The Venture Codex

Participated · Series D · Jul 2026

FORE Biotherapeutics is a registration-stage targeted oncology company whose lead asset is plixorafenib (FORE8394; formerly PLX8394), a BRAF inhibitor with a mechanism described as both a dimer and paradox breaker. The company is advancing plixorafenib in the global Phase 2 FORTE Master Protocol, a registration-intended basket study that includes monotherapy baskets for recurrent or progressive BRAF V600E primary CNS tumors, rare BRAF V600 mutated solid tumors, and advanced solid tumors with BRAF fusions. Fore reported that target enrollment of approximately 50 patients has been reached in the BRAF V600E CNS tumor basket and expects topline results from that basket around the end of 2026; the company anticipates a potential regulatory submission if the primary analysis is positive. Plixorafenib received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA in April 2026, and prior Phase 1/2 data showed a 67% ORR in MAPK inhibitor–naïve BRAF V600 primary recurrent CNS tumors (n=9) and a 42% response rate with a median duration of response of 17.8 months in V600-altered, MAPK inhibitor–naïve patients. The company reported a favorable safety profile for plixorafenib, including a drug-related discontinuation rate of less than 2%, and has implemented protocol changes in FORTE such as allowing dosing with food and lowering the minimum enrollment age to 8 years based on IDMC clearance.

Participated · Equity · Feb 2024

Freenome develops blood-based screening tests for early cancer detection using a multiomics platform that combines computational biology, machine learning, and other technologies. Its initial programs focus on colorectal and lung cancers, with single-cancer and tailored multi-cancer tests under development. The platform is also being evaluated with biopharma and diagnostic partners to non-invasively detect minimal residual disease (MRD) augmented by biological insights. The company has registrational studies underway, including PREEMPT CRC (>40,000 participants) and PROACT LUNG (up to 20,000 participants), plus multi-cancer research programs such as the Vallania Study (more than 6,200 participants) and additional studies totaling >10,000 paired RWD participants. Freenome intends to use the newly raised funds to advance its pipeline of single-cancer and multi-cancer early detection tests. The company is led by CEO Mike Nolan and is based in San Francisco, CA. Freenome develops a multiomics platform that uses routine blood draws to detect cancer in its earliest stages. Its core product is a blood test for colorectal cancer (CRC) being validated in the large prospective registrational study PREEMPT CRC, which is nearing completion of enrollment. The company plans to commercialize the CRC screening test and expand the platform to detect other cancers, and has reported promising data in pancreatic cancer detection. Freenome combines molecular biology, computational biology, and machine learning to identify disease-associated patterns among circulating cell-free biomarkers. Financially, Freenome announced a $300M Series D and has raised over $800M in total financing since its 2014 founding. The new funding is intended to support commercialization and further development of multi-cancer tests. Freenome has developed a comprehensive multiomics platform to detect cancer early from a routine blood draw, beginning with a colorectal cancer screening test. The platform integrates genomics, transcriptomics, methylomics, and proteomics with advanced computational biology and machine learning to recognize disease-associated patterns among circulating cell-free biomarkers. Freenome launched the PREEMPT CRC FDA registrational clinical trial in May 2020 to support approval of its first front-line blood test for colorectal cancer screening and precancerous lesion detection. The company intends to use proceeds from the financing to accelerate PREEMPT CRC toward approval, reimbursement, and commercialization, advance a pipeline of blood tests for additional cancers, and continue building its proprietary multiomics platform. Financially, Freenome closed an oversubscribed $270 million Series C that brings total financing to over $500 million since the company’s launch. The company is headquartered in South San Francisco, California. Freenome has built a multiomics platform that integrates assays for cell-free DNA, methylation, and proteins with computational biology and machine learning to detect early signs of cancer from a routine blood draw. The company’s first test targets colorectal cancer and uses a multidimensional view of tumor- and immune-derived signatures to improve sensitivity and specificity. Freenome reported promising clinical results at Digestive Disease Week showing high sensitivity and specificity in a cohort of mostly early-stage colorectal cancer patients. The company plans a pivotal validation study and intends to submit to the FDA and CMS under the Parallel Review Program for its colorectal cancer screening application. Proceeds from its recent financing will also fund expansion of laboratory infrastructure and software to support growth and future development. Freenome is headquartered in South San Francisco and was founded in 2014. Freenome is a health-technology company combining machine learning, biology and computer science to develop non-invasive disease screening assays based on cell-free DNA and other analytes. The company has collaborated with more than 25 research partners, including UCSD Moores Cancer Center, UCSF and MGH, and has processed thousands of samples through research and clinical trials. Freenome is working with five pharmaceutical companies to validate its software for clinical trial stratification and precision prescribing. The company is focused on scaling its technology and improving screening accuracy for lung, colorectal, breast and prostate cancers, with plans to address additional cancers and diseases. Proceeds from the Series A financing are being used to accelerate clinical trials, expand research, and advance its first products toward regulatory review. Headquartered in South San Francisco and launched in 2014, Freenome has raised more than $70 million since founding.

Participated · Series B · Nov 2023

Terremoto Biosciences is a clinical-stage biotech company focused on designing highly selective, potent small-molecule AKT1 inhibitors. Its lead oncology program, TER-2013, is in Phase 1 clinical development for solid tumors harboring PIK3CA, AKT, or PTEN alterations. The company is also advancing TER-4480 for hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, with clinical entry expected later this year. Terremoto emphasizes AKT1 selectivity to maximize efficacy while minimizing toxicities associated with AKT2 or PI3Kα inhibition. It is privately held and supported by investors including OrbiMed, Third Rock Ventures, Novo Holdings, Cormorant Asset Management, RA Capital Management, Deep Track Capital, Osage University Partners, and BeOne Medicines. Terremoto is based in South San Francisco and San Diego.

Participated · Equity · Apr 2021

Shoreline Biosciences is developing intelligently designed, off-the-shelf induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived NK and macrophage cellular immunotherapies. The company focuses on standardized, targeted cell products including next-generation, more persistent iPSC-derived NK cells and macrophage-cell therapies. Shoreline is advancing proprietary iPSC differentiation methods, genetic reprogramming of disease-relevant pathways, and plans to create NK-specific CARs, switchable CAR-NK engagers, and macrophage-specific CARs. It targets both hematologic malignancies and solid tumors and has established strategic partnerships with Kite (a Gilead Company) and BeiGene. Shoreline also reports contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) partnerships to support manufacturing. The company is headquartered in San Diego, CA and is well-capitalized to continue pipeline advancement. Shoreline Biosciences is developing intelligently designed allogeneic, off-the-shelf natural killer (NK) and macrophage cellular immunotherapies derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). The company focuses on standardized and targeted NK- and macrophage-based cell therapies for cancer and other serious diseases. It plans to use new funding to accelerate advancement of its proprietary iPSC platform and next-generation NK and macrophage cell therapy programs. Research efforts supported by the financing include work to create potent and persistent NK cell-specific chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), switchable CAR-NK cell engagers, and macrophage-specific CARs. Shoreline has entered a strategic relationship with the Advanced Cell Therapy Laboratory of UC San Diego to secure GMP manufacturing of its cell therapy products. The company was co-founded by Dan Kaufman, M.D., Ph.D., along with Steven Holtzman, William Sandborn, M.D., and Kleanthis G. Xanthopoulos, Ph.D.

Participated · Equity · Nov 2020

Prometheus Biosciences is pioneering a precision-medicine approach to discover, develop and commercialize novel therapeutic and companion diagnostic products for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The company is led by President and CEO Mark McKenna and is based in San Diego. Its Prometheus 360 platform combines proprietary bioinformatics discovery methods with a gastrointestinal bioinformatics database to identify novel therapeutic targets and advance therapeutic candidates. Prometheus has entered into collaborations to develop targeted therapies for IBD and is supported by a scientific advisory board of IBD experts. Financially, the company completed a $130M equity financing to support its programs. The financing also included board additions to support the company's growth and development plans.