TLDR:
Portal Innovations, a life sciences venture capital firm, has gained the attention and support of prominent investors such as CalSTRS and family offices. Portal not only provides funding for startups, but also builds labs and infrastructure across the US for these companies to share. The firm has recently partnered with the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to open CZ Biohub Chicago, a dedicated research space for inflammation-related diseases. Portal has taken an interest in creating similar hubs in various cities, recognizing that many talented scientists and commercial ideas exist outside of traditional biotech hubs like Boston and the San Francisco Bay Area. Portal is also working with real estate developers to construct labs for its portfolio companies that can be shared with other startups and researchers. This combination of venture capital and real estate investment has attracted sophisticated investors like CalSTRS and family offices who appreciate the opportunity to invest locally and support biotech in their hometowns.
Key elements:
- Portal Innovations is a life sciences VC firm that supports startups in the industry.
- The firm builds labs across the US for its portfolio companies and other organizations to share, creating local life-science ecosystems.
- The partnership between Portal and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative has resulted in the opening of CZ Biohub Chicago, a research space for inflammation-related diseases.
- Portal is working with real estate developers to construct labs for its portfolio companies and plans to open labs in Atlanta and Houston.
- California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) and family offices are among the investors attracted to Portal’s model due to the combination of venture capital and real estate investment.
