Red Tree Venture Capital

Red Tree Venture Capital is a prominent West Coast-centric, early-stage life science venture firm founded in 2020 by Heath Lukatch, Ph.D., and Jennifer Cochran, Ph.D., with managing director Jon Edwards, Ph.D. The firm raised $272 million for its inaugural fund in 2022, focusing on groundbreaking therapeutics in oncology, neurology, and immunology​. Red Tree's notable investments include Acrigen Biosciences, Alladapt Immunotherapeutics, and Ceribell, all leading innovators in gene editing, immunotherapies, and neuromodulation technologies. The firm’s strategy leverages deep relationships with top West Coast academic institutions, including Stanford and UCSF, to source pioneering scientific advancements. Red Tree predominantly leads or co-leads investment rounds, emphasizing first-in-class and best-in-class therapeutics. The firm’s leadership team, with over 60 years of combined experience, is well-versed in translating scientific innovations into successful businesses. They are supported by a scientific advisory board comprising academic luminaries and experienced biopharma executives. The firm’s investment approach is built on four pillars: a focus on West Coast innovation, early-stage investments, targeting transformative therapeutics, and concentrating on oncology, neurology, and immunology. This strategic framework positions Red Tree as a key player in advancing life science innovations that have the potential to significantly impact patient care​.