TLDR:
Freeflow Ventures, a science-driven VC firm, raised $90 million to invest in early-stage companies. They recently invested in Catena Bio, a deep tech startup in the Berkeley ecosystem. The firm focuses on solutions to human and planetary health challenges.
Article Summary:
Freeflow Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm, recently closed $90 million in new funds to invest in science-driven solutions to human and planetary health challenges. The firm raised $50 million through its $35 million Fund Two and $15 million Opportunity Fund, adding to its existing $25 million Fund One and $15 million in special purpose vehicles. Despite challenges in the venture capital market, Freeflow doubled its fundraising from the Fund One to Fund Two cycle.
Recently, Freeflow announced its investment in Catena Bio, a deep tech startup in the Berkeley ecosystem. Catena Bio is focused on next-generation Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) technology for cancer treatment, with CEO and cofounder Marco Lobba having developed the technology during his time as a PhD student at UC Berkeley. The company is also a member of the Bakar BioEngenuity Hub at UC Berkeley.
The firm has a strong history of investing in companies founded by leading scientists, including Nobel Laureates Frances Arnold, David Baltimore, and Bob Grubbs. Freeflow has made over 30 investments since 2020 and believes that the Berkeley community aligns well with its focused thesis on human and planetary health.
David Fleck, founder and managing partner of Freeflow Ventures, stated that the new funding will enable the firm to expand its model to Berkeley, highlighting the similarities between the Caltech and JPL communities and the innovative founders working on important problems in the Berkeley ecosystem.
Overall, Freeflow Ventures’ focus on investing in early-stage science-driven companies, particularly those working on solutions to human and planetary health challenges, continues to drive its investment strategy and portfolio growth.
