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EcoR1 Capital

North America, California, United States, San Francisco

Description

EcoR1 Capital is a San Francisco-based investment advisory firm established in 2012 by Oleg Nodelman, specializing exclusively in the biotechnology sector. The firm operates as a fundamental, research-driven investor, deploying capital into both public and private companies. Its core philosophy revolves around identifying and supporting innovative enterprises that are at the forefront of developing next-generation medicines, reflecting a deep commitment to the life sciences industry.

The firm's investment strategy is characterized by a long-term horizon, emphasizing thorough due diligence and a deep understanding of scientific and clinical advancements. EcoR1 Capital manages a substantial portfolio, with approximately $3.7 billion in regulatory assets under management as of March 31, 2023, underscoring its significant financial capacity. This substantial asset base allows the firm to make meaningful investments across various stages of a company's lifecycle, from late-stage venture rounds to publicly traded equities.

EcoR1 Capital typically engages in later-stage venture capital rounds, including Series B, C, and D, as well as pre-IPO and public market investments. While they participate in syndicated rounds, they also demonstrate the capacity to lead significant financing efforts. A notable example of their lead investment capability is their role in the $250 million Series B round for Centessa Pharmaceuticals. Given their focus on substantial, later-stage biotech companies, their typical first check sizes for private investments generally range from a minimum of $5 million, extending up to $100 million for leading large, strategic rounds. They seek to partner with companies poised for significant clinical and commercial milestones, leveraging their sector expertise to support growth.

Investor Profile

EcoR1 Capital has backed more than 126 startups, with 6 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 19 rounds, about 15% of its total and boasts 73 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Post Ipo Equity, Series B, Series C rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, Canada, Germany.
  • Strong thematic focus on Biotechnology, Health Care, Therapeutics.
  • Led 1 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $5M – $100M.

Stage Focus

  • Post Ipo Equity (37%)
  • Series B (21%)
  • Series C (17%)
  • Series A (14%)
  • Private Equity (3%)
  • Series Unknown (3%)
  • Series D (2%)
  • Series E (2%)
  • Post Ipo Debt (1%)

Country Focus

  • United States (94%)
  • Canada (3%)
  • Germany (1%)
  • The Netherlands (1%)
  • United Kingdom (1%)
  • Austria (1%)

Industry Focus

  • Biotechnology
  • Health Care
  • Therapeutics
  • Medical
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Life Science
  • Biopharma
  • Genetics
  • Oncology
  • Health Diagnostics
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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 EcoR1 Capital frequently co-invest with?

OrbiMed
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 23
Surveyor Capital
North America, Illinois, United States, Chicago
Co-Investments: 19
CA
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston
Co-Investments: 23
Samsara BioCapital
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Co-Investments: 28
Casdin Capital
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 18
RA Capital Management
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston
Co-Investments: 23
Redmile Group
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 22
Invus
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 20
Fidelity
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston
Co-Investments: 22
Boxer Capital
North America, Florida, United States, Windermere
Co-Investments: 26

Which angels does EcoR1 Capital often collaborate with?

LB
North America, California, United States
Shared Deals: 1
RA
North America, United States
Shared Deals: 1
JT
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
TA
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Cambridge
Shared Deals: 3
BN
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston
Shared Deals: 1
PM
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Cambridge
Shared Deals: 1
AS
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by EcoR1 Capital?

Atara Biotherapeutics

South San Francisco, California, United States

Atara Biotherapeutics (Nasdaq: ATRA) is an off-the-shelf, allogeneic T-cell immunotherapy company.

BiotechnologyHealth CareOncologyTherapeutics
Post Ipo EquityMay 15, 2025
Amount Raised: $16,000,000
Attovia Therapeutics

San Carlos, California, United States

Attovia Therapeutics is a biologics platform specializing in biotherapeutics for immune-mediated diseases.

BiotechnologyHealth CareMedicalTherapeutics
Series CApr 15, 2025
Amount Raised: $90,000,000
Tectonic Therapeutic

Allston, Massachusetts, United States

Tectonic Therapeutic is a biotechnology company which focuses on scientific research in biochemistry and molecular pharmacology.

Biotechnology
Post Ipo EquityFeb 3, 2025
Amount Raised: $185,000,000
Neurogene

New York, New York, United States

Neurogene is a developer of genetic medicines intended to improve patient outcomes for neurological disorders.

Biotechnology
Post Ipo EquityNov 4, 2024
Amount Raised: $200,000,000
Atara Biotherapeutics

South San Francisco, California, United States

Atara Biotherapeutics (Nasdaq: ATRA) is an off-the-shelf, allogeneic T-cell immunotherapy company.

BiotechnologyHealth CareOncologyTherapeutics
Post Ipo EquitySep 3, 2024
Amount Raised: $36,000,000
AnaptysBio

San Diego, California, United States

AnaptysBio is a biotechnology company that develops antibody therapeutics based on somatic hypermutation.

BiotechnologyHealth CareTherapeutics
Post Ipo EquityAug 14, 2024
Amount Raised: $100,000,000
Scorpion Therapeutics

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Scorpion Therapeutics is a clinical-stage oncology company that specializes in precision medicine for cancer patients.

BiotechnologyHealth CareLife ScienceOncologyPrecision Medicine
Series CJul 16, 2024
Amount Raised: $150,000,000
Tectonic Therapeutic

Allston, Massachusetts, United States

Tectonic Therapeutic is a biotechnology company which focuses on scientific research in biochemistry and molecular pharmacology.

Biotechnology
Post Ipo EquityJun 20, 2024
Amount Raised: $130,700,000
CARGO Therapeutics

San Mateo, California, United States

CARGO Therapeutics develops an adoptive cell therapy to benefit patients from potentially curative treatment options.

BiotechnologyMedicalTherapeutics
Post Ipo EquityMay 28, 2024
Amount Raised: $110,000,000
Bicycle Therapeutics

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom

Bicycle Therapeutics is developing a technology for the creation of new generation biotherapeutics.

BiotechnologyMedical DeviceTherapeutics
Post Ipo EquityMay 23, 2024
Amount Raised: $555,000,000