Foresite Capital History and Investment Approach

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Foresite Capital was founded in 2014 by Jim Tananbaum, a seasoned healthcare entrepreneur with a strong track record of investing in innovative companies.

The firm's investment approach focuses on identifying and supporting early-stage healthcare companies that have the potential to revolutionize the industry.

With a team of experienced investors and operators, Foresite Capital provides its portfolio companies with strategic guidance, operational expertise, and access to a network of healthcare professionals.

By taking a hands-on approach, Foresite Capital helps its portfolio companies navigate the complexities of the healthcare industry and achieve significant growth.

History and Leadership

Foresite Capital was founded in 2011 by Jim Tananbaum.

Jim Tananbaum's vision and leadership have been instrumental in the company's growth and success. Foresite Capital has a proven track record of raising significant funds, starting with its $100 million Fund I in 2013.

History

Foresite Capital was founded in 2011 by Jim Tananbaum. He has since led the company to significant growth and success.

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In 2013, Foresite Capital raised its $100 million Fund I, marking a major milestone for the company. This early success laid the foundation for future growth.

Foresite Capital Fund II, a $300 million fund, was closed in 2014. This fund was a significant step up from the first, demonstrating the company's ability to scale.

Foresite Capital Fund III, a $450 million fund, was closed in July 2015. This fund further solidified the company's position as a major player in the industry.

Foresite Capital Fund IV, a $668 million fund, closed in March 2018. This fund was a major achievement, showcasing the company's continued growth and success.

Foresite Capital Fund V, a $776 million fund, and its associated opportunity fund closed in February 2021. This marked another significant milestone for the company, demonstrating its ability to adapt and evolve.

Foresite Labs Fund I, a $173 million fund, closed in January 2022. This fund marked a new direction for the company, focusing on innovation and research.

Foresite Capital Fund VI, a $900 million fund, closed in May 2024. This fund is the company's largest to date, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.

Leadership

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Foresite Capital is led by a team of experienced leaders, with Jim Tananbaum being a notable Midas List honoree.

The company's leadership team includes managing directors Vikram Bajaj, Dorothy Margolskee, Michael Rome, Dennis Ryan, and Hadi Tabbaa.

Investments and Funding

Foresite Capital has a strong track record of investing in life sciences and healthcare companies, with a focus on those using machine learning and genetics to identify potential drug programs.

The firm has invested in numerous companies, including 10x Genomics, Acceleron Pharma, Aimmune, and many others, with a total of 47 IPOs, 28 mergers and acquisitions, and 58 FDA drug approvals since its founding in 2011.

Foresite Capital has raised a $900 million fund, its sixth, which will invest in companies focused on precision medicine, healthcare delivery, and life sciences infrastructure. This fund is part of the firm's $3.5 billion under management.

The firm's managing director, Vik Bajaj, notes that the current investment environment is cautiously optimistic, with signs of a recovery in venture fundings and dealmaking.

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Foresite Capital co-led a $1 billion funding round for AI drug discovery biotech Xaira Therapeutics in April and has also participated in Series C rounds for Alumis and Obsidian Therapeutics, both of which have drugs in clinical testing.

The firm's investment strategy is data and science-driven, seeking opportunities to fill unmet medical needs and providing high-level support to founders of its growth-oriented companies.

Foresite Capital's limited partners include a range of investors, including university endowments, charitable foundations, medical institutions, pension funds, insurance companies, private banks, and family offices worldwide.

Investment Focus

Foresite Capital has invested in a wide range of life sciences companies, including 10x Genomics since its Series A round in November 2013.

The firm has led investments in several companies, such as its Series B round in January 2015 and Series C round in March 2016 for 10x Genomics.

Foresite Capital has also invested in companies like Acceleron Pharma, Aimmune, and Alumis, among many others.

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The firm's investment portfolio includes companies that have successfully gone public, such as Juno Therapeutics and Intarcia Therapeutics.

Foresite Capital's sixth fund has a total of $900 million, which is a significant increase from its fifth fund, which had a total of $969 million.

The firm plans to back around 20 companies from its sixth fund, writing checks ranging from a couple of million to $75 million.

Foresite Capital has a strong track record of investing in life sciences companies, with 47 IPOs, 28 M&As, and 58 FDA-approved drugs under its belt.

The firm's investment strategy is focused on companies that are at the intersection of genomics and artificial intelligence, as CEO Jim Tananbaum has stated.

Foresite Capital's investment relations effort has been led by Hadi Tabbaa, who has helped the firm bring in new LPs from family offices in Asia and the Middle East.

The firm has also made significant investments in companies like CG Oncology, which had a successful IPO listing in January, and Latigo Bio, a clinical-stage biotech company testing a non-opioid pain treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the CEO of Foresite Capital?

Jim Tananbaum is the founder and CEO of Foresite Capital, a leading U.S.-focused healthcare investment firm. He has led the company since its founding in 2011.

How big is the foresite capital fund?

Foresite Capital manages over $3.5 billion in assets. This significant investment portfolio supports innovative healthcare and life sciences ventures.

Where is foresite capital headquarters?

Foresite Capital is located in the San Francisco Bay Area. Learn more about our investment firm and its presence in the region.

Elena Feeney-Jacobs

Junior Writer

Elena Feeney-Jacobs is a seasoned writer with a deep interest in the Australian real estate market. Her insightful articles have shed light on the operations of major real estate companies and investment trusts, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the industry. She has a particular focus on companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and those based in Sydney, offering valuable insights into the local and national economies.

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