Reed Jobs, son of Steve Jobs, founded venture fund Yosemite in 2023 with a focus on cancer research. Unlike traditional investment approaches, Yosemite builds biotech companies from scratch using a hybrid model of philanthropic grants and venture capital. Their secret weapon? Artificial intelligence that accelerates drug discovery and optimizes clinical trials.
Yosemite's Strategy: From Lab to Treatment
The fund allocates one-third of its $350M war chest to spin out companies from academic research. Notable portfolio highlights:
- Azalea — CRISPR-based cancer therapy currently in clinical trials
- Quarry — induced proximity tech to destroy pathogenic proteins
- 20 startups in portfolio, including 2 launched through no-strings-attached grants
AI's Transformational Role
Yosemite deploys machine learning for:
- Genetic data analysis to identify novel drug targets
- Synthetic control arms in trials (cutting costs by 50%)
- Modeling "undruggable" protein interactions like KRAS
How AI Supercharges Drug Discovery
Their algorithms reduced lead compound identification from 6 months to 72 hours through:
- Generative models for novel chemical structures
- In silico side effect prediction
- Bioavailability optimization
Milestones and Challenges
Key achievements in three years:
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Team | 17 specialists |
| Funding | $350M second fund |
| Tech focus | Epigenetic editing, gene delivery |
Major hurdles include investor conservatism and balancing scientific goals with ROI. The tide is turning—pharma giants like Eli Lilly are acquiring biotechs (e.g., $7B Kelonia purchase).
Future of Oncology Research
Yosemite prioritizes:
- Targeting p53 (suppressed in 50% of tumors)
- KRAS mutation therapies (pancreatic cancer)
- AI-powered trial automation
Personalized Medicine Breakthroughs
Current tech enables:
- Patient-specific drug design
- 89% accurate treatment response prediction
- Precision dosing to reduce toxicity
Questions & Answers
How does Reed Jobs view his legacy?
He avoids Steve Jobs comparisons, stating: "We're creating drugs that will change the game."
What technologies does Yosemite use?
CRISPR, induced proximity, AI protein analysis, and synthetic trial controls.
How to invest in Yosemite?
Open to accredited investors ($1M minimum), with 2.5% allocated to academic grants.
5-year roadmap?
10 new companies, 2-3 FDA approvals, and expanded AI for precision oncology.