At Columbus Venture Partners, we continue to back the most disruptive and transformative science.
Our participation in the seed round of Accipiter Biosciences reinforces this vision: investing in companies capable of redefining the limits of biology and opening new therapeutic pathways for complex diseases.
Based in Seattle, Accipiter Biosciences has announced a $12.7 million seed financing, co-led by Takeda and Flying Fish Partners, with participation from Columbus Venture Partners, Cercano Capital, Washington Research Foundation, Alexandria Investments, Pack Ventures, and Argonautic Ventures.
The company has developed an advanced computational platform, combined with high-throughput experimentation, that uses proprietary methods to design multifunctional de novo proteins. These proteins — built entirely from scratch — integrate multiple mechanisms of action into a single, stable molecule, enabling the development of safer, more effective, and more precise therapies.
Accipiter’s post-evolutionary biologics technology represents a new paradigm: replacing traditional drug combinations with single-molecule therapies capable of acting simultaneously on multiple cellular pathways.
“With our post-evolutionary biologics technology, we aim to replace drug combinations with single, more effective and precise therapies for patients,” said Matthew Bick, PhD, co-founder and CEO of Accipiter Bio.
As Heather Gorham, Partner at Flying Fish Partners and board member of the company, explains,
“We’ve reached the point where computation doesn’t just accelerate biology — it expands what’s biologically possible.”
The funds raised will enable Accipiter to advance two preclinical programs in immunology and oncology, further strengthen its platform, and consolidate its position in the growing field of computational biology applied to medicine.
Strategic collaborations with Pfizer and Kite Pharma
Accipiter has signed a research collaboration and license agreement with Pfizer to design biologics against multiple therapeutic targets. Under this agreement, the company has received an upfront payment and could achieve milestones exceeding $330 million, plus royalties.
“Accipiter’s de novo protein design technology has the potential to unlock new classes of biologics,” said Jeffrey Settleman, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer, Pfizer Oncology R&D. “Through this collaboration, we aim to solve complex therapeutic challenges with biologics that were previously thought to be unattainable.”
In addition, Kite Pharma (a Gilead company) has entered a multi-target agreement with Accipiter to generate molecules directed at targets of interest for use in cell therapies. Kite will have the option to acquire selected candidates for global development, while Accipiter will receive upfront payments, performance-based milestones, and royalties.
An investment aligned with Columbus’ vision
At Columbus Venture Partners, we believe that artificial intelligence, computational biology, and strategic investment are the driving forces of the next biotechnological era. Accipiter embodies that convergence: frontier science, an experienced team, and a scalable model.
“Accipiter represents the kind of innovation we seek — cutting-edge computational science applied to the rational design of therapeutic proteins,” said José Mesa, Partner at Columbus Venture Partners and board member of the company. “This project perfectly aligns with our investment vision: backing differentiated technologies that are redefining the future of disease treatment.”
Our participation in this round strengthens Columbus Venture Partners’ commitment to disruptive biotechnology — projects that generate real impact in global health, industrial development, and sustainable economic return.
