Mission-Driven Life Sciences Fund

Transforming fundamental discoveries into tomorrow's cancer therapies.

Ligase BioPartners is a life sciences venture builder fund dedicated to advancing breakthrough oncology innovations. We partner with exceptional scientists developing therapeutics, diagnostics, and platforms that have the potential to meaningfully improve patient lives.

We combine deep scientific expertise, clinical insight, and long-term capital to accelerate the translation of world-class research into life-changing medicines.
Fluorescent microscopy cancer research
Our Team

Experienced builders at the intersection of science, medicine, and capital.

The Ligase BioPartners team brings decades of expertise in life sciences venture capital, oncology, immunology, and company building. We partner closely with scientists and entrepreneurs, providing scientific insight, seed capital, and operational support to disruptive companies emerging from great science.

Cheryl Zimberlin, Ph.D

Cheryl Zimberlin, Ph.D

Managing Director

Cheryl is the former Investment Director at M Ventures, where she led seed and Series A investments in Calypso Biotech, Rewind Therapeutics, Outrun Therapeutics, Multitude Therapeutics, ImmuneBridge, and several other emerging life science companies.

Her track record includes successful exits such as Calypso (acquired by Novartis) and VAXXIM (acquired by NEC/BCME). Cheryl holds a Ph.D. in Oncology from the University of Amsterdam and currently serves on the Board of Directors of Laigo Bio.

Shobhit Dhawan, Ph.D

Shobhit Dhawan, Ph.D

Managing Director

Shobhit is the former Managing Director of the Oncode Oncology Bridge Fund I, where he built and financed early-stage therapeutic and platform companies emerging from leading academic research. Previously, he was an investment manager at AMC Ventures and UVA Ventures, focusing on company creation and early financings across life sciences and technology.

Shobhit holds a Ph.D. in Immunology from the University of Amsterdam and serves on the Board of Directors of sCellgen, 51x Therapeutics, Genase Therapeutics, and Simmunext Biotherapeutics.

Our Portfolio

Partnering with companies redefining the future of oncology.

Ligase BioPartners invests in therapeutics, diagnostics, and enabling technologies that we believe can meaningfully improve outcomes for patients with cancer. The companies below represent examples from our current and historical investment footprint.

Flindr Therapeutics
Therapeutics
Flindr Therapeutics
Oncology therapeutics

Targeting novel biology in oncology with a focus on translating academic discovery into first-in-class small molecule therapeutics.

Laigo Bio
Therapeutics
Laigo Bio
Oncology therapeutics

Developing next-generation immuno-oncology and targeted degradation approaches with the potential to overcome resistance and broaden patient benefit.

sCellGen
Enabling Technology
sCellGen
Single-cell enabling platform

Enabling high-resolution single-cell analysis to support discovery and development of precision oncology therapeutics.

Polar Oncology
Therapeutics
Polar Oncology
Oncology therapeutics

Focused on developing differentiated therapies aimed at hard-to-treat solid tumors.

Cell Control Biotherapeutics
Therapeutics
Cell Control Biotherapeutics
Cell therapy

Engineering cell therapies designed to modulate the tumor microenvironment and enhance durable responses.

Cyclomics
Diagnostics
Cyclomics
Oncology diagnostics

Developing ultrasensitive liquid biopsy solutions for the detection and monitoring of cancer through circulating tumor DNA.

Oncosence
Therapeutics
Oncosence
Oncology therapeutics

Therapeutic programs aimed at addressing key drivers of tumor progression and resistance.

Genase Therapeutics
Therapeutics
Genase Therapeutics
Oncology therapeutics

Building a pipeline of precision therapies based on deep insights into cancer genetics and biology.

Simmunext Biotherapeutics
Therapeutics
Simmunext Biotherapeutics
Immuno-oncology therapeutics

Developing immuno-oncology therapies designed to modulate immune responses and enhance anti-tumor activity.

51x Therapeutics
Therapeutics
51x Therapeutics
Oncology therapeutics

Pursuing innovative therapeutic approaches to deliver meaningful benefit in difficult-to-treat cancers.

Stealth oncology company
Therapeutics
Stealth Newco
Stealth · Oncology therapeutics

Early-stage stealth oncology company advancing a novel approach to treating cancer. Further details to be disclosed at a later stage.

The companies listed above include current and historical portfolio companies and are shown for illustrative purposes only. This does not constitute an offer or solicitation of investment.
Contact Us

Connect with Ligase BioPartners.

To share an opportunity, explore collaboration, or learn more about Ligase BioPartners, please reach out using the form below.