Marcus Richards
<p>San Francisco has long been a hub for innovation, from the pioneering days of the Gold Rush to the technological developments of Silicon Valley. Today, that spirit of ingenuity continues to thrive within the biotechnology sector. As we approach the second anniversary of the tumultuous year of 2020, we’ve seen an increased influx of startups in this sector, many of whom are making significant strides in the world of life sciences and therapeutics. Here, we are highlighting some of the most promising biotechnological startups based in San Francisco that were founded in 2020 or later.</p>
<p>These startups showcase the exciting advancements being made in gene editing, cell therapies, neural drug development, clinical trial processes, RNAi therapies, cancer molecule therapeutics among others. Despite being in their early stages, they’re already making profound impacts in the field, pushing boundaries and redefining possibilities in healthcare and biotechnology. Not only do these startups exemplify remarkable progress within their respective niches, but collectively, they represent the vibrant, diverse, and forward-thinking landscape of San Francisco’s biotechnology sector.</p>
<p>Here are some of the most compelling biotechnology startups, who, undeterred by a global pandemic, began their journeys in 2020 and are based in the San Francisco Bay Area. These are ones to watch as they continue to grow, innovate, and blaze new trails in the biotech industry.</p>
<a href="https://graphitebio.com/"><h2>Graphite Bio</h2></a>
<p>Graphite Bio is a clinical-stage gene editing company co-founded by Daniel Dever, Maria-Grazia Roncarolo, and Matthew Porteus. The team is committed [<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/graphitebio/about/" target="_blank">LINK</a>] to harness high efficiency targeted gene integration to potentially cure a wide range of serious and life-threatening diseases.</p>
<a href="https://perceivebio.com/"><h2>Perceive Biotherapeutics</h2></a>
<p>A magnet for pioneers, Perceive Biotherapeutics [<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/perceive-bio" target="_blank">LINK</a>] is a biotechnology company leading the way in the development of novel technologies and therapeutics in ophthalmology.</p>
<a href="https://www.sonomabio.com/"><h2>Sonoma BioTherapeutics</h2></a>
<p>Co-founded by Alexander Rudensky, Fred Ramsdell, Jeffrey Bluestone, and Qizhi Tang, Sonoma Biotherapeutics [<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/sonoma-biotherapeutics" target="_blank">LINK</a>] is dedicated to the development of adoptive Treg therapies cell for autoimmune and degenerative diseases.</p>
<a href="https://www.prolific-machines.com/"><h2>Prolific Machines</h2></a>
<p>Prolific Machines [<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/prolific-machines" target="_blank">LINK</a>] specializes in developing cell technologies for the creation of a sustainable and healthy future. Founded by Declan Jones, Deniz Kent, Max Huisman, and Victor Jones, its technologies allow for cell production at unparalleled scale.</p>
<a href="https://herophilus.com/"><h2>Herophilus</h2></a>
<p>Herophilus [<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/herophilus/" target="_blank">LINK</a>] is helping to find cures for brain diseases by combining unique human brain models, scaled biology, and machine learning to systematically develop novel drugs with therapeutic potential.</p>
<a href="https://vial.com/"><h2>Vial</h2></a>
<p>Vial [<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/vialtrials" target="_blank">LINK</a>] strives to reimagine the clinical trial process. By integrating modern technology into every phase, Vial is driving efficiencies in speed and cost savings for innovative biotech companies of all sizes.</p>
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/switch-therapeutics/"><h2>Switch Therapeutics</h2></a>
<p>Switch Therapeutics is a venture-backed startup founded by Dee Datta and Si-ping Han. It develops RNAi therapies based on technology from San Francisco.</p>
<a href="https://ambagontx.com/"><h2>AmbAgon Therapeutics</h2></a>
<p>AmbAgon Therapeutics [<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambagon-therapeutics" target="_blank">LINK</a>] specializes in the development of cancer molecule therapeutics. The company’s research focuses on small molecules that augment a tumor-suppressing protein.</p>
<a href="https://tensixteen.bio/"><h2>TenSixteen Bio</h2></a>
<p>TenSixteen Bio is a biotechnology company co-founded by Mark Chao and Pradeep Natarajan. They strive to develop innovative therapeutics that target a variety of diseases with a focus on age-related disorders through somatic mosaicism and clonal hematopoiesis (CHIP).</p>
<a href="https://www.rubi.earth/"><h2>Rubi Laboratories</h2></a>
<p>Rubi Laboratories [<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/rubi-laboratories/" target="_blank">LINK</a>], based in California, develops technology to manufacture carbon-negative textiles, using biocatalyst solutions to transform carbon emissions into natural fibers.</p>
<a href="https://www.centivax.com/"><h2>Centivax</h2></a>
<p>Centivax [<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/centivax" target="_blank">LINK</a>] is a healthcare agency that provides biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device manufacturing, and therapeutic services. Their delivery mechanism promises innovative solutions in the health care sector.</p>
