successes like Sage Therapeutics, which launched the first FDA-approved therapy for postpartum depression, and gene-editing pioneer Editas Medicine.

This firm is an excellent match for founders with groundbreaking science who are looking for a partner to help build a company, not just provide capital. If your work is in biotechnology or gene therapy and has the potential to create a new standard of care, Third Rock is a relevant investor to consider.

Once you secure funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage, Late Stage, Post-IPO
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology, Health Care, Medical Device
• Geographical presence: Boston, Massachusetts
• Founded: 2007
• Notable portfolio companies: Sage Therapeutics, Editas Medicine, bluebird bio, Global Blood Therapeutics
• Portfolio size: 143 investments

You can refer to their website here.

10. Omega Funds

Omega Funds is a global life sciences investment firm based in Boston that has been backing companies since 2004. They provide capital to businesses in the biotechnology sector, with a notable specialization in direct secondary transactions.

The firm invests across a company's entire lifecycle, from seed rounds to post-IPO financing, demonstrating a capacity for long-term partnership. Their portfolio highlights a track record of guiding companies to major exits, including the acquisition of Juno Therapeutics by Celgene and the Imago BioSciences acquisition by Merck.

Omega Funds is a strong match for founders in the life sciences who are seeking a flexible investor for the long haul. Their experience with public markets and M&A makes them particularly relevant for teams planning for a significant exit.

Once you secure funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: All stages, from seed and private equity to post-IPO
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology, Life Science
• Geographical presence: Boston, Massachusetts
• Founded: 2004
• Notable portfolio companies: BridgeBio Pharma, Juno Therapeutics, Immunocore, Morphic Holding
• Portfolio size: 148 investments

You can refer to their website here.

11. Big Idea Ventures

Big Idea Ventures is a New York-based firm that backs entrepreneurs, scientists, and engineers working to solve significant global problems. As both an accelerator and venture capital investor, they provide early-stage support to mission-driven companies.

The firm has a clear focus on food, agriculture, and alternative proteins, investing in companies like plant-based egg maker Evo Foods. Their model combines capital with accelerator support, signaling a hands-on approach to building companies from the seed stage onward.

This firm is a strong fit for early-stage founders in AgTech, food tech, and nutrition whose work has a clear sustainability or health impact. If you are looking for an active partner to help scale your business, their accelerator model is a key advantage.

Once you secure funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Private Equity
• Industries of focus: AgTech, Alternative Protein, Biotechnology, Food and Beverage, Nutrition
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2018
• Notable portfolio companies: Evo Foods, PlantBaby, Future Biome
• Portfolio size: 140 investments

You can refer to their website here.

12. Creative Ventures

Creative Ventures is a deep-tech venture firm based in Oakland that invests in early-stage companies. The firm's focus is on backing startups that are solving what they describe as humanity's most critical problems.

A defining characteristic is their broad deep-tech thesis, which spans industries from biotechnology and healthcare to construction and robotics. Their portfolio highlights a focus on companies with core technical innovations, including quantum-computing startup Bleximo, which targets challenges like drug discovery.

This firm is a strong match for founders whose businesses are built on a fundamental scientific or engineering breakthrough. If your startup is applying deep-tech to areas like advanced materials or AI-driven healthcare, they are a relevant investor to consider.

Once you secure funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Deep Tech, Biotechnology, Health Care, Advanced Materials, Robotics
• Geographical presence: Oakland, California
• Founded: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Bleximo, Caper (acquired by Instacart), Sense Photonics (acquired by Ouster)
• Portfolio size: 60 investments

You can refer to their website here.

13. Catalio Capital Management

Catalio Capital Management is a New York-based investment firm that supports breakthrough biomedical technology companies. Since its founding in 2016, it has focused on providing capital to businesses at the forefront of medical innovation.

A key aspect of Catalio's strategy is its ability to invest across a company's entire lifecycle, from seed funding to post-IPO support. Their portfolio demonstrates a track record of backing companies to major exits, including the IPOs of Atai Life Sciences and Compass Pathways.

This firm is a strong match for founders in the biomedical technology sector who need a long-term financial partner. Teams with ambitious growth plans and a clear path toward an IPO or acquisition will find Catalio's experience particularly relevant.

Once you secure funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: All stages, from seed and venture to post-IPO and debt
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology, Biomedical Technology
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Atai Life Sciences, Compass Pathways, Neumora Therapeutics, Haystack Oncology
• Portfolio size: 83 investments

You can refer to their website here.

14. Anzu Partners

Anzu Partners is an investment firm based in Washington, D.C., that provides capital to industrial and life science technology companies. They focus on businesses built around breakthrough innovations.

The firm invests across all stages, from seed rounds to post-IPO financing, and has a history of guiding companies to successful exits. Their portfolio includes Banyan Biomarkers, which developed an FDA-approved blood test for brain injuries, and open-source hardware leader Arduino.

Anzu Partners is a good match for founders in deep-tech, particularly in the industrial or life sciences sectors. Their ability to support companies from inception through to public markets makes them a relevant partner for teams with long-term growth ambitions.

Once you secure funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: All stages, from seed and venture to post-IPO and private equity
• Industries of focus: Industrial Technology, Life Science, Biotechnology
• Geographical presence: Washington, D.C.
• Founded: 2014
• Notable portfolio companies: Banyan Biomarkers, Arduino, Pivotal Systems
• Portfolio size: 73 investments

You can refer to their website here.

15. 5AM Ventures

5AM Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, that has been financing life science companies since 2002. They concentrate on providing capital to businesses in their seed and early stages of development.

The firm’s strategy centers on building life science companies from the ground up, with a history of guiding them to significant outcomes. Their portfolio includes companies like Audentes, a gene-therapy developer acquired by Astellas, and Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, which went public via an IPO.

This firm is a strong potential partner for founders in the life sciences who are at the seed or early stages of development. If you are building a company with a clear path toward an acquisition or public offering, their experience is particularly relevant.

Once you secure funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, post-IPO, and private equity
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology, Life Science
• Geographical presence: Menlo Park, California
• Founded: 2002
• Notable portfolio companies: Audentes (acquired by Astellas), Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Artiva Biotherapeutics
• Portfolio size: 198 investments

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Biotechnology Companies

This overview of venture capital firms shows a well-balanced investor scene for the biotechnology sector. Many of the firms on this list invest across all stages, from initial seed funding to post-IPO growth. This suggests that you can find partners prepared for a long-term commitment, not just a single financing round.

Geographically, there is a strong concentration of investors in established hubs like Boston and the San Francisco Bay Area. However, the presence of firms in New York and Washington, D.C., shows that capital is available from multiple regions, giving you options beyond the most traditional centers.

Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Having a focused list of relevant investors is critical when your time and energy are limited during a fundraise. We hope this guide helps you connect with the right partners for your company.

After your round is closed, the work of building begins. If you’ve just raised, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes.

Our platform provides the tools to manage your new capital efficiently, offering integrated business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay designed for startups.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Biotechnology

What do early-stage biotech VCs look for?

Early-stage investors focus on the strength of your scientific innovation, the size of the potential market, and your team's expertise. A clear development plan and a strong intellectual property position are also critical for securing their support.

Which cities are major hubs for biotech venture capital?

Boston and the San Francisco Bay Area are the largest hubs for biotech venture capital. Other significant cities include San Diego, New York, and London, each offering a strong ecosystem of investors, research institutions, and specialized talent.

What is the difference between a biotech VC and a corporate VC?

A traditional biotech VC firm primarily seeks financial returns by investing capital from its fund. A corporate VC, like Pfizer's venture arm, also seeks strategic value, such as access to new technology that aligns with its core business.

Are there biotech venture capital firms in Europe?

Yes, Europe has a growing biotech venture capital scene, with major firms located in cities like London, Paris, and across Switzerland and Germany. These investors often fund companies that address both European and global healthcare markets.

How can Rho help after I secure biotech venture funding?

Once your round closes, you can set up your financial operations in minutes. Rho provides integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay to help you manage and deploy your new capital with efficiency and control.