Description
IndieBio is SOSV’s flagship accelerator for life sciences startups, focused on companies using biology as technology to address challenges in human health, food systems, climate, and sustainability. IndieBio combines pre-seed capital, wet-lab access, and intensive scientific commercialization support to help founders move from breakthrough science to venture-backable companies. IndieBio operates in San Francisco and New York City and is part of the broader SOSV platform.
Specific Funding Stage
Pre-Seed / Early Seed (Core Focus)
- IndieBio invests at the earliest institutional stage, often before a company has revenue or a fully formed commercial product.
- Ideal entrants have validated science or strong experimental proof-of-concept and need help translating research into a scalable business.
Follow-On Support (via SOSV)
- SOSV frequently provides follow-on capital at seed and later rounds for top-performing IndieBio companies.
Investment Amount and Percentage Equity (Company-Level)
Check Size
- IndieBio typically provides ~$250K in initial pre-seed funding at program entry.
- Additional capital may be available as companies progress, and SOSV may participate in subsequent seed rounds.
Equity Taken
- IndieBio does not publicly state a fixed equity percentage applicable to all companies.
- Equity is structured deal-by-deal, typically resulting in a minority, non-controlling stake, consistent with early-stage accelerator investing.
Implied Ownership (Contextual, Not Published)
- Given the early stage and check size, IndieBio’s ownership generally falls in the single-digit to low-teens percentage range, depending on valuation and round structure.
Equity Structure
- Investments are usually made via early-stage venture instruments, commonly SAFEs or convertible notes, converting in later priced rounds.
- Capital is paired with significant in-kind value, including lab access, equipment, and technical support, which materially extends runway.
Application / Submission Method
Submission Method
- Founders apply through the IndieBio application portal.
- Programs run in cohorts, typically twice per year.
Interaction
- Selection emphasizes:
- Scientific rigor and feasibility
- Clear path to commercialization
- Founder capability to execute in regulated or research-intensive environments
Eligibility
Sector Focus
- Life sciences and bio-based technologies, including:
- Biotech & therapeutics platforms
- Synthetic biology
- Diagnostics & tools
- Food tech & alternative proteins
- Climate & sustainability biology
- Environmental and industrial biotech
Geography
-
Global founder intake, with in-person program participation in SF or NYC.
Stage
- Pre-seed / early seed
- Strong science required; revenue not required
Team Profile
- Founders with deep scientific or technical backgrounds (PhDs common but not required) who want hands-on commercialization support.
Process
Application Review: Evaluation of science, team, and impact potential.
Interviews: Deep dives into experimental data, roadmap, and commercialization plan.
Selection: Cohort admission decision.
Program Entry: Capital deployment and lab onboarding.
Demo Day: Investor exposure and seed fundraising support.
What an Applicant can Obtain
Pre-Seed Capital: ~$250K at entry.
Wet-Lab Access: Fully equipped labs, instrumentation, and consumables.
Scientific & Commercial Mentorship: Support from scientists, operators, and investors.
Company-Building Support: Regulatory strategy, IP guidance, fundraising prep, and hiring.
Investor Access: Demo days and introductions to top life-sciences VCs.
Follow-On Funding: Potential continued backing from SOSV.
