• RainDance Technologies

  Participated · Series E · Apr 2013

  RainDance Technologies develops ultra-sensitive molecular testing platforms for research use, including the RainDrop digital PCR system, the ThunderStorm targeted sequencing system, and the ThunderBolts Cancer Panel. The RainDrop system offers 50x to 1000x the sensitivity of traditional quantitative PCR and enables single-molecule detection of low-frequency alleles; ThunderStorm enables commercial labs to develop proprietary targeted NGS panels. The ThunderBolts Cancer Panel is a comprehensive NGS panel for rapid, low-cost profiling of somatic tumor mutations from molecular biopsies and biobanked samples and is being made available to select First Access Program participants. The company says more than 70 translational, genetic and commercial laboratories worldwide rely on its systems. RainDance has raised more than $100 million from investors to support development and commercial expansion and recently closed a $16.5 million Series E extension to accelerate commercial expansion and assay development. Based in Billerica, Massachusetts, RainDance is positioning its technologies to enable minimally invasive liquid biopsy applications and broader adoption in research settings. RainDance Technologies is an emerging life sciences company developing genomics tools that enable ultra-sensitive detection of cancer and inherited diseases. Its core products include the RainDrop Digital PCR system and next-generation targeted DNA sequencing platforms powered by the company's RainStorm digital droplet technology, plus ThunderStorm systems, gene panels, reagents and consumables. The platforms are used by major academic research institutions, clinical genetics laboratories and hospitals and are being applied in oncology, pathogen surveillance and inherited disease research. This year the company signed a multi-year supply agreement with Myriad Genetics for ThunderStorm systems and related materials, launched a Service Partner Program, and expanded reach with eight new distribution partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region. Clinical collaborations have demonstrated RainDrop Digital PCR can detect circulating tumor mutations from blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid to enable less-invasive monitoring of cancer progression. Financially, RainDance announced a structured debt facility providing up to $35 million from Capital Royalty Partners, which builds on a $20 million Series E equity financing announced in April 2013. The company says the financing will fund commercial expansion, new product development and accelerated entry into new markets. RainDance Technologies develops genetic research tools centered on its ThunderStorm system for targeted next-generation sequencing and the RainDrop digital PCR system for ultra-sensitive detection of circulating nucleic acids. The company focuses on genetic research in cancer and inherited diseases and serves more than 70 translational, genetic and commercial laboratories worldwide. Its RainStorm digital droplet technology powers next-generation sequencing and genetic testing systems used at major academic institutions, clinical genetics laboratories, and hospitals. RainDance has a commercial supply agreement with Myriad Genetics for adoption of ThunderStorm for Myriad's Hereditary Cancer Panel, under which RainDance will supply systems, gene panels, consumables and reagents. The company is based in Lexington, Massachusetts, and supports customers via international sales, service operations and a global network of distributors. RainDance plans to use financing to drive global expansion of its products and substantially expand commercial operations and manufacturing capacity, including relocation of its headquarters in mid-2013. RainDance Technologies commercializes its RainStorm™ microdroplet technology that generates picoliter-scale droplets each capable of encapsulating a single molecule, cell, or reaction for high-throughput biological analysis. Its products include automated instrumentation, customizable bioinformatics, and consumables for applications such as targeted next-generation DNA sequencing, methylation analysis, single-molecule digital PCR, and single-cell analysis. The company’s workflows integrate with all next-generation sequencing platforms and are marketed as delivering high sensitivity, large numbers of data points per sample, simplified workflows, and cost-effective performance. RainDance plans to use the Series D funding to drive new applications for its targeted sequencing and sequence-enrichment solutions in medical genetics and research markets, and to develop and commercialize products for single-molecule digital PCR and single-cell analysis. The company also intends to expand its global sales and support infrastructure to support commercial expansion and upcoming product launches. RainDance is based in Lexington, Massachusetts and supports customers through international sales, distributors, and service providers.

• Crescendo Bioscience

  Participated · Debt Financing · Sep 2011

  Crescendo Bioscience is a molecular diagnostics company focused on rheumatology that develops quantitative, objective blood tests to guide treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Its lead product, Vectra DA, integrates concentrations of 12 serum proteins into a single score to assess rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity. All Vectra DA testing is performed at Crescendo’s CLIA-certified laboratory, with results returned 7–10 days and delivered by mail, fax, or a private web portal. The company works with academic collaborators to characterize protein, gene expression, and genetic biomarkers to provide molecular analysis of RA. Crescendo aims to expand commercialization and clinical development to increase availability of Vectra DA and build long-term relationships with clinicians to improve patient outcomes. The company emphasizes addressing an unmet need in RA, a disease affecting over 1.5 million people in the U.S. and more than 4 million worldwide. Crescendo Bioscience is a South San Francisco molecular diagnostics company developing quantitative biomarker tests for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Its lead product, Vectra DA, is a blood-based molecular diagnostic designed to determine disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The company plans to use the new funding to accelerate commercialization of Vectra DA and to expand its pipeline of molecular diagnostic products for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Crescendo completed a $31M Series C equity financing led by aeris CAPITAL AG with participation from existing investors Mohr Davidow Ventures, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and others, and entered a strategic agreement with Myriad Genetics for $25M. The Myriad investment is non-dilutive, structured as long-term debt and includes a three-year option to acquire Crescendo. Management includes CEO William A. Hagstrom and a leadership team spanning medical, scientific, commercial and finance functions.

No current team members are available.