Investor Profile: Civilization Ventures — Thesis, Cheque Size & How to Apply

Civilization Ventures, based in San Francisco, is an early stage investor in health tech and biology, and learning how to get funding from Civilization Ventures starts with its operator led, founder first approach. Founded in 2017, it calls its approach mentor capital: supporting founders to reach their full potential rather than replacing them. Its mission is to back disruptive innovation that can advance human longevity and shared civilisation.

Investment thesis

The thesis is that breakthroughs in genomics, diagnostics, digital health, and synthetic biology need investors who understand both science and company building. The firm backs visionary founders in rapidly growing markets where a technical edge can become a lasting company. It combines an operator first mentality with a global network of life science leaders, academics, and clinicians to test ideas before and after investment.

Sectors and stages

The firm invests at pre-seed, seed, and Series A, and its later CV Opportunity Fund supports founders as they scale. Its sectors include genomics and diagnostics, digital health and artificial intelligence in health, gene and cell therapies, synthetic biology, and personalised and regenerative medicine.

Fund size and cheque size

Civilization Ventures launched with a $1 million pilot fund, CV Fund I, in 2017. It then raised CV Fund II at $35 million in 2020, and its CV Opportunity Fund in 2023 took total capital under management to over $100 million, according to the firm's own timeline.

Notable portfolio

Notable outcomes include Rocket Pharmaceuticals, listed on Nasdaq as RCKT, which develops gene therapies for rare diseases. Singular Bio was acquired by Invitae, Lemonaid Health joined 23andMe in a $400 million acquisition, Rewrite was acquired by Intellia for $200 million, and Fluent BioSciences was acquired by Illumina. More recent milestones include the Omada Health IPO and the acquisition of Foresight Diagnostics by Natera for $450 million.

Partners and team

The firm was founded by Shahram Seyedin-Noor, a serial life sciences entrepreneur who previously co-founded and ran clinical stage cancer company Rgenix. Interviews describe a small team including a PhD investment partner, Sonia, with diagnostics expertise, and a partner, Samir, who built gene therapy companies.

Programs and perks

The firm runs a Fellowship programme that trains PhDs to become entrepreneurs, strengthening the ecosystem around its investments. Its main non-financial offer is mentor capital: hands on help from operators, scientists, and clinicians, plus introductions across its global advisory network.

How to apply for funding

There is no verified open application portal with published deadlines on the firm's website. The practical route is a warm introduction through a life sciences investor, academic, clinician, or portfolio founder, supported by clear scientific evidence and a credible clinical or commercial path.