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The T1D Fund operates as a venture impact fund, accelerating treatments, prevention, and cures for type 1 diabetes. It co-invests with venture capital and biopharma in early-stage companies developing disease-modifying therapies. The fund de-risks investments with capital and expertise, reinvesting all returns to sustain its funding cycle for innovation.
Launched in 2016, the T1D Fund was the first venture fund catalyzing T1D cure-oriented therapies. Its formation stemmed from a partnership with Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) and The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, addressing the critical need for a venture-backed model to propel therapies to regulatory approval.
The fund supports innovative early-stage companies and biopharma ventures advancing type 1 diabetes therapies. Providing capital and expert network access, the T1D Fund facilitates rapid program progression. Its vision is to foster a world without T1D by driving advancements, ensuring effective, swift delivery of promising treatments.
Key people at T1D Fund.
Key people at T1D Fund.
The T1D Fund is a mission-driven venture philanthropy fund launched in 2016 to accelerate the development of therapies aimed at preventing, treating, and ultimately curing Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) through equity investments in innovative life science companies[1][2]. It operates as an independently governed, not-for-profit subsidiary of Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), leveraging a unique model that combines philanthropic capital with venture investment to bridge the gap between scientific advances and commercial delivery of T1D solutions[1]. The Fund focuses on early-stage companies developing disease-modifying therapies and novel technologies, providing not only capital but also strategic leadership and access to an extensive network of clinicians, regulators, and researchers to optimize product development and regulatory success[1][3].
Founded with over $200 million in assets under management, the T1D Fund has catalyzed investments in a portfolio of companies working on diverse approaches such as continuous glucose monitoring (Biolinq), automated insulin delivery systems (Bigfoot Biomedical), extended wear insulin infusion sets (Capillary Biomedical), and immune-modulating therapies (Sab Biotherapeutics)[3]. Its impact extends beyond funding by influencing other venture capital, pharmaceutical, and philanthropic investors to commit billions toward T1D cures, thus shaping the startup ecosystem around T1D innovation[1][4].
The T1D Fund was established in 2016 as a response to the significant underinvestment in T1D cure-oriented therapies despite scientific progress[1]. It was created as a wholly owned but independently governed subsidiary of Breakthrough T1D, a leading global T1D research and advocacy organization, to leverage the foundation’s extensive network and expertise[1][2]. The Fund’s founding partners include experienced venture capitalists and T1D experts who recognized the need for a dedicated investment vehicle to accelerate translational research and commercial development of T1D therapies. Over time, the Fund has evolved by expanding its capital base and refining its investment strategy to support a broader range of emerging therapeutic modalities and to scale its impact through larger investments and strategic partnerships[4][6].
The T1D Fund rides the trend of venture philanthropy and precision medicine, focusing on disease-modifying therapies that address the root causes of T1D rather than just managing symptoms. The timing is critical as advances in immunotherapy, biosensing, and digital health converge to enable new treatment paradigms. Market forces such as increasing prevalence of T1D, rising healthcare costs, and growing patient advocacy create strong demand for curative solutions. By mobilizing philanthropic capital into for-profit ventures and influencing larger investors, the Fund plays a pivotal role in accelerating innovation and shaping the ecosystem around T1D therapeutic development[1][4].
Looking ahead, the T1D Fund aims to expand its assets under management significantly, enabling larger and more diverse investments in cutting-edge therapies and technologies[4]. Trends such as gene editing, advanced immunotherapies, and integrated digital health platforms will likely shape its portfolio focus. The Fund’s influence is expected to grow as it continues to bridge the gap between early scientific discovery and commercial viability, fostering a robust pipeline of potential cures for T1D. Its unique model of reinvesting returns to fuel ongoing innovation positions it as a transformative force in the fight against T1D, with the potential to dramatically improve patient outcomes worldwide[4][5].