Participated · Equity · Apr 2021

Edifice Health applies novel proteomic approaches combined with proprietary artificial intelligence and predictive analysis to measure the rate at which an individual’s body ages. The company created a metric to measure systemic chronic inflammation, which Stanford Project research identified as a root cause and predictor of multiple chronic diseases of aging. Edifice has identified interventional supplements that can be targeted to an individual’s immunotype to improve inflammatory health and support healthy aging. The company was born out of the Stanford 1,000 Immunomes Project following NIH-funded research in immunological health and aging at Stanford University. Led by Chairman and CEO Wolfgang Daum, PhD, with founder David Furman, PhD active on the board, Edifice is building its scientific foundation and product capabilities. The company intends to use the new funding to grow its immunological science and add additional talent.

Participated · Series A · Sep 2020

Sun Genomics is a San Diego-based direct-to-consumer custom probiotics and gut health company founded in 2016 and led by CEO and founder Sunny Jain. Its flagship product, Floré, combines a microbiome test and personalized probiotic formulation using whole-genome sequencing to tailor products to individual gut profiles. The company expanded its line with Floré Defense in July 2020, an all-natural formula aimed at immunity and respiratory health. Sun Genomics intends to use new funding to grow in the custom probiotics market, scale delivery across the U.S., enter international markets, and propel publication of studies with academic institutions. The company also announced the addition of Dr. Jack Gilbert as medical and scientific advisor and Mayank Goel as vice president of growth to support research and commercialization efforts. Sun Genomics' core product, Floré, is a personalized probiotic service that uses DNA sequencing and micro-manufacturing to produce a customer-specific 90-day supply of probiotics. Customers send a micro-stool sample via a kit, receive a full microbiome (DigestiveDNA) analysis, and are shipped a tailored formula. The end-to-end process takes six weeks and costs $300 per 90-day supply; the company says a partnership with Illumina will enable delivery in two weeks by late 2020. Floré is available now on the company website, and Sun Genomics is in discussions with national retailers to expand distribution in 2020. The company highlighted industry awards (NEXTY Best Digestive Health Product and Food Funded Most Innovative Product) and user testimonials as part of its market positioning, and in 2019 closed seed funding to accelerate reach.

Participated · Equity · Feb 2018

Celularity develops therapies using stem cells harvested from human placentas to regenerate tissue and treat cancer and other diseases. The company says placental cells can be donated, are abundant, can be injected into any human without rejection, and could enable more affordable, immediately available treatments. Celularity has conducted several clinical trials and has treated “hundreds” of patients to date. The team is pursuing FDA approval and expects that regulatory clearance could come within 12–24 months, according to company leadership. Financially, Celularity recently secured $250 million in new funding from a mix of strategic and individual investors. The company also owns LifeBank USA, a repository for donated placental cells and biomaterials, and holds roughly 1,800 patents on related procedures.