Foresite Capital
Healthcare-focused investment firm spanning venture, growth, and public market investments.
Foresite is the rare healthcare VC that actually walks the walk on data science - they're not just talking about AI/ML, they're hiring PhD data scientists and building internal technical teams to evaluate deals. Glassdoor reviews call them a 'wicked smart team' and 'under-the-radar firm led by a 3-time Midas List honoree', but also note managing directors are spread very thin. Jim Tananbaum is a genuine operator who built and sold two companies before becoming an investor, giving him credibility founders respect. Portfolio founder testimonials praise their 'invaluable mentorship and strategic advice' and ability to 'help crystallize' complex strategic decisions. The downside: they're hyper-selective and thesis-driven, so if you're not at the intersection of biology and data science, you're probably not getting a meeting.
- —Best for: Data-driven biotech companies at the intersection of biology and big data
- —Watch out for: Extremely thesis-driven - if you're not in their wheelhouse, don't waste your time
- —Known for: Deep technical diligence and hands-on support from actual scientist-investors
Foresite focuses on breakthrough opportunities at the intersection of tech and biotech, investing in companies that leverage biology and big data to transform healthcare. Their thesis centers on funding companies in three areas: therapeutics at the clinical stage, infrastructure focused on automation and data generation, and individualized care.
Multi-stage investment firm investing from incubation through IPO and beyond in healthcare and life sciences. Portfolio includes 10x Genomics, Relay Therapeutics, Element Biosciences, and companies developing next generation therapeutics, showing focus on data-driven biotech tools and clinical-stage therapeutic companies.
Founded Foresite Capital in 2011 after co-founding GelTex (acquired for $1.4B by Sanofi-Genzyme) and Theravance (market cap exceeded $4B). Harvard MD/MBA with Yale engineering background, named to Forbes Midas List four consecutive years from 2015-2018.
Co-Founder and CEO of Foresite Labs, the firm's center for entrepreneurial innovation focused on launching companies that apply data science tools to solve unmet medical needs. Has PhD and leads the firm's thesis-driven investment strategy around data science and precision medicine.
Worked with Jim for over 21 years, previously at Prospect Ventures, with 15 years of drug development experience at Merck Research Labs as Senior Vice President. Deeply involved in design and execution of several vaccine programs including Gardasil, RotaTeq, Varivax and Zostavax.
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