RebelBio

RebelBio was a prominent pre-seed venture capital program and accelerator, operating under the umbrella of SOSV, a multi-stage venture capital firm. Based in London, United Kingdom, RebelBio specialized in nurturing early-stage startups within the biotechnology, health technology, and broader life sciences sectors. Its core mission was to transform scientific breakthroughs into viable commercial ventures, often supporting deep-tech companies founded by scientists and researchers. The program provided not only capital but also intensive mentorship, access to laboratory facilities, and a robust network of industry experts and potential follow-on investors.

Typically, RebelBio's investment model involved a fixed initial cheque. Participating companies received $100,000 in cash in exchange for an 8% equity stake. This standardized approach allowed the program to streamline its investment process and focus on providing comprehensive support during the critical pre-seed phase. The accelerator program itself typically ran for a period of four to five months, during which startups underwent rigorous development, refining their scientific propositions, business models, and investor pitches. This structured environment was designed to accelerate the companies' progress from concept to market readiness.

Over its operational period, RebelBio played a significant role in fostering the European biotech startup ecosystem. It successfully funded a substantial number of promising ventures, with Crunchbase indicating a portfolio of 73 companies. While RebelBio as a distinct brand has largely transitioned, its legacy and operational model have been integrated into SOSV's broader life sciences initiatives, most notably IndieBio. IndieBio continues SOSV's commitment to investing in and accelerating groundbreaking biological technologies, building upon the foundation laid by programs like RebelBio.