Forbes' latest scoop reveals that Reed Jobs, the 34-year-old nephew of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, has taken a bold step in his own right by launching a cancer-focused VC firm called Yosemite. What sets this firm apart is its mission to prevent cancer from being a death sentence rather than just a terminal illness.
After losing his father to pancreatic cancer at a relatively young age, Reed Jobs realized the devastating impact of cancer on families and communities. This loss sparked him into action and led him to pursue an education in history before eventually switching majors to study nuclear weapons strategy, a decision he later attributed to being drawn back into the field of cancer research.
Reed's journey took him to join Emerson Collective at 24, where he spearheaded a new healthcare strategy focusing on oncology, both investing and philanthropy. His primary goal was to address what's known as "The Valley of Death" โ the period between scientists making a groundbreaking discovery and investors wanting to invest in it.
This venture capital firm now has over $200 million in funding for its second fund with a targeted size of $350 million. Yosemite is backed by several prominent heavy-hitters, including Amgen, Memorial Sloan Kettering, MIT, and renowned venture capitalist John Doerr. The firm also provides grants to scientists without strings attached.
One notable investment made by Yosemite includes Tune Therapeutics, an AI drug development startup battling hepatitis B, a leading cause of liver cancer affecting over 250 million people worldwide. Additionally, the company has invested in Azalea Therapeutics, which is working on gene therapy where doctors don't need to take patients' cells out and reengineer them.
Yosemite's investment approach also includes Chai Discovery, an AI-based startup that uses its models to design proteins for new drugs. Their technology tackles certain types of cancers and diseases that were historically thought to be untreatable or "undruggable."
Reed Jobs emphasizes that cancer research is at a critical juncture where treatments are advancing rapidly. Gene therapy has shown promising results, with companies like Tune Therapeutics and Azalea providing innovative solutions for breakthroughs in oncology.
This VC firm's focus on addressing the complexities of cancer treatment highlights Reed Jobs' personal connection to the disease and his determination to be an influential force in this area. With Yosemite continuing to push boundaries in cancer-focused research, there is reason to believe that advancements will come faster than ever before.
The story underscores how Reed Jobs has carved a unique path in venture capital by leveraging his family's legacy while addressing pressing issues with oncology at the forefront of innovation. This blend of cutting-edge science and practical experience is setting Yosemite up as an influential player in the rapidly evolving world of cancer treatment research.
After losing his father to pancreatic cancer at a relatively young age, Reed Jobs realized the devastating impact of cancer on families and communities. This loss sparked him into action and led him to pursue an education in history before eventually switching majors to study nuclear weapons strategy, a decision he later attributed to being drawn back into the field of cancer research.
Reed's journey took him to join Emerson Collective at 24, where he spearheaded a new healthcare strategy focusing on oncology, both investing and philanthropy. His primary goal was to address what's known as "The Valley of Death" โ the period between scientists making a groundbreaking discovery and investors wanting to invest in it.
This venture capital firm now has over $200 million in funding for its second fund with a targeted size of $350 million. Yosemite is backed by several prominent heavy-hitters, including Amgen, Memorial Sloan Kettering, MIT, and renowned venture capitalist John Doerr. The firm also provides grants to scientists without strings attached.
One notable investment made by Yosemite includes Tune Therapeutics, an AI drug development startup battling hepatitis B, a leading cause of liver cancer affecting over 250 million people worldwide. Additionally, the company has invested in Azalea Therapeutics, which is working on gene therapy where doctors don't need to take patients' cells out and reengineer them.
Yosemite's investment approach also includes Chai Discovery, an AI-based startup that uses its models to design proteins for new drugs. Their technology tackles certain types of cancers and diseases that were historically thought to be untreatable or "undruggable."
Reed Jobs emphasizes that cancer research is at a critical juncture where treatments are advancing rapidly. Gene therapy has shown promising results, with companies like Tune Therapeutics and Azalea providing innovative solutions for breakthroughs in oncology.
This VC firm's focus on addressing the complexities of cancer treatment highlights Reed Jobs' personal connection to the disease and his determination to be an influential force in this area. With Yosemite continuing to push boundaries in cancer-focused research, there is reason to believe that advancements will come faster than ever before.
The story underscores how Reed Jobs has carved a unique path in venture capital by leveraging his family's legacy while addressing pressing issues with oncology at the forefront of innovation. This blend of cutting-edge science and practical experience is setting Yosemite up as an influential player in the rapidly evolving world of cancer treatment research.