
Third Rock Ventures is a leading venture capital firm that has been making waves in the healthcare industry. Founded in 2005, the firm has been instrumental in launching and growing many successful companies.
With a focus on biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and medical devices, Third Rock Ventures has invested in a wide range of innovative companies. The firm's portfolio includes companies like Foundation Medicine and Seres Therapeutics.
Third Rock Ventures has a strong team of experienced investors and operators who work closely with entrepreneurs to build successful companies. The firm's unique approach to investing has helped many companies achieve significant milestones and growth.
The firm's success can be attributed to its ability to identify and invest in cutting-edge technologies and innovative business models.
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Investments
Third Rock Ventures has a strong track record of investments, with a total of 185 investments made so far.
Their latest investment was in Maze Therapeutics as part of their Series D on December 03, 2024. This demonstrates their ongoing commitment to supporting innovative life science companies.

Third Rock Ventures has raised a significant amount of funds to support their investments, with their sixth and most recent fund closing in 2022, raising $1.1 billion. This brings their total funds raised to $3.8 billion.
The firm's mission is to be the preferred partner for entrepreneurs, investors, employees, and other industry professionals, and they've made a commitment to finding and building sustainable, innovative life science companies.
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Portfolio
Third Rock Ventures has a diverse portfolio of life science companies that share a common goal of using transformational science to improve lives.
Their portfolio includes companies like Tango Therapeutics, which focuses on discovering novel drug targets and targeted therapies for cancer.
Tango has three core areas of focus: counteracting tumor suppressor gene loss, reversing the ability of cancer cells to evade the immune response, and identifying novel combinations that will be more efficient than single-agent therapy.
Element Science is another notable company in the portfolio, developing wearable therapeutic devices with user-centric design.
bluebird bio is also part of the portfolio, working on developing gene therapies for severe genetic disorders like adrenoleukodystrophy and sickle cell disease.
Here are some of the notable companies in Third Rock Ventures' portfolio:
- Tango Therapeutics
- Element Science
- bluebird bio
- Flare Therapeutics
- Warp Drive Bio (acquired by REVOLUTION Medicines, Inc.)
Portfolio
Third Rock Ventures has a portfolio of life science companies that are making a real difference in the world. These companies are focused on healthcare, biotech, pharma, and medical innovations.
Their portfolio includes Tango Therapeutics, which is working on discovering novel drug targets and targeted therapies. Tango is focused on three core areas: counteracting tumor suppressor gene loss, reversing the ability of cancer cells to evade the immune response, and identifying novel combinations that will be more efficient than single-agent therapy.
Element Science is another company in their portfolio, focused on developing wearable therapeutic devices with user-centric design. They prioritize rigorous medical device development and product deployment.
One of the most exciting companies in their portfolio is bluebird bio, which is working on developing gene therapies for severe genetic disorders. They're tackling diseases like adrenoleukodystrophy, sickle cell disease, and more.
Flare Therapeutics is also part of their portfolio, and they're developing small molecule medicines to decipher the biology of transcription factors. Their drug discovery targets the "switch sites" for transcription factor regulation to address mutations that cause diseases.
Warp Drive Bio was acquired by REVOLUTION Medicines, Inc. in 2018, but its legacy lives on as a company that explored the molecules and mechanisms of nature to create transformative medicines.
Here are some of the companies in Third Rock Ventures' portfolio:
- Tango Therapeutics
- Element Science
- bluebird bio
- Flare Therapeutics
- Warp Drive Bio
45 Portfolio Exits

Third Rock Ventures has a significant track record of successful portfolio exits, with a total of 45 such exits to date. This impressive number speaks to the firm's expertise and strategic approach to investing.
The latest portfolio exit was Septerna, which went public on October 25, 2024, with a valuation of $XXM. This is a notable achievement, as it demonstrates the firm's ability to identify and support promising companies.
Third Rock Ventures has also had success with acquisitions, such as the purchase of Celsius Therapeutics by AbbVie on June 27, 2024, for a valuation of $XXM. This deal highlights the firm's ability to navigate complex transactions.
Here are some key statistics on Third Rock Ventures' portfolio exits:
Third Rock Ventures' portfolio exits have been a key driver of the firm's success, and this trend is likely to continue in the future.
History
Third Rock Ventures has a rich history that dates back to 1996, when it was founded by a group of experienced entrepreneurs and investors.
The firm was founded by Steve Jurvetson, John Hennessy, and Ram Shriram, who brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table.
Launch

The Launch stage is a crucial moment in a company's history, where it gets the resources it needs to reach its first milestones.
After the Discovery stage, a company's concept is further refined and worked on. Third Rock becomes involved at this stage, providing the necessary technical, financial, and human resources to help the company succeed.
Soon after, Third Rock becomes active members of the company's leadership team, taking on interim executive roles to help develop and execute R&D strategies.
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Fund History
Third Rock Ventures has a rich history of fund management, with a total of 6 funds under its belt. The firm's most recent fund, Third Rock Ventures VI, was closed in 2022 and raised $1.1 billion.
The firm's fund history dates back to 2010, with the closing of its second fund, Third Rock Ventures II LP. This fund was also followed by Third Rock Ventures III in 2013, which marked a significant milestone for the firm.
Here's a brief overview of Third Rock Ventures' fund history:
In total, Third Rock Ventures has raised $3.8 billion in funds, with its most recent fund being the largest.
Latest News

Third Rock Ventures has made some exciting moves recently. Deep Track Capital and Frazier Life Sciences co-led the financing round, with Logos Capital and Janus Henderson Investors also taking part.
Existing investors include ARCH Venture Partners, Third Rock Ventures, GV, Matrix Capital Management, General Catalyst, and Woodline Partners. Maze Therapeutics is one of the companies that received funding.
Maze is assessing the oral APOL1 inhibitor, MZE829, as a potential treatment for APOL1 kidney disease. A Phase II trial is anticipated to commence by the first quarter of next year.
Maze is also evaluating the oral SCL6A19 inhibitor, MZE782, in a Phase I study involving healthy volunteers. The company plans to further evaluate this candidate for the treatment of chronic kidney disease and phenylketonuria.
Maze Therapeutics has a Compass platform that leverages genetic insights to detect biological pathways linked to disease in certain patient groups. The company continues to advance its pipeline through this platform.
The financing round provided additional resources that will allow Maze to optimise its upcoming Phase II trial of MZE829. The company is thrilled to welcome the new investors and continue to advance its lead clinical programmes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does Third Rock Ventures do?
Third Rock Ventures specializes in incubating and launching biotech companies. They provide venture capital to help these companies grow and succeed.
How much is Third Rock Ventures worth?
Third Rock Ventures' estimated net worth is at least $260 million as of 2024. This valuation is based on data available up to November 7, 2024.
Who are the founders of Third Rock?
Third Rock was co-founded by Mark Levin and Kevin Starr.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_Rock_Ventures
- https://www.excedr.com/blog/venture-capital-third-rock-ventures
- https://www.acsbrightedge.org/news/third-rock-ventures-teams-up-with-american-cancer-societys-venture-fund
- https://fortune.com/2015/02/19/third-rock-ventures-giving-birth-to-a-new-generation-of-biotechs/
- https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/latest-news/response-from-third-rock-ventures-to-risky-business-report/
- https://www.cbinsights.com/investor/third-rock-ventures
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