15 Best Biotech Venture Capital Firms

For founders in the biotechnology space, preparing to raise capital means more than just perfecting a pitch. It requires finding investors who understand the science and the long-term vision behind your biopharma or life sciences company. Knowing which venture capital firms specialize in your field is a critical first step.

To help you identify the right partners, our team has put together this overview of the top biotech venture capital firms. This guide is designed to give you a clear summary of relevant investors, whether you're actively fundraising or planning your next round.

Actively raising? You can now access non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines through Rho Capital. Rho also provides access to business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay—built for startup teams moving fast.

Key Takeaways

• Securing venture funding in biotechnology means gaining a strategic partner who understands the long development cycles and scientific complexities unique to the field.
• Leading venture capital firms active in the biotechnology sector include RA Capital Management, Sands Capital Ventures, Obvious Ventures, and SV Health Investors, known for backing innovative companies.
• If you are raising or have just closed a round, Rho helps you manage your new capital with integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

Which VC Firms in Biotechnology Are Right for Your Stage?

Knowing which investors to approach is important, whether you're an early-stage company or preparing for an exit. Here is a quick look at several biotechnology VC firms and the stages where they invest.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Biotechnology

Pre-seed and seed funding is the earliest capital you'll raise, typically used to validate your scientific concept and build your initial team. Some biotech venture capital firms specializing in this stage are Big Idea Ventures and DCVC Bio, while others like Third Rock Ventures are known for building companies from their inception.

Early Stage VC Firms in Biotechnology

Early-stage funding, which includes Series A and B rounds, is designed to help you scale research, begin clinical trials, and expand your operations. For this phase, you might approach investors such as 5AM Ventures or Anzu Partners, both of which have a focus on financing early-stage life science companies.

Late Stage VC Firms in Biotechnology

Late-stage capital is for more established companies preparing for a major milestone, such as commercialization, an acquisition, or an initial public offering (IPO). Notable late-stage biotech investors include RA Capital Management and SV Health Investors, which have strong track records of guiding companies through M&A events and public listings.

It's also worth noting that many life science venture capital firms invest across multiple stages, from seed to exit.

To help you identify the right investment partner, we've gathered information on leading VC firms in the biotechnology space. The following list outlines their typical investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each firm a strong potential partner for founders.

1. RA Capital Management

Based in Boston, RA Capital Management is an investment firm that concentrates on the life sciences and drug development sectors. They support companies across their entire lifecycle, from initial concept to post-IPO.

The firm is known for its multi-stage investment strategy, backing companies from seed funding all the way to the public markets. Their portfolio includes major successes like Moderna and POINT Biopharma, highlighting their ability to guide companies toward significant exits.

RA Capital could be a good match if you are a founder in the life sciences who wants a long-term financial partner. Their model is well-suited for companies that need support through multiple stages of growth, from research to commercialization.

• Investment stages: Seed, early and late-stage venture, and post-IPO
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology, life science, and medical
• Geographical presence: Boston, Massachusetts
• Founded: 2001
• Notable portfolio companies: Moderna, POINT Biopharma, Peloton Therapeutics
• Portfolio size: The firm has made over 450 investments with nearly 200 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

2. Sands Capital Ventures

Sands Capital is an Arlington-based investment firm that backs companies in the technology and life sciences sectors. They invest across a company's full lifecycle, from seed rounds through to private equity and post-IPO stages.

The firm is known for backing high-growth companies that become household names, with a portfolio that includes DoorDash, Slack, and Ramp. Their strategy focuses on both technology and life sciences, indicating an interest in businesses with strong potential for scale.

Sands Capital could be a strong partner if you are a founder in either life sciences or technology with a long-term growth plan. Their ability to invest from the earliest stages to the public markets makes them suitable for companies seeking a consistent capital partner.

• Investment stages: Seed, early and late-stage venture, private equity, and post-IPO
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology, enterprise software, and financial services
• Geographical presence: Arlington, Virginia
• Founded: 1992
• Notable portfolio companies: DoorDash, Slack, Ramp, Credo AI
• Portfolio size: The firm has made over 180 investments with more than 40 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

3. Obvious Ventures

Based in San Francisco, Obvious Ventures invests in companies with a "world positive" thesis. They focus on entrepreneurs building solutions for large-scale challenges across planetary, human, and economic health.

The firm backs businesses with a strong purpose-driven mission, investing from seed rounds through to later stages. Their portfolio includes notable companies like the plant-based food brand Beyond Meat and the AI-driven drug discovery company Recursion.

Obvious Ventures could be a good match if your company's core mission is tied to creating a positive impact in a major industry. They are a good partner for founders who want to build a business that also serves a greater purpose.

• Investment stages: Seed, early and late-stage venture, and private equity
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and financial services
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2014
• Notable portfolio companies: Beyond Meat, Recursion, Gusto, Planet
• Portfolio size: The firm has made over 170 investments with 17 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

4. SV Health Investors

SV Health Investors is a Boston-based firm that invests in the biotechnology and healthcare industries. They provide capital and strategic support to companies working on new medical solutions.

The firm supports companies across their entire lifecycle, from seed funding through to the public markets. Their portfolio shows a history of guiding companies to major outcomes, including the acquisition of Achillion Pharmaceuticals and the IPO of Insulet Corporation.

SV Health Investors is a good fit if you are a founder in the healthcare or life sciences space seeking a long-term partner. Their multi-stage approach is ideal for companies that need consistent support from early research to commercialization.

• Investment stages: Seed, early and late-stage venture, private equity, and post-IPO
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology, healthcare, life science, and medical devices
• Geographical presence: Boston, Massachusetts
• Founded: 1993
• Notable portfolio companies: American Well (Amwell), Insulet Corporation, Achillion Pharmaceuticals
• Portfolio size: The firm has made over 317 investments with more than 90 exits

You can refer to their website here.

5. Pfizer

Pfizer, a major biopharmaceutical company based in New York, also operates as a strategic investor through its corporate venture capital arm. They focus on providing capital to advance promising medical innovations.

Through its venture arm, Pfizer directs its investments toward companies in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical sectors. Their portfolio includes companies like Arrakis Therapeutics, which pioneers RNA-targeted drugs, and Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, which successfully launched an IPO, signaling a clear interest in backing scientific breakthroughs with strong commercial potential.

Pfizer could be an excellent partner if you are a founder in the biopharmaceutical field developing novel treatments or medical technologies. Their deep industry knowledge and global resources make them a valuable ally for companies aiming for significant clinical milestones and market entry.

• Investment stages: Venture, private equity
• 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, Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Medtronic
• Portfolio size: The firm has made 52 investments with 19 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

6. DCVC Bio

DCVC Bio is a venture capital fund based in San Francisco that invests in early-stage life science companies. Their focus is on businesses that apply deep-tech solutions to challenges in biology and agriculture.

The firm's strategy centers on backing companies with a strong computational or engineering foundation. Their portfolio includes AbCellera, which developed a COVID-19 antibody treatment, and BioPhero, which marked a notable exit after its acquisition by agricultural-chemicals leader FMC.

DCVC Bio is a good fit if you are a founder building a company at the intersection of technology and life sciences. They are well-suited for early-stage teams that need a partner who understands complex, data-driven scientific platforms.

• Investment stages: Seed, early and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: AgTech, biotechnology, and life science
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2018
• Notable portfolio companies: AbCellera, BioPhero, MycoWorks, Umoja Biopharma
• Portfolio size: The firm has made 59 investments with 3 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

7. Longitude Capital

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

The firm's investment strategy spans a company's lifecycle, from early venture rounds to private equity, and has a history of guiding companies to successful exits. Their portfolio includes the IPO of CG Oncology and the acquisition of Amunix by Sanofi.

Longitude Capital is a strong potential partner if you are a founder in the biotech or medtech sectors looking for long-term support. Their experience with both public offerings and acquisitions is well-suited for companies with clear growth and exit plans.

• Investment stages: Early and late-stage venture, private equity, and debt
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology and medical technology
• Geographical presence: Menlo Park, California
• Founded: 2006
• Notable portfolio companies: CG Oncology, Amunix, Somatus, 89bio
• Portfolio size: The firm has made 131 investments with 41 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

8. EcoR1 Capital

EcoR1 Capital is a San Francisco-based investment advisory firm that concentrates on the biotechnology industry. They are known for backing companies with strong scientific foundations and long-term potential.

The firm invests across a company's lifecycle, from early venture rounds to the public markets. Their portfolio includes companies that have achieved significant milestones, such as Apellis Pharmaceuticals, which received FDA approval for a key treatment, and Jazz Pharmaceuticals.

EcoR1 Capital could be a good partner if you are a founder of a biotech company with a long-term development path. Their experience with public companies makes them a solid choice for teams aiming for an IPO.

• Investment stages: Early-stage venture, late-stage venture, and post-IPO
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2012
• Notable portfolio companies: Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Zymeworks, Crinetics Pharmaceuticals
• Portfolio size: The firm has made 127 investments with 76 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

9. Third Rock Ventures

Third Rock Ventures is a Boston-based firm that invests in high-potential life science companies. They focus on building businesses around scientific breakthroughs in biotechnology, healthcare, and medical devices.

The firm is known for its hands-on, company-building approach, often incubating businesses from their inception and guiding them through major milestones. Their portfolio includes major successes like Editas Medicine, a pioneer in CRISPR gene-editing, and Global Blood Therapeutics, which was acquired by Pfizer.

Third Rock could be a great partner if you are a founder with a bold scientific vision aiming to build a company from the ground up. Their model is designed for founders who need a deeply involved partner to help navigate the path from initial science to clinical success and beyond.

• Investment stages: Seed, early and late-stage venture, and post-IPO
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology, health care, and medical devices
• Geographical presence: Boston, Massachusetts
• Founded: 2007
• Notable portfolio companies: Sage Therapeutics, Editas Medicine, bluebird bio, Global Blood Therapeutics
• Portfolio size: The firm has made 143 investments with 41 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

10. Omega Funds

Omega Funds is a global life sciences investment firm based in Boston. They support companies in the biotechnology sector and have experience with direct secondary transactions.

The firm invests across a company's full lifecycle, from seed funding to the public markets. Their portfolio includes companies that have achieved major exits, such as the acquisition of Juno Therapeutics and the IPO of Morphic Holding.

Omega Funds is a good fit if you are a life sciences founder seeking a partner for the long haul. Their experience guiding companies to both acquisitions and public listings is valuable for teams with clear exit strategies.

• Investment stages: Seed, early and late-stage venture, private equity, and post-IPO
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology, financial services
• Geographical presence: Boston, Massachusetts
• Founded: 2004
• Notable portfolio companies: BridgeBio Pharma, Morphic Holding, Juno Therapeutics, Imago BioSciences
• Portfolio size: The firm has made 148 investments with 72 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

11. Big Idea Ventures

Big Idea Ventures is a New York-based firm that operates as both an accelerator and a venture capital investor. They are dedicated to backing entrepreneurs and scientists who are creating solutions to significant global challenges.

The firm maintains a clear focus on AgTech, alternative proteins, and food technology, with a mission to support companies making a positive impact. Their portfolio highlights this, featuring companies like plant-based egg producer Evo Foods and Future Biome, which works on reducing livestock methane.

Big Idea Ventures is a strong potential partner if you are an early-stage founder in the food or agricultural technology sectors. They are especially well-suited for science-driven companies that require both capital and hands-on support to scale.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture, and 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: The firm has made 140 investments with 6 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

12. Creative Ventures

Based in Oakland, Creative Ventures is a deep tech firm that invests in early-stage companies. They focus on businesses developing solutions for what they term "humanity's most critical crises."

The firm backs companies working on complex, tangible problems across a wide range of industries, from quantum computing to construction. Their portfolio includes notable exits like the acquisition of Caper by Instacart and Sense Photonics' purchase by Ouster.

Creative Ventures could be a good match if you are an early-stage founder using deep technology to solve a fundamental industry challenge. They are well-suited for companies in sectors like advanced materials, robotics, or biotechnology that require a long-term view.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Advanced materials, biotechnology, clean energy, robotics, and construction
• Geographical presence: Oakland, California
• Founded: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Caper, Sense Photonics, Bleximo, ALICE
• Portfolio size: The firm has made 60 investments with 4 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

13. Catalio Capital Management

Catalio Capital Management is a New York-based investment firm that provides capital to breakthrough companies in the biomedical technology space. They support businesses developing innovative solutions to significant health challenges.

The firm invests across a company's entire lifecycle, from seed funding to the public markets, and has a strong record of guiding companies to major exits. Their portfolio includes successful IPOs like Atai Life Sciences and Compass Pathways, as well as acquisitions such as Haystack Oncology.

Catalio Capital could be a great partner if you are a founder in the biomedical field with a clear path toward an IPO or strategic acquisition. Their experience with both public listings and M&A makes them a valuable ally for companies aiming for a significant financial outcome.

• Investment stages: Seed, early and late-stage venture, debt, and post-IPO
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology, financial services
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Atai Life Sciences, Compass Pathways, Neumora Therapeutics, Haystack Oncology
• Portfolio size: The firm has made 83 investments with 16 exits.

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 companies in the industrial and life science technology sectors. They focus on businesses built around significant scientific and engineering innovations.

The firm's strategy centers on backing companies with breakthrough technologies, from a blood test for brain injuries (Banyan Biomarkers) to open-source electronics (Arduino). They support companies across their entire lifecycle, from seed funding through to the public markets.

Anzu Partners could be a good fit if you are a founder developing a complex technology in the life sciences or industrial fields. Their multi-stage investment approach is well-suited for companies that need a long-term capital partner.

• Investment stages: Seed, early and late-stage venture, private equity, debt, and post-IPO
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology, industrial, and life science
• Geographical presence: Washington, D.C.
• Founded: 2014
• Notable portfolio companies: Banyan Biomarkers, Arduino, Pivotal Systems
• Portfolio size: The firm has made 73 investments with 5 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

15. 5AM Ventures

5AM Ventures is a venture capital firm focused on building life science companies from the ground up. They specialize in providing capital to businesses at the seed and early stages of development.

The firm has a strong track record of guiding companies to successful exits, including the IPO of Achaogen and the acquisition of Audentes by Astellas. Their portfolio demonstrates a clear focus on backing foundational science with high commercial potential.

5AM Ventures could be a good partner if you are a founder in the life sciences sector with a company in its earliest stages. Their experience is particularly valuable for teams aiming for a significant exit, whether through an IPO or a strategic acquisition.

• Investment stages: Seed, early and late-stage venture, private equity, and post-IPO
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology and life science
• Geographical presence: Menlo Park, California
• Founded: 2002
• Notable portfolio companies: Achaogen, Audentes, Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Artiva Biotherapeutics
• Portfolio size: The firm has made 198 investments with 61 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Biotechnology Companies

This review of venture capital firms shows a healthy and mature funding situation for the biotechnology sector. While some investors specialize in early or late stages, a significant number are prepared to support a company through its entire lifecycle. For you as a founder, this means it is possible to find a financial partner for the long term, one who can provide capital from initial research through to commercialization.

Geographically, investment activity is concentrated in established biotechnology hubs like Boston and the San Francisco Bay Area. This concentration can be an important factor as you build your network and plan your fundraising efforts. The variety of investors, from traditional VCs to corporate partners, also gives you options when considering what kind of strategic support is right for your company.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Having a focused list of investors who understand your field is invaluable. It allows you to direct your time and energy where it matters most during a fundraise.

If you’re seeking funding, Rho Capital connects you to non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines through a fast, guided process.

We help you access working capital when you're actively raising. Once your round is closed, our integrated platform provides the tools—business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—to manage your new funds efficiently.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Biotechnology

Which city is the biotech capital of the world?

Boston is widely considered the global hub for biotechnology. Its high concentration of top-tier research universities, hospitals, and established life science companies creates a rich environment for both innovation and investment from specialized venture capital firms.

Are there biotech venture capital firms in the UK and Europe?

Yes, the UK and Europe have a growing number of venture capital firms focused on biotechnology. Cities like London, Cambridge, and hubs in Switzerland and Germany are home to investors actively funding life science and biopharma innovations.

What do biotech venture capital firms look for?

Biotech VCs typically look for a strong scientific foundation, a clear path through regulatory approval, a large addressable market, and an experienced management team. They want to see a credible plan for reaching key milestones.

What is corporate venture capital in biotech?

Corporate venture capital (CVC) is when a large corporation, like a major pharmaceutical company, invests directly in a startup. This can provide you with not only capital but also valuable industry expertise, resources, and potential partnership opportunities.

How can Rho help my biotech company manage its funding?

Once you secure funding, our integrated platform helps you manage it effectively. Rho provides business banking, corporate cards, and automated payables, giving you full control over your company’s finances from a single place.