About

We are a team of scientists-turned-entrepreneurs and investors. We bring our passion, expertise, networks and capital to partner with founders, turning innovative ideas into thriving enterprises and enduring solutions to grand challenges. Breakthroughs come from amazing science.

BE Brilliant. BE Excellent. BE Visionary. BE Credible.

ecosystem
expertise
Spectrum of Experience
We are fluent in science and business, and comfortably operate at the intersection. All of us have spent years in the lab, but we’ve also worked in 2-person to Fortune 20 companies. We've created products, built teams, shaped commercial strategies, and transacted hundreds of venture and business deals.
Premier Innovation Ecosystem
Located in Berkeley, we are lucky to be in one of the most prolific innovation ecosystems in the world. Here we interact with world class scientists and engineers pioneering transformative research and innovation.
Enabling Beyond Capital
Working with us, entrepreneurs gain access to our collective experience and expansive networks of experts, advisors, and partners we’ve assembled through our years in academia, start-ups, corporates, and the capital markets.
team
Risa Stack, Ph.D.
Risa Stack, Ph.D.
Co-Founder, Venture Advisor
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Widya Mulyasasmita, Ph.D.
Widya Mulyasasmita, Ph.D.
Co-Founder, Managing Partner
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Rowan Chapman, Ph.D.
Rowan Chapman, Ph.D.
Co-Founder, Venture Partner
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David Schaffer, Ph.D.
David Schaffer, Ph.D.
Founding Advisor
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Carolyn Bertozzi, Ph.D.
Carolyn Bertozzi, Ph.D.
Advisor
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Robert Tjian, Ph.D.
Robert Tjian, Ph.D.
Advisor
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Regis Kelly, Ph.D., OBE
Regis Kelly, Ph.D., OBE
Advisor
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Greg Went, Ph.D.
Greg Went, Ph.D.
Advisor
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Erin Akins, Ph.D.
Erin Akins, Ph.D.
Associate Intern
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how we work
We are investors. We are also scientists and founders. As a team, we're passionate about new startups in the science and technology spheres. We've all co-founded companies in these areas, and we know how much work it takes to build a company -  that’s why we’re here. We’re primed to support you on your journey from ideation to IPO and beyond.

We have a strong interest in the life sciences and technology sectors, but we're open minded. Above all else, we look for creativity and innovation. Because we’d like to work with you throughout your startup journey, we want to start as early as possible. We make first commitments in the pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A investment rounds and continue to support you in later rounds.