Sanderling Ventures

Sanderling Ventures, established in 1979 and headquartered in San Mateo, California, is a pioneering venture capital firm exclusively dedicated to the biomedical sector. With a rich history spanning over four decades, Sanderling distinguishes itself through a hands-on, company-building approach, often participating in the inception and early management of new biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, and diagnostic companies. This deep operational involvement allows them to nurture nascent ideas from concept to commercialization, focusing on ventures that address significant unmet medical needs.

The firm's investment philosophy centers on identifying and developing groundbreaking scientific innovations. Sanderling provides crucial seed and early-stage capital, often acting as a lead investor in initial funding rounds. Their team comprises seasoned professionals with extensive scientific, medical, and entrepreneurial backgrounds, enabling them to offer strategic guidance and operational support to their portfolio companies. This active engagement is a hallmark of their strategy, aiming to de-risk early-stage development and accelerate growth.

Sanderling Ventures has consistently raised substantial funds to support its investment activities. For instance, the firm closed its tenth fund, Sanderling Ventures X, at $200 million in 2018, following its ninth fund, Sanderling Ventures IX, which also closed at $200 million in 2013. These significant capital pools enable Sanderling to deploy substantial first checks, typically ranging from $5 million to $20 million, depending on the stage and specific needs of the company. They are known for their capacity to provide follow-on funding throughout a company's lifecycle, demonstrating a long-term commitment to their portfolio. Their enduring presence and specialized focus have cemented their reputation as a key player in the biomedical venture capital landscape.