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DCVC Bio

North America, California, United States, San Francisco

Description

DCVC Bio is a prominent venture capital fund specializing in early-stage life science companies that leverage deep-tech approaches, particularly artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced computational methods. As an affiliate of the well-established Data Collective (DCVC), which has a long history of investing in foundational technologies, DCVC Bio extends this expertise into the complex and impactful realm of biotechnology. The firm's investment thesis centers on identifying and nurturing companies poised to revolutionize fields such as drug discovery, diagnostics, synthetic biology, and agricultural innovation through scientific rigor and technological breakthroughs.

The fund primarily targets seed and Series A rounds, often taking a lead or co-lead position in its investments. DCVC Bio announced its second dedicated fund, DCVC Bio Fund II, in July 2023, closing at a substantial $350 million. This significant capital base underscores its commitment to backing capital-intensive deep science ventures. Typical initial investments from DCVC Bio range from $5 million to $15 million, reflecting their focus on providing substantial early-stage capital to help companies achieve critical milestones and scale their operations. Their portfolio companies are characterized by their strong scientific foundations and potential for disruptive impact across various sectors of the life sciences.

Beyond capital, DCVC Bio distinguishes itself through its hands-on approach, offering portfolio companies access to a deep bench of scientific, technical, and operational expertise. The team comprises seasoned investors, scientists, and entrepreneurs who provide strategic guidance, facilitate partnerships, and assist with talent acquisition. This collaborative model is designed to accelerate the development of complex technologies and navigate the unique challenges inherent in bringing deep-tech life science innovations from concept to market. DCVC Bio's strategic alignment with DCVC further provides its portfolio companies with a broader network and shared resources, reinforcing its position as a key player in the intersection of technology and biology.

Investor Profile

DCVC Bio has backed more than 50 startups, with 8 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 27 rounds, about 54% of its total and boasts 3 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series A, Series B, Seed rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, United Kingdom, Canada.
  • Strong thematic focus on Biotechnology, Therapeutics, Medical.
  • Led 4 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $5M – $15M.

Stage Focus

  • Series A (56%)
  • Series B (18%)
  • Seed (12%)
  • Series C (6%)
  • Series Unknown (4%)
  • Convertible Note (2%)
  • Series D (2%)

Country Focus

  • United States (92%)
  • United Kingdom (4%)
  • Canada (2%)
  • Denmark (2%)

Industry Focus

  • Biotechnology
  • Therapeutics
  • Medical
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Health Care
  • Biopharma
  • Life Science
  • Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
  • Agriculture
  • Manufacturing
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does DCVC Bio frequently co-invest with?

Alexandria Venture Investments
North America, California, United States, Pasadena
Co-Investments: 9
5AM Ventures
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 5
Casdin Capital
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 5
Mubadala Capital Ventures
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 5
MPM Capital
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston
Co-Investments: 5
8VC
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 7
RA Capital Management
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston
Co-Investments: 5
Novo Holdings
Europe, Hovedstaden, Denmark, Hellerup
Co-Investments: 6
DCVC
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 4
Eli Lilly
North America, Indiana, United States, Indianapolis
Co-Investments: 4

Which angels does DCVC Bio often collaborate with?

TF
Europe, Ile-de-France, France, Paris
Shared Deals: 1
JL
North America, Nevada, United States, Las Vegas
Shared Deals: 1
George Godula
Asia, Shanghai, China, Shanghai
Shared Deals: 1
NP
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
FB
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 2

What are some of recent deals done by DCVC Bio?

Estes Energy

San Francisco, California, United States

Estes Energy is a California-based startup developing advanced, U.S.-made, chemistry-agnostic battery packs for mobility and industry.

ChemicalChemical EngineeringManufacturing
SeedJul 23, 2025
Amount Raised: $11,000,000
Grove Biopharma

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Grove Biopharma is a biotechnology company offering a materials science solution to peptide therapeutic challenges.

BiotechnologyMedicalTherapeutics
Series AApr 23, 2025
Amount Raised: $30,000,000
Solu Therapeutics

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Solu Therapeutics Platform Company that develops antibody-based medicines using a degradable warhead.

BiotechnologyMedicalTherapeutics
Series AApr 9, 2025
Amount Raised: $41,000,000
AgZen

Somerville, Massachusetts, United States

AgZen develops pesticide sprays stick to plants which reduces pollution and helps farmers save.

AgricultureAgTechFarming
Series AMar 6, 2025
Amount Raised: $10,000,000
Newleos Therapeutics

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Newleos Therapeutics is a biotech startup dedicated to producing safer and more effective neuroscience medicines.

BiotechnologyNeuroscience
Series AFeb 13, 2025
Amount Raised: $93,500,000
Auron Therapeutics

Newton, Massachusetts, United States

Auron aims to cure cancer therapeutics from cell killing to transformation of malignant cells into more normal functioning cells.

BiotechnologyHealth CareTherapeutics
Series BFeb 4, 2025
Amount Raised: $27,000,000
Umoja Biopharma

Seattle, Washington, United States

Umoja Biopharma is a biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation immunotherapies intended to combat cancer.

BiopharmaBiotechnologyDeveloper Platform
Series CJan 14, 2025
Amount Raised: $100,000,000
nChroma Bio

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

nChroma Bio is a cutting-edge biotechnology business that is developing targeted in vivo delivery systems as well as best-in-class cargo.

BiotechnologyMedicalProduct Research
Series UnknownDec 11, 2024
Amount Raised: $75,000,000
SyntaxBio

Chicago, Illinois, United States

SyntaxBio develops genetic programming platform that can program cells without the need for consistent external intervention.

BiotechnologyMedicalProduct Research
SeedSep 17, 2024
Valar Labs

Palo Alto, California, United States

Valar Labs offers assistance services for cancer treatment through Artificial Intelligence.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Health CareHealth DiagnosticsMedicalMedical DeviceOncology
Series AMay 30, 2024
Amount Raised: $22,000,000