# Pragma Bio

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/pragma-bio

- Industry: Biotechnology
- Headquarters: South San Francisco, US
- Website: www.pragmabio.com
- Total disclosed funding: $19M
- Latest round: Series A (Aug 25, 2022)
- Investors on record: 9

## About

Vast Life Sciences, Inc. is a biotechnology firm focused on the discovery and development of innovative small molecules that target the gut-immune axis, utilizing their advanced AI-enabled research platform.Founded in 2018, Vast Life Sciences, Inc., also known as Pragma Bioscience, operates from South San Francisco, US. The company engages in discovering and developing small molecules to address various clinical applications, particularly in gastrointestinal and immune-related disorders. With the leadership of CEO Kareem Barghouti, the company has raised USD 14.52 mn in its Series A funding round led by The Venture Collective. The total funds raised by the firm amount to USD 14.52 mn, with a current valuation of USD 57.16 mn. Notably, the company has successfully completed 5 deals, with the most recent deal dated August 25, 2022.Vast Life Sciences, Inc. specializes in discovering and developing novel small molecules targeting the gut-immune axis. Utilizing their AI-enabled platform, PIKASO, the company synthesizes Biosynthetic Gene Clusters (BGCs) from gut microbes to produce immune-regulating small molecules. Their offerings cater to biopharmaceutical companies and research institutions primarily in North America and Europe, focusing on drug discovery and development for a range of clinical applications.Vast Life Sciences, Inc. generates revenue through strategic partnerships and collaborations with biopharmaceutical organizations, focusing on the commercialization of proprietary small molecules and therapeutic discoveries. Their business model is predominantly B2B, involving licensing arrangements for specific drug candidates. Revenue streams include milestone payments based on developmental progress and potential royalties on commercialized products, all aimed at enhancing their appeal to industry stakeholders.In August 2022, Vast Life Sciences, Inc. raised USD 14.52 mn in venture funding, which will be utilized to accelerate product development, expand its team, and enhance operational capabilities. The company plans to introduce new products targeting the gut-immune axis and aims for expansion into additional markets across North America and Europe, with specific timelines for launch yet to be disclosed. The funding will support these initiatives, driving the company's growth strategy.

## Funding rounds

- Series A, Aug 25, 2022, $15M — Viking Global Investors, Merck Global Health Innovation Fund, CJ Investment, The Venture Collective
- Seed, Nov 13, 2020, $4.5M — Viking Global Investors, Merck Global Health Innovation Fund, CJ Investment
- Seed, Jun 24, 2020 — Hike Ventures, Bioverge
- Seed, May 5, 2020 — Harmonix
- Seed, Oct 4, 2018 — Plug and Play, Social Starts

## Investors

- Plug and Play (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/plug-and-play) — Seed
- Social Starts (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/social-starts) — Seed
- Harmonix — Seed
- Hike Ventures — Seed
- Bioverge (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/bioverge) — Seed
- Viking Global Investors (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/viking-global-investors) — Seed, Series A
- Merck Global Health Innovation Fund (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/merck-global-health-innovation-fund) — Seed, Series A
- CJ Investment (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/cj-investment) — Seed, Series A
- The Venture Collective (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/the-venture-collective) — Series A