Overview

What they do
Founded in 1992 as MRC Technology, LifeArc is a self-funded medical research charity with a unique position in the life sciences ecosystem. Its financial independence was secured through a landmark $1.3 billion monetization of its Keytruda royalty interests in 2019. Through its investment arm, LifeArc Ventures, the organization deploys capital into early-stage life science companies. LifeArc is distinctive for its dual mandate of generating financial returns and delivering patient impact, offering portfolio companies direct access to its physical labs, internal scientists, and deep translational expertise.
lifearc.org
What they look for
LifeArc Ventures invests in early-stage, science-led companies across therapeutics, HealthTech, and medical devices. Their core thesis is to bridge the "translational gap" between academic research and clinical development, funding novel science that has the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes.
lifearc.org
Stage
Pre-seed, Seed, Series A, Series B+
lifearc.org
Sectors
Healthcare
lifearc.org
Based
London, GB
lifearc.org

Sources

2026-09-01lifearc.orgWe are a self-funded medical research organisation with one clear purpose, transforming the…
2026-09-01lifearc.orgAs an independent, self-funded medical research organisation, we can focus on finding…
2026-09-01lifearc.orgFunding promising science, including open funding calls and investment in early-stage ventures.
2026-09-01lifearc.orgSam Barrell, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Portfolio, cheque size and the rest

The 1 companies they have backed that we can see, the cheque they write, and whether they are deploying right now.

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