
Polaris Partners
Description
Polaris Partners is a well-established venture capital and growth equity firm with a significant presence in the United States, particularly known for its investments in the healthcare and technology sectors. Founded in 1996, the firm has cultivated a reputation for partnering with entrepreneurs from the earliest stages of company formation through to growth equity rounds, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance and operational expertise. With offices in Boston and San Francisco, Polaris maintains a dual focus on innovation across diverse industries.
Within healthcare, Polaris targets opportunities in biotechnology, medical devices, healthcare services, and digital health, seeking to back companies that are developing groundbreaking therapies, diagnostics, or solutions to improve patient outcomes and system efficiency. On the technology front, their interests span software, fintech, cybersecurity, data analytics, artificial intelligence/machine learning, and cloud infrastructure, supporting companies that are leveraging cutting-edge technologies to disrupt markets and create new value. The firm's approach is characterized by a hands-on partnership, working closely with management teams to navigate challenges and accelerate growth.
Polaris Partners manages substantial capital, reflecting its capacity for significant investments. For instance, its most recent fund, Polaris Partners X, successfully closed at $500 million in 2023, following Polaris Partners IX, which raised $435 million in 2021. The firm typically deploys initial investments ranging from $5 million for early-stage ventures to upwards of $30 million for more mature, growth-stage companies. This flexible investment strategy allows Polaris to support companies across various development phases, from seed and Series A rounds to later-stage growth equity. Their long-term commitment and deep sector expertise position them as a valuable partner for ambitious founders.
Investor Profile
Polaris Partners has backed more than 675 startups, with 11 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 177 rounds, about 26% of its total and boasts 190 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Series B, Series A, Series C rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in United States, Singapore, Ireland.
- Strong thematic focus on Health Care, Biotechnology, Medical.
- Led 5 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $5M – $30M.
Stage Focus
- Series B (25%)
- Series A (24%)
- Series C (16%)
- Series Unknown (16%)
- Seed (8%)
- Series D (6%)
- Series E (2%)
- Private Equity (2%)
- Post Ipo Equity (1%)
- Series F (1%)
Country Focus
- United States (94%)
- Singapore (1%)
- Ireland (1%)
- The Netherlands (1%)
- United Kingdom (1%)
- Israel (1%)
Industry Focus
- Health Care
- Biotechnology
- Medical
- Software
- Therapeutics
- Pharmaceutical
- Information Technology
- Medical Device
- Enterprise Software
- Saas
Frequently Asked Questions
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