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Skyline Ventures

North America, California, United States, Palo Alto

Description

Skyline Ventures, established in 1997 in Palo Alto, California, was a prominent venture capital firm with a specialized focus on the life sciences sector. The firm primarily invested in product-focused companies across biotechnology, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. Over its active investment period, Skyline Ventures successfully raised five distinct funds, accumulating approximately $1.5 billion in total capital under management. Their investment strategy typically involved providing significant capital to promising early to growth-stage companies within their niche.

The firm's final fund, Skyline Ventures V, closed in 2008 with a substantial $400 million in commitments. Historically, Skyline Ventures was known for its substantial first checks, with typical initial investments ranging from $5 million to $20 million per company. These investments often formed part of larger syndicates, demonstrating their capacity to lead or co-lead significant funding rounds.

However, following the deployment of its last fund, Skyline Ventures transitioned away from making new investments around 2011-2012. Many of its former partners have since moved on to establish or join other venture capital firms within the life sciences space, marking the end of Skyline Ventures' active investment period. While no longer making new commitments, its legacy includes a portfolio of successful exits and contributions to the advancement of numerous life sciences innovations.

Investor Profile

Skyline Ventures has backed more than 76 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 15 rounds, about 20% of its total and boasts 33 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series B, Series A, Series C rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States.
  • Strong thematic focus on Biotechnology, Health Care, Medical.
  • Typical check size: $5M – $20M.

Stage Focus

  • Series B (30%)
  • Series A (17%)
  • Series C (16%)
  • Series Unknown (16%)
  • Series D (13%)
  • Series E (3%)
  • Post Ipo Debt (3%)
  • Private Equity (1%)
  • Post Ipo Equity (1%)

Country Focus

  • United States (100%)

Industry Focus

  • Biotechnology
  • Health Care
  • Medical
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Medical Device
  • Therapeutics
  • Health Diagnostics
  • Hospital
  • Genetics
  • Life Science
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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 Skyline Ventures frequently co-invest with?

Abingworth
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 7
Domain Associates
North America, California, United States, San Diego
Co-Investments: 7
TVM Capital
Europe, Bayern, Germany, Munich
Co-Investments: 11
InterWest Partners
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 9
Three Arch Partners
North America, California, United States, Portola Valley
Co-Investments: 11
Intersouth Partners
North America, North Carolina, United States, Durham
Co-Investments: 10
Frazier Healthcare Partners
North America, Washington, United States, Seattle
Co-Investments: 6
Alta Partners
North America, Mississippi, United States, Jackson
Co-Investments: 7
Montreux Equity Partners
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 8
Flagship Pioneering
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Cambridge
Co-Investments: 7

Which angels does Skyline Ventures often collaborate with?

AZ
North America, California, United States, Mountain View
Shared Deals: 1
TF
North America, California, United States, San Jose
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Skyline Ventures?

Sutro Biopharma

South San Francisco, California, United States

Sutro Biopharma develops protein therapeutics by using OCFS protein synthesis technology.

BiotechnologyInformation TechnologyMedical
Series EJul 26, 2018
Amount Raised: $85,400,000
Dicerna Pharmaceuticals

Lexington, Massachusetts, United States

Dicerna Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company with a focus on the development of innovative treatments for rare inherited diseases.

BiotechnologyGeneticsHealth CarePharmaceutical
Post Ipo DebtMar 30, 2017
Amount Raised: $70,000,000
SI-BONE

San Jose, California, United States

SI-BONE advances the diagnostic understanding of lower back pain and minimally invasive surgery for the sacroiliac joint.

Health CareHealth DiagnosticsHospital
Series UnknownJun 17, 2016
Amount Raised: $26,000,000
SI-BONE

San Jose, California, United States

SI-BONE advances the diagnostic understanding of lower back pain and minimally invasive surgery for the sacroiliac joint.

Health CareHealth DiagnosticsHospital
Series UnknownMay 26, 2015
Amount Raised: $21,000,000
Collegium Pharmaceutical

Stoughton, Massachusetts, United States

Collegium Pharmaceutical is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development of products for the treatment of chronic pain.

BiotechnologyLife ScienceMedicalTherapeutics
Private EquityMar 10, 2015
Amount Raised: $50,000,000
Proteon Therapeutics

Waltham, Massachusetts, United States

Proteon Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company developing pharmaceuticals for patients with renal and vascular diseases.

BiotechnologyMedicalPharmaceutical
Series DMay 16, 2014
Amount Raised: $45,000,000
SI-BONE

San Jose, California, United States

SI-BONE advances the diagnostic understanding of lower back pain and minimally invasive surgery for the sacroiliac joint.

Health CareHealth DiagnosticsHospital
Series UnknownApr 28, 2014
Amount Raised: $33,000,000
Sutro Biopharma

South San Francisco, California, United States

Sutro Biopharma develops protein therapeutics by using OCFS protein synthesis technology.

BiotechnologyInformation TechnologyMedical
Series DDec 11, 2013
Amount Raised: $26,000,000
Dicerna Pharmaceuticals

Lexington, Massachusetts, United States

Dicerna Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company with a focus on the development of innovative treatments for rare inherited diseases.

BiotechnologyGeneticsHealth CarePharmaceutical
Series CJul 31, 2013
Amount Raised: $60,000,000
Crescendo Bioscience

South San Francisco, California, United States

Crescendo Bioscience develops diagnostic tools to provide rheumatologists with clinical insights to autoimmune and inflammatory disease.

BiotechnologyHealth CareMedical
Series DJan 3, 2013
Amount Raised: $28,000,000