‘Intersection of innovation’: Why top tech VC firms are betting big on life science startups
As more biotech startups are working with machine learning and computational methods to design new therapeutics and support testing, traditional tech venture capital firms such as Seattle-based Madrona Venture Group and Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) are taking notice.
Tech innovators who have developed a passion for life sciences and healthcare are making the leap into biotech and are part of Madrona’s “intersection of innovation” initiative.
“I’m seeing more and more people from tech moving into these types of companies… They see the opportunities, and also, frankly, they’re driven by the mission, by the desire to have a huge impact on human health,” said Vijay Pande, founding investor of a16z’s Bio Fund.
(Photo: Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (standing) explores new labs at Absci, a Vancouver, Wash.-based biotech company. Credit: Absci / Kim Nguyen)