Avalon Ventures

Avalon Ventures is a San Diego-based venture capital firm with a focus on early-stage investments, particularly in life sciences and information technology. Founded in 1983, Avalon has a reputation for being one of the pioneering VCs in its field, actively seeking out companies with disruptive technologies and strong potential for market impact. Avalon tends to invest during the seed and Series A stages, with a preference for being the first institutional investor in many of its portfolio companies. The firm has made over 157 investments, with notable portfolio companies like Synthorx, Jnana Therapeutics, and Averon. Avalon is also known for its partnership with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), which has helped launch several life science ventures through its joint funding efforts. Their long-term approach has led to several successful exits, including IPOs from companies like Kaltura and Janux Therapeutics. Avalon’s investment strategy revolves around identifying and nurturing innovative companies that align with their thesis-driven approach, focusing on emerging trends in both healthcare and tech sectors. The firm operates out of its offices in La Jolla, California, and Cambridge, Massachusetts, allowing it to maintain a strong presence on both coasts of the U.S. and globally.