Atlas Venture

Atlas Venture is a prominent US-based venture capital firm headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, exclusively focused on creating and investing in biotech startup companies. Known for its distinctive "company creation" model, Atlas often initiates new ventures internally, providing foundational capital and operational expertise to de-risk and accelerate scientific breakthroughs into viable businesses. This hands-on approach distinguishes them from many traditional VCs, emphasizing deep scientific engagement and strategic development from inception.

The firm primarily targets seed and early-stage opportunities, aiming to be the first institutional capital into promising life science innovations. Their investment thesis revolves around identifying groundbreaking science with the potential to address significant unmet medical needs. Atlas Venture's commitment to the biotech sector is substantial, as evidenced by their recent fundraises. In 2021, they closed Atlas Venture Fund XII with $450 million in commitments, following Atlas Venture Fund XI, which secured $400 million in 2019. These significant capital pools enable them to provide robust initial funding and subsequent follow-on investments.

While specific check sizes can vary based on the stage and nature of the opportunity, Atlas Venture typically provides substantial initial capital. For companies they create, their initial investment can range from several million dollars to establish the foundational team and proof-of-concept. For traditional seed or Series A rounds where they act as a lead investor, their first cheques generally fall within the range of $5 million to $25 million. Their involvement extends beyond capital, offering strategic guidance, access to a vast network of scientific and industry experts, and operational support, positioning their portfolio companies for successful clinical development and eventual exits.