A New Player in the Life Sciences Investment Scene
BEVC, a life sciences investor based in Berkeley, California, is making waves in the investment scene with its new $25 million fund aimed at climate-related startups. Founded just last year, BEVC has already made two investments in the life sciences sector, but this latest move signals a broader focus on planetary health.
The Dual Focus: Human Health and Planetary Health
BEVC’s decision to invest in both human health and planetary health startups marks a shift in the industry, where life sciences investors are expanding their remit to include climate-related ventures. Last year, RA Capital hired a planetary health team, and Flagship Pioneering raised $3.6 billion to invest in health, sustainability, and AI startups.
Why the Dual Focus?
"In an unhealthy environment, you just don’t have healthy people," said Kyle Teamey, managing partner of RA Capital’s Planetary Health team. This sentiment is echoed by BEVC’s co-founders, who all have PhDs in life sciences and backgrounds as both operators and investors.
The Founding Team
BEVC’s co-founders are:
- Rowan Chapman: A PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology with experience as head of innovation at Johnson & Johnson and healthcare investing for GE Ventures.
- Widya Mulyasasmita: A PhD in bioengineering who co-founded OliLux Biosciences and was a senior principal at B Capital Group.
- Risa Stack: A PhD in immunology with experience at RA Capital, GE Ventures, and Kleiner Perkins.
A Strong Advisory Board
BEVC’s advisory board includes:
- Jennifer Doudna and Carolyn Bertozzi, both Nobel Prize winners
- David Schaffer, executive director of UC Berkeley’s biosciences institute QB3
- Robert Tjian, former president of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Conclusion
BEVC’s $25 million fund for climate-related startups is an exciting development in the life sciences investment scene. With a strong founding team and advisory board, BEVC is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the industry.
Related Topics
- BEVC
- Biotech & Health
- Climate
- Exclusive
- Scoop
- Venture
- Venture Capital
About the Author
Tim De Chant is a senior climate reporter at TechCrunch. He has written for various publications, including Wired magazine, the Chicago Tribune, Ars Technica, The Wire China, and NOVA Next. De Chant received his PhD in environmental science, policy, and management from the University of California, Berkeley, and his BA degree in environmental studies, English, and biology from St. Olaf College.
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