Axial VC

Axial VC is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm, founded in 2019 by Joshua Elkington. The fund is focused on early-stage investments in the biotechnology sector, with a particular emphasis on innovative therapeutics and healthcare technologies. Axial has a strong track record of backing cutting-edge startups, with notable investments including CHARM Therapeutics, which leverages AI in biotechnology, and Replay, a leader in gene therapy. Geographically, Axial’s portfolio spans across key biotech hubs in the U.S. and Europe, such as San Francisco, San Diego, and London. The fund is known for participating in sizeable funding rounds, with an average check size of around $19M, although it does not typically lead these rounds. Instead, Axial often co-invests alongside prominent firms like Khosla Ventures, General Catalyst, and OrbiMed, ensuring a collaborative approach to scaling its portfolio companies. Axial’s strategy is heavily centered on identifying transformative technologies at the intersection of biology and data science. The fund actively seeks out startups with strong scientific foundations and the potential to disrupt traditional healthcare paradigms. For entrepreneurs looking to connect with Axial, the firm values a clear demonstration of technical innovation and market potential. The team, based primarily in San Francisco, is hands-on, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance to help startups navigate the complexities of early-stage growth.