Santé Ventures is an Austin-based venture capital firm specializing in early-stage life sciences and healthcare investing. The firm has built a long-standing reputation for backing scientifically rigorous companies tackling complex clinical and healthcare challenges. Santé Ventures is known for its hands-on, company-building approach and for partnering closely with founders from early development through clinical and commercial inflection points.
In February 2026, Santé Ventures announced the close of its fifth and largest fund to date, Fund V, at $330 million, exceeding its original $300 million target. Fund V reflects the firm’s continued confidence in early-stage life sciences despite recent market volatility and is designed to support companies closer to clinical validation than in prior cycles, in response to higher data standards and capital discipline across the sector.
The fund will be deployed across early-stage biotechnology, medtech, and digital health companies, maintaining Santé’s core strategy of thematic investing, rigorous scientific diligence, and hands-on company creation. Fund V builds on the firm’s track record of leading and co-leading early rounds and actively shaping company strategy, governance, and development plans. The close of Fund V also coincided with the appointment of new managing directors, strengthening the firm’s leadership bench as it scales its platform.
Leadership
Santé Ventures is led by a senior investment team with deep experience in biotechnology, medical devices, and healthcare innovation. The firm recently appointed Dennis McWilliams and Omar Khalil as Managing Directors, expanding its leadership as Fund V comes online. The team combines scientific, clinical, and operational expertise, enabling close collaboration with founders navigating complex development pathways.
Investment Strategy
Santé Ventures follows a thematic, science-driven investment strategy grounded in deep technical diligence and active company creation. The firm prioritizes early-stage companies addressing meaningful unmet medical needs and supports them through critical milestones, including preclinical development, clinical trials, and strategic partnerships. In recent years, Santé has shifted slightly closer to the clinic, reflecting evolving market conditions and a focus on de-risking scientific and regulatory pathways while maintaining long-term conviction.
Notable Investments
Santé Ventures has backed a range of high-impact life sciences companies, including:
These investments highlight the firm’s strength in identifying early-stage platforms that go on to achieve strategic relevance for large healthcare and pharmaceutical players.
Notable Exits
Notable exits include the acquisition of Laminar by Johnson & Johnson, Farapulse by Boston Scientific, and AbVitro via its acquisition by Juno Therapeutics, later acquired by Bristol Myers Squibb.
Other
Santé Ventures is particularly well suited for founders working on scientifically complex or capital-intensive healthcare problems who value a deeply engaged investor. The firm’s emphasis on company creation, governance, and long-term partnership makes it a strong fit for teams seeking more than financial backing. Founders should expect high scientific standards, active involvement, and a focus on building durable companies capable of navigating regulatory and clinical complexity.
United States
