Domain Associates
Description
Domain Associates is a highly established venture capital firm with an exclusive and deep-rooted focus on the life sciences sector. Founded in 1985, the firm has built a significant legacy over several decades, primarily investing in companies developing innovative biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, and diagnostics. With offices in Princeton, New Jersey, and San Diego, California, Domain Associates strategically positions itself within key biotech hubs, allowing close engagement with emerging scientific breakthroughs and entrepreneurial teams.
The firm's investment strategy centers on identifying and nurturing companies that are poised to make a substantial impact on human health. Domain Associates typically invests across various stages, from early-stage development to more mature growth rounds, often taking a lead role in financing. Over its history, the firm has demonstrated a consistent ability to raise substantial capital, evidenced by its ten venture capital funds. Its most recent fund, Domain Partners X, successfully closed at $400 million in 2020, contributing to a cumulative total of over $2.8 billion in capital raised across all its funds. This substantial capital base enables Domain to support its portfolio companies through multiple financing rounds and critical development milestones.
Domain Associates is known for its hands-on approach, leveraging the extensive scientific and operational expertise of its partners to guide portfolio companies. The firm's investment philosophy emphasizes rigorous due diligence and a long-term commitment to its ventures, aiming to build companies that can achieve significant clinical and commercial success. While specific initial check sizes can vary based on the opportunity and stage, Domain Associates typically deploys first cheques ranging from approximately $5 million to $20 million. These initial investments are often part of larger financing rounds, with the firm reserving significant capital for follow-on investments to support its portfolio companies through subsequent development phases and clinical trials, reflecting the capital-intensive nature of life science innovation.
Investor Profile
Domain Associates has backed more than 289 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 55 rounds, about 19% of its total and boasts 93 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Series B, Series C, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in United States, Canada, Estonia.
- Strong thematic focus on Biotechnology, Health Care, Medical.
- Typical check size: $5M – $20M.
Stage Focus
- Series B (27%)
- Series C (21%)
- Series A (17%)
- Series Unknown (13%)
- Series D (11%)
- Series E (5%)
- Seed (1%)
- Series F (1%)
- Post Ipo Equity (1%)
- Post Ipo Debt (1%)
Country Focus
- United States (97%)
- Canada (2%)
Industry Focus
- Biotechnology
- Health Care
- Medical
- Pharmaceutical
- Medical Device
- Therapeutics
- Health Diagnostics
- Biopharma
- Manufacturing
- Genetics
Frequently Asked Questions
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