Vijay Pande is a leading voice in biotech and healthcare investing. He’s just announced that he’s leaving that position as a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz (a16z). Pande launched the firm’s a16z Bio + Health strategy. Since 2014, he has been the tip of the spear in setting its course.
Prior to coming a16z, Pande was a professor of chemistry, structural biology, and computer science at Stanford University. His education set a high standard for him. He leveraged that experience to identify and invest in breakthrough biotech startups. Since his arrival, a16z Bio + Health has raised almost $3 billion across four funds. This accomplishment cements its stagnant standing among the investment community.
In 2022, a16z Bio + Health notched an impressive $1.5 billion fund. This accomplishment became a hallmark success among the largest initial public offerings in the biotech industry for that year. The firm recently launched their fifth fund. Part of the purpose of the IPO is to raise that $750 million to deepen that investment strategy into biotechnology and health.
Pande’s influence hasn’t just been felt through his raising of billions of dollars. He helped spur the creation of a $500 million biotech fund in January. This fund, developed in partnership with pharmaceutical behemoth Eli Lilly, is primarily aimed at boosting the state’s burgeoning biotech industry. It does all this through smart and strategic investments.
Since 2014, a16z Bio + Health has been actively investing in diverse sectors within biotechnology and healthcare, establishing itself as a key player in this rapidly evolving field. Pande’s departure from his leadership role marks an exciting new chapter—not just for him, but for the firm. He leaves behind a strong legacy including many substantial contributions to the success of our industry.
