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Nan Fung Life Sciences

North America, California, United States, San Francisco

Description

Nan Fung Life Sciences (NF-LS) operates as a global investment platform dedicated to the life sciences sector, backed by a significant, long-term capital commitment from the Nan Fung Group, a prominent Hong Kong-based conglomerate. With a strategic presence across key global hubs, including offices in Hong Kong, New York, and San Francisco, NF-LS demonstrates a truly international reach. The firm's investment mandate is broad, encompassing the full spectrum of life sciences, from groundbreaking therapeutics and innovative medical devices to advanced diagnostics and transformative digital health solutions.

The firm employs a flexible investment strategy, deploying capital across various stages of company development. This includes early-stage private companies poised for growth, as well as more mature private and even public entities. A significant milestone for the firm was the closing of its inaugural fund, NF-LS Fund I, L.P., in March 2021, which secured total commitments of approximately $450 million. This substantial capital base underscores NF-LS's capacity to make meaningful investments and support its portfolio companies through multiple funding rounds.

NF-LS typically engages in first-check investments that range from several million dollars for promising early-stage opportunities, often in the Series A or B rounds, up to tens of millions for more established, later-stage companies. While specific check sizes are not publicly disclosed, their participation in large funding rounds for companies like ReCode Therapeutics and Septerna, which have raised over $100 million in single rounds, indicates their ability to write substantial checks and act as significant partners. The firm seeks to back companies with robust scientific foundations, disruptive technologies, and clear pathways to market leadership, leveraging its global network and deep industry expertise to foster innovation and growth within its portfolio.

Investor Profile

Nan Fung Life Sciences has backed more than 23 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 5 rounds, about 22% of its total and boasts 8 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series A, Series B, Series C rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, China, Iceland.
  • Strong thematic focus on Biotechnology, Health Care, Pharmaceutical.
  • Typical check size: $5M – $30M.

Stage Focus

  • Series A (30%)
  • Series B (26%)
  • Series C (22%)
  • Series Unknown (9%)
  • Series E (4%)
  • Seed (4%)
  • Series D (4%)

Country Focus

  • United States (78%)
  • China (13%)
  • Iceland (9%)

Industry Focus

  • Biotechnology
  • Health Care
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Life Science
  • Biopharma
  • Medical Device
  • Therapeutics
  • Medical
  • Wearables
  • Precision Medicine
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does Nan Fung Life Sciences frequently co-invest with?

HBM Healthcare Investments
Europe, Zug, Switzerland, Zug
Co-Investments: 3
Novartis Venture Fund
Europe, Basel-Stadt, Switzerland, Basel
Co-Investments: 2
Adage Capital Management
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston
Co-Investments: 2
New Enterprise Associates
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 4
Tekla Capital Management
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston
Co-Investments: 3
Biomatics Capital Partners
North America, Washington, United States, Seattle
Co-Investments: 3
PB
Asia, Shanghai, China, Shanghai
Co-Investments: 5
Decheng Capital
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 3
Vivo Capital
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Co-Investments: 3
ARCH Venture Partners
North America, Illinois, United States, Chicago
Co-Investments: 3

Which angels does Nan Fung Life Sciences often collaborate with?

Adrian Cheng
Asia, Hong Kong
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Nan Fung Life Sciences?

Editact

Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong

Editact specializes in the development of novel gene treatments for Alzheimer's disease.

Health CareTherapeutics
SeedJul 21, 2025
DermBiont

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

DermBiont is a biotech company that develops skin microbiome therapeutics to treat and prevent skin diseases.

BiotechnologyHealth CareMedicalTherapeutics
Series ADec 21, 2021
Amount Raised: $28,000,000
Ablaze Pharmaceuticals

Jingan, Shanghai, China

Ablaze Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company.

BiotechnologyMedicalPharmaceutical
Series ANov 29, 2021
Amount Raised: $75,000,000
Fountain Therapeutics

San Francisco, California, United States

Fountain Therapeutics is discovering and developing treatments for aging-associated diseases.

BiotechnologyHealth CareTherapeutics
Series ANov 18, 2021
Amount Raised: $15,000,000
Engrail Therapeutics

San Diego, California, United States

Engrail Therapeutics is a developer of medicines to transform the lives of patients with life-limiting diseases of the nervous system.

Health CareLife ScienceMedicalPharmaceutical
Series AAug 3, 2021
Amount Raised: $32,000,000
Oculis

Reykjavík, Gullbringusysla, Iceland

Oculis is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical development company focusing on ophthalmic drugs and novel drug delivery.

BiotechnologyHealth CarePharmaceutical
Series CMay 4, 2021
Amount Raised: $57,000,000
Arctic Vision

Shanghai, Shanghai, China

Arctic Vision is focused on the development and commercialization of innovative ophthalmology therapies.

BiotechnologyHealth CareLife Science
Series BMar 9, 2021
Amount Raised: $100,000,000
Encodia

San Diego, California, United States

Encodia is a biotech company that develops the next generation of protein analysis tools.

BiotechnologyChemical
Series CJan 27, 2021
Amount Raised: $75,000,000
Eargo

San Jose, California, United States

Eargo is intended for people who have mild to moderate hearing loss.

Health CareMedical DeviceWearables
Series EJul 29, 2020
Amount Raised: $81,576,928
Arctic Vision

Shanghai, Shanghai, China

Arctic Vision is focused on the development and commercialization of innovative ophthalmology therapies.

BiotechnologyHealth CareLife Science
Series AJul 13, 2020
Amount Raised: $32,000,000