15 Best Biotech Venture Capital Firms

For founders in the biotechnology space, knowing which investors specialize in your field is a critical first step when preparing to raise capital. The right partner understands the unique challenges and timelines of biopharma and life sciences.

To help you prepare, our team at Rho has put together this overview of top biotech venture capital firms. This guide offers a summary of key investors so you can focus your fundraising efforts on the right partners.

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Which VC Firms in Biotechnology Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether you're an early-stage company or preparing for an exit, connecting with the right investors is critical. Here’s a quick look at which biotech VC firms invest at each stage to help you focus your efforts.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Biotechnology

Pre-seed and seed funding is the earliest capital you'll raise, often used to validate your core science and build an initial team. For biotech startups at this stage, firms like Big Idea Ventures, Creative Ventures, and DCVC Bio specialize in providing this foundational support.

Early Stage VC Firms in Biotechnology

Early-stage venture capital, typically for Series A and B rounds, helps you scale your research, run preclinical studies, and expand operations. Some of the best biotech venture capital firms focusing on this phase include 5AM Ventures, Third Rock Ventures, and Anzu Partners.

Late Stage VC Firms in Biotechnology

Late-stage funding supports companies through clinical trials, commercialization, and preparation for an exit via an IPO or acquisition. Founders preparing for these milestones might connect with investors such as RA Capital Management, Longitude Capital, or SV Health Investors.

It's also worth noting that many biotech investment firms invest across multiple stages, from seed to exit.

To help you identify the right investors, here are more details on top VC firms in the biotechnology sector. We've included information on their investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each firm a notable option for founders.

1. RA Capital Management

RA Capital Management is an investment advisor focused on the life sciences and drug development sectors. They support companies working on new therapies and medical technologies.

The firm invests across the entire company lifecycle, from seed funding through to post-IPO stages. Their portfolio includes major successes like Moderna and POINT Biopharma, which was acquired by Eli Lilly for $1.4 billion.

RA Capital is a strong potential partner for founders in the life sciences who need a flexible, long-term investor. Their experience guiding companies toward major acquisitions and public offerings makes them a good fit for teams with high-growth ambitions.

• Investment stages: Seed to post-IPO and private equity
• Industries of focus: Life sciences, biotechnology, medical
• Geographical presence: Boston, MA
• Founded: 2001
• Notable investments: 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 firm that supports businesses in the technology and life sciences sectors. They partner with companies from their early growth stages (Series A) all the way through to their public listings.

The firm has a history of backing category-defining companies across different industries, including well-known brands like Slack and DoorDash. Their focus spans from enterprise software and fintech to biotechnology, showing a broad interest in innovation.

Sands Capital could be a great partner if you are a founder in tech or life sciences with a company that is ready to scale. Their experience with high-growth businesses suggests they are well-suited for teams aiming for market leadership.

• Investment stages: Seed to post-IPO and private equity
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology, enterprise software, financial services
• Geographical presence: Arlington, VA
• Founded: 1992
• Notable investments: DoorDash, Slack, Ramp
• Portfolio size: Over 180 investments

You can refer to their website here.

3. Obvious Ventures

Obvious Ventures invests in entrepreneurs building solutions for major global challenges. The firm focuses on startups that are reimagining trillion-dollar industries across planetary, human, and economic health.

Their portfolio shows a clear theme of backing "world-positive" companies, with notable investments like Beyond Meat and the AI-driven drug discovery company, Recursion. They invest across a wide range of stages, from seed to private equity, signaling a long-term partnership approach.

This firm is a good fit for founders with ambitious, mission-driven companies that have the potential for large-scale impact. If your startup operates at the intersection of technology and sustainability, health, or finance, Obvious Ventures could be a strong partner.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, and private equity
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology, artificial intelligence, financial services
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, CA
• Founded: 2014
• Notable investments: Beyond Meat, Planet, Gusto, Recursion
• Portfolio size: Over 170 investments

You can refer to their website here.

4. SV Health Investors

SV Health Investors is a venture capital firm focused on the biotechnology and healthcare industries. The firm invests across all stages of a company's growth, from seed and early-stage rounds to private equity and post-IPO support.

The firm has a history of backing companies through major milestones, including the ~$1 billion acquisition of Achillion Pharmaceuticals. Their wide-ranging investment strategy signals a capacity to partner with companies for the long term, supporting them from initial funding to a successful exit.

SV Health Investors is a strong potential match for founders in the life sciences, medical device, or broader healthcare sectors. If you are building a company with high-growth potential and need a partner with experience in both private and public markets, this firm is worth considering.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, private equity, and post-IPO
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology, health care, life science, medical device
• Geographical presence: Boston, MA
• Founded: 1993
• Notable investments: American Well (Amwell), Insulet Corporation, Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Sutro Biopharma
• Portfolio size: Over 317 investments

You can refer to their website here.

5. Pfizer

Pfizer Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of the global biopharmaceutical company. They invest in emerging companies that align with Pfizer's core scientific interests and mission to deliver medical breakthroughs.

As a corporate investor, Pfizer offers more than just capital, providing access to its extensive scientific expertise and global resources. Their portfolio highlights a focus on pioneering science, with investments in companies like Arrakis Therapeutics, which develops small-molecule drugs targeting RNA.

This firm is an ideal partner for founders in the biopharmaceutical and precision medicine fields who are seeking a strategic investor. If your company could benefit from the deep industry knowledge and potential partnership opportunities a major pharmaceutical leader can offer, Pfizer Ventures is worth considering.

• Investment stages: Venture and private equity
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, health care, precision medicine
• Geographical presence: New York, NY
• Founded: 1849
• Notable investments: Arrakis Therapeutics, Artios Pharma, Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Medtronic
• Portfolio size: Over 50 investments

You can refer to their website here.

6. DCVC Bio

DCVC Bio is a venture capital fund that invests in early-stage life science companies. The firm concentrates on businesses that are built on deep-tech approaches to solve major challenges.

Their focus is on companies with foundational scientific platforms, backing teams that are creating entirely new industries. Portfolio companies include AbCellera, which developed a COVID-19 antibody treatment, and BioPhero, which engineers microbes and had a notable exit.

This firm is a strong match for founders with a background in science or engineering whose companies are based on a core technological discovery. If your startup is in AgTech or life sciences, DCVC Bio is a key investor to know.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Life science, biotechnology, AgTech
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, CA
• Founded: 2018
• Notable investments: 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 that invests in biotechnology and medical technology companies. They support businesses across various growth phases, from early venture rounds to later-stage private equity investments.

The firm has a track record of backing companies through major exits, including the $1.2 billion acquisition of Amunix and the successful IPO of CG Oncology. This history shows their experience in guiding companies toward significant public market or acquisition outcomes.

Longitude Capital is a strong match for founders in biotech or medtech who are planning for substantial growth and a future exit. Their expertise with both M&A and IPOs makes them a valuable partner for teams with clear commercialization goals.

• Investment stages: Early-stage venture to private equity
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology, medical technology
• Geographical presence: Menlo Park, CA
• Founded: 2006
• Notable investments: Amunix, CG Oncology, Somatus, 89bio
• Portfolio size: Over 130 investments

You can refer to their website here.

8. EcoR1 Capital

EcoR1 Capital is an investment advisory firm that concentrates on companies in the biotechnology sector. They invest based on fundamental scientific research, aiming to support businesses with the potential for significant medical impact.

The firm supports companies across their entire lifecycle, from early venture stages through to post-IPO. Their portfolio includes companies that have reached major milestones, such as Apellis Pharmaceuticals, which received FDA approval for a key treatment, and Jazz Pharmaceuticals.

EcoR1 Capital is a good match for founders whose work is grounded in fundamental science and who are seeking a long-term financial partner. If your biotech company has a clear path toward clinical development and commercialization, this firm has the experience to support that journey.

• Investment stages: Early-stage venture to post-IPO
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, CA
• Founded: 2012
• Notable investments: 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 venture capital firm that builds and invests in life science companies with the potential to make a significant impact on patient health. They focus on turning scientific discoveries into transformational new therapies.

The firm is known for its hands-on, company-creation model, often incubating startups internally before launching them. Their portfolio includes major successes like Sage Therapeutics, which developed the first FDA-approved therapy for postpartum depression, and Global Blood Therapeutics, acquired by Pfizer for $5.4 billion.

Third Rock is an excellent partner for founders with groundbreaking science who are looking for more than just capital. If you need a team to help build your company from the ground up and guide it toward a major exit, this firm has a strong track record.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, and post-IPO
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology, health care, medical device
• Geographical presence: Boston, MA
• Founded: 2007
• Notable investments: 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 investment firm that supports life sciences companies. They invest across a company's full lifecycle, from seed funding to post-IPO, and have a particular focus on direct secondary transactions.

The firm has a history of backing companies through major financial milestones, including the $9 billion acquisition of Juno Therapeutics and the $1.35 billion acquisition of Imago BioSciences. Their portfolio also includes companies like Morphic Holding, which they supported through a successful public offering.

Omega Funds is a good potential partner for founders in the life sciences sector who are looking for an investor with experience across all growth stages. Their track record with both IPOs and large acquisitions makes them a solid choice for teams planning for a significant exit.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, private equity, and post-IPO
• Industries of focus: Life sciences, biotechnology
• Geographical presence: Boston, MA
• Founded: 2004
• Notable investments: BridgeBio Pharma, Morphic Holding, Juno Therapeutics, Imago BioSciences
• Portfolio size: 148 investments

You can refer to their website here.

11. Big Idea Ventures

Big Idea Ventures is a venture capital firm and accelerator that backs entrepreneurs, scientists, and engineers working on significant global challenges. Their investments primarily target the AgTech, alternative protein, and food technology sectors.

The firm has a distinct focus on early-stage companies, often providing seed capital and accelerator support to get ideas off the ground. Their portfolio includes companies like PlantBaby, which makes dairy-free kids' milk, and Evo Foods, a plant-based egg company.

This firm is a great fit for founders in the food and agriculture technology space, especially those with a scientific background. If your startup is focused on alternative proteins, nutrition, or sustainability, Big Idea Ventures is a key investor to consider.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture, and private equity
• Industries of focus: AgTech, Alternative Protein, Biotechnology, Food and Beverage, Nutrition
• Geographical presence: New York, NY
• Founded: 2018
• Notable investments: 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 that invests in early-stage companies working to solve some of humanity's most critical problems. They focus on startups using science and engineering to address major industrial and societal challenges.

The firm backs companies with complex, foundational technology, from AI in construction to quantum computing. With a focus on seed and early-stage rounds, they have a track record of guiding companies toward successful exits, like Caper's acquisition by Instacart.

This firm is a strong match for founders with deep technical expertise who are building solutions for challenging, real-world issues. If your startup is grounded in hard science, Creative Ventures has the focus and experience to be a valuable partner.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Deep tech, biotechnology, health care, construction, robotics
• Geographical presence: Oakland, CA
• Founded: 2016
• Notable investments: Caper (acquired by Instacart), Sense Photonics (acquired by Ouster), IOTAS (acquired by ADT), Bleximo
• Portfolio size: 60 investments

You can refer to their website here.

13. Catalio Capital Management

Catalio Capital Management is a venture firm that invests in companies developing breakthrough biomedical technologies. They focus on supporting businesses that are pushing the boundaries of science and medicine.

The firm has a strong record of guiding portfolio companies toward major financial outcomes. They have experience with both public market listings, like the IPO for Atai Life Sciences, and successful acquisitions, such as the sale of Haystack Oncology.

Catalio is a good fit for founders with a deep scientific background whose companies are built on significant biomedical innovations. If you are planning for a substantial exit through an IPO or acquisition, their experience could be a valuable asset.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, post-IPO, and debt
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology, biomedical technology
• Geographical presence: New York, NY
• Founded: 2016
• Notable investments: 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 that backs companies in industrial and life science technology. They provide capital to support businesses developing foundational innovations in these sectors.

The firm invests across a company's entire lifecycle, from seed funding to public markets, and has a history of guiding companies to successful exits. Their portfolio includes the well-known open-source hardware platform Arduino and Banyan Biomarkers, which developed the first FDA-approved blood test for mild traumatic brain injury.

Anzu Partners is a good match for founders with deep technical expertise in the industrial or life science fields. If your company is built on a breakthrough technology and you need a partner with experience taking companies public, they are worth considering.

• Investment stages: Seed to post-IPO, private equity, and debt
• Industries of focus: Industrial technology, life sciences, biotechnology
• Geographical presence: Washington, D.C.
• Founded: 2014
• Notable investments: Arduino, Banyan Biomarkers, Pivotal Systems
• Portfolio size: 73 investments

You can refer to their website here.

15. 5AM Ventures

5AM Ventures is a venture capital firm that focuses on financing life science companies from their earliest stages. They provide capital and support to help build businesses with the potential for significant medical impact.

The firm has a history of backing companies through major exits, including both public offerings and acquisitions by major pharmaceutical players. Their portfolio includes companies like Audentes, a gene-therapy developer acquired by Astellas, and Calibrium, which was purchased by Novo Nordisk.

5AM Ventures is a strong potential partner for founders in the life sciences and biotechnology sectors, particularly those at the seed or early stages. If you are building a company with a clear path toward a major exit, their experience guiding companies to IPOs and acquisitions is a key asset.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, private equity, and post-IPO
• Industries of focus: Life science, biotechnology
• Geographical presence: Menlo Park, CA
• Founded: 2002
• Notable investments: Achaogen, Audentes (acquired by Astellas), Crinetics Pharmaceuticals
• Portfolio size: 198 investments

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Biotechnology Companies

This list shows a well-balanced and mature funding environment for companies in biotechnology. You’ll find investors focused on every stage, from firms that specialize in early seed funding to those that guide companies through late-stage growth and public offerings.

The variety extends to the types of investors available, including traditional VCs, corporate partners, and accelerator-backed funds. While major hubs like Boston and the San Francisco Bay Area are prominent, there is geographic diversity. This balance means you can be strategic in finding a partner that aligns with your company’s specific stage, scientific focus, and long-term goals.

Raise Confidently with Rho

A focused list of investors is invaluable when time and resources are tight during a fundraise. This approach helps you direct your energy toward partners who truly align with your work.

After you've raised, the work of managing that capital begins. Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes.

Our platform provides business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay designed for startups. We make it simple to manage your new funds so you can focus on building your company.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Biotechnology

Why are so many biotech venture capital firms in Boston?

Boston is a major hub due to its concentration of top research universities, hospitals, and a deep talent pool. This ecosystem provides a steady flow of innovation and experienced professionals, making it attractive for specialized investors. However, certainly not all venture capital firms are in Boston–more than two thirds of this list are located in other cities.

Are there major biotech VC hubs outside the US?

Yes, Europe has strong biotech hubs, particularly in the UK and Switzerland. These regions have world-class academic institutions and a growing number of venture firms focused on life sciences and biopharma innovation, creating many opportunities for founders.

What do biotech VCs look for in a startup?

Beyond strong science, biotech VCs look for a clear intellectual property strategy, a large addressable market, and a credible path to regulatory approval. Your team's expertise and ability to execute are also critically important for securing funding.

How is raising a seed round different for biotech startups?

Biotech seed rounds often require more capital and longer timelines than software startups due to extensive R&D and preclinical work. Investors expect to see strong foundational data, a clear IP position, and a team with deep scientific expertise.

How can I manage my venture capital after the fundraise?

Once your funding is secured, effective capital management is crucial. Our platform is built for high-growth startups, offering banking, corporate cards, and expense management in one place. You can get started with Rho in minutes.