Participated · Series B · Mar 2021

StrideBio develops engineered AAV capsids using its proprietary STRIVE™ structure-inspired vector engineering platform to create differentiated capsids that aim to overcome first-generation gene therapy limitations. Key targeted improvements include reduced seroprevalence, improved tropism for neuronal and cardiovascular cell types, liver de-targeting and increased gene transfer efficiency to potentially enable improved safety and lower clinical doses. The company is advancing a pipeline of gene therapy candidates initially focused on genetically-defined CNS and cardiovascular disorders. StrideBio was founded in 2015 based on the research of Mavis Agbandje-McKenna and Aravind Asokan and is led by CEO Sapan Shah. It operates with existing manufacturing infrastructure that includes a 6,000 sq ft GMP clean suite and plans to expand manufacturing capacity with proceeds from the financing. StrideBio is a Durham, NC-based company that develops AAV (adeno-associated virus) vectors for in vivo gene therapies. Its platform uses structure-guided evolution to discover novel capsids with reduced antibody binding profiles in multiple tissues, including liver, muscle, eye and the central nervous system, improving properties for in vivo gene delivery. The underlying technology is based on the work of co-founders Dr. Aravind Asokan (UNC Chapel Hill) and Dr. Mavis Agbandje-McKenna (University of Florida). In June 2018 the company closed a $15.7M Series A financing led by Hatteras Venture Partners with participation from Takeda Ventures, UCB Ventures and Alexandria Venture Investments. As part of the financing, Jayson Punwani of Takeda Ventures and Erica Whittaker of UCB Ventures joined StrideBio’s board. The company will use the funds to advance multiple programs toward the clinic. StrideBio Inc. is a Durham-based biotech that develops engineered AAV viral vectors for gene therapy, using structure-inspired design to create vectors that can escape pre-existing neutralizing antibodies. Its core technology engine focuses on designing novel AAVs to improve in vivo gene delivery. In April the company struck a deal with Crispr Therapeutics to develop in vivo gene delivery applications; that agreement includes development funding, milestone payments and royalties, while StrideBio retains certain rights to use the licensed vectors. The technology is based on work by Dr. Aravind Asokan (UNC‑Chapel Hill) and Dr. Mavis Agbandje‑McKenna (University of Florida). StrideBio recently raised $1.0 million via a private debt and option offering, according to an SEC filing. The company has previously received capital from Hatteras Venture Partners.

Participated · Series A · Oct 2020

AavantiBio is a gene therapy company based in Cambridge, MA that launched with a focus on rare inherited disorders. Its lead program targets Friedreich’s Ataxia and builds on foundational research by co‑founders Barry Byrne, M.D., Ph.D., and Manuela Corti, P.T., Ph.D. The company will leverage strategic partnerships with the University of Florida’s Powell Gene Therapy Center and the MDA Care Center at UF Health, where the founders maintain research and clinical practices. AavantiBio announced a $107M Series A financing at launch and previously received initial funding from patient groups. Early non‑dilutive/venture philanthropy support came from GoFAR and the Muscular Dystrophy Association Venture Philanthropy Fund. Leadership includes CEO Alexander “Bo” Cumbo, formerly of Sarepta, and a board composed of founders, investor representatives and independent directors, with Louise Rodino‑Klapac serving as a board observer.

Led · Equity · Aug 2018

Lacerta Therapeutics is a clinical-stage gene therapy company using a constellation of proprietary adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector technologies to develop treatments for central nervous system and lysosomal storage diseases. The company is based in Gainesville, FL and is a resident of UF Innovate | Sid Martin Biotech. Lacerta is led by President and CEO Joseph Reddy, Ph.D., and Chief Technology Officer Kenneth Warrington, Ph.D. The company closed a $30M funding round that will be used to advance its clinical pipeline. Sarepta Therapeutics made an equity investment and gained rights to multiple CNS-targeted gene therapy programs. Lacerta focuses on progressing its AAV-based programs through clinical development with the new capital.