Participated · Series A · Dec 2022

SonoThera focuses on creating nonviral genetic therapies by using its proprietary RIPPLE ultrasound-mediated delivery technology to distribute diverse genetic payloads broadly yet precisely. The platform is designed to handle oversized payloads, permit redosing, and scale commercially while maintaining tolerability and durability. Preclinical work since 2022 has shown full-length human dystrophin expression reaching up to 290 % of normal levels in non-human primate muscle, restoration of wild-type muscle strength in Duchenne muscular dystrophy rodent models within six weeks, and successful DNA delivery to kidney cells relevant to autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and X-linked Alport syndrome. The company has also expanded the technology to enable targeted siRNA knockdown in muscle, adipose tissue, and kidney across rodent and primate models. SonoThera plans to begin Phase 1 human trials in early 2027 and anticipates releasing a steady cadence of data through 2028. Financially, the firm is preparing a $125 million Series B round intended to fund multiple clinical programs through these milestones. Founded by Kenneth Greenberg, Michael Davidson, and Steve Feinstein, the company positions its platform to “unlock some of the largest opportunities in genetic medicine.”

Participated · Series A · Sep 2022

Arpeggio Biosciences develops a proprietary platform that reads nascent RNA to monitor transcription and screens drug libraries for effects on thousands of gene and non-coding transcripts. Its assay combined with machine-learning algorithms can monitor activity of more than 100,000 transcripts and reconstruct biological networks to match molecules to diseases. The company has built what it describes as the largest database of nascent-RNA sequences and focuses on discovering modulators of high-value targets considered "undruggable," such as transcription factors. Arpeggio's platform supports screening of small molecules, biologics, and antisense oligonucleotides and is designed to enable modulation of an entire cellular transcriptome rather than single targets. The company is preclinical and plans to use the Series A financing to continue development of its drug pipeline and transcription-monitoring technologies. Arpeggio Bio has developed an automated platform that collects high‑resolution time‑series RNA profiles and applies proprietary machine learning to reconstruct the biological networks a drug affects. The company combines a proprietary biological assay with algorithms (originally developed for financial forecasting) to identify genes critical for drug success or failure. Arpeggio says its data elucidates drug and disease mechanisms to support development of safer, more effective therapies. Since its 2018 inception the company has partnered with over twenty biotech and pharmaceutical companies, including four of the world’s top ten. Funding announced will support ongoing development of a nascent RNA drug screen. The company’s founder and CEO, Joey Azofeifa, was named to the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 List in Healthcare.

Participated · Equity · Apr 2022

Sampling Human is an early-stage synthetic biology diagnostics company that engineers genetically modified yeasts as "Living Information Technology" to detect and classify selected living cells within complex samples. Its core product is a proprietary platform and kit-format called Diagnostics On Target (DOT) that harnesses living cells to analyze other cells and translate vast single-cell data into clinical practice. The company positions the technology as a faster, less expensive, and more precise alternative to large instruments such as flow cytometry. Sampling Human says its biological processing can detect extremely small numbers of target cells among millions of other cells, increasing sensitivity and speed. The company plans to use recent funding to further advance R&D, expand hiring, and pursue business development to broaden access for research institutions and clinicians. Sampling Human is based in San Diego.

Participated · Series A · Feb 2022

Aviron builds a connected home rowing machine and centers its product around gamified rowing competitions rather than traditional trainer courses. The company pivoted from a gym-machine focus to home fitness at the outset of the pandemic and emphasizes game-driven engagement. Aviron reported a 2,700% year‑over‑year increase in paid subscribers and has grown headcount from two to 36. The startup is expanding its U.S. presence and aims to enter Canadian retail stores. It recently appointed Amy Curry-Staschke (ex-Nike/Lululemon/Burton) as COO to support growth. Aviron is YC-backed and uses its gaming-first approach to differentiate from trainer-model competitors. Aviron builds connected, gamified rowing machines for the home market, emphasizing high-intensity races and fully animated game experiences. The company pivoted from gym equipment to connected home fitness during the pandemic and is positioning gamification as its primary differentiator. Founder and CEO Andy Hoang says Aviron focuses on in-game characters, stories and unlockable content rather than instructor-led classes. The product features race-style and arcade-like games (examples cited include shooting bugs and escaping zombies) to increase engagement. Aviron has expanded headcount from about 10 to roughly 25 full-time employees, with about half working on game development. The company is rebranding and hiring for marketing and branding as it builds content and grows its user-facing product.

Participated · Series A · Feb 2022

Framework designs and sells easily repairable laptops, offering buyers the option to purchase devices with no software or fully equipped with an operating system. The company emphasizes modularity and user repairability as core product attributes. Framework is pursuing strategic partnerships and investor relationships to support expansion and product collaborations. Cooler Master is a strategic partner-turned-investor and was the supplier for the Framework Laptop 16 thermal system; it also produced a compatible case enabling Framework Laptop mainboard re-use. Founder Nirav Patel highlighted that new investors were chosen for strategic connections, expertise, and partnership potential. Financially, Framework announced a US$17 million fundraising led by Spark Capital and is simultaneously raising a US$1 million community round for accredited investors. Framework designs modular, repairable consumer electronics, starting with the Framework Laptop, with repairability and upgradeability built into product design. The company was founded in late 2019 by former Apple and Oculus/Facebook engineer Nirav Patel and is Bay Area–based. Framework announced an $18 million Series A and says it did not need funding to keep the lights on. The company plans to use the capital to grow product offerings to bring upgradeability, customization, and repair to more consumer electronics and to increase headcount. Framework has drawn a roadmap for the next two years; the article notes smartphones as a plausible future target while cautioning that market is crowded and mentioning Amsterdam-based Fairphone as a current competitor in user-repairable phones.