The Foundation for Prader-Willi Research

What they do

Founded in 2003 by a small group of parents of children with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), FPWR has grown into a leading disease-focused foundation. Beyond traditional grant-making, FPWR operates a Venture Philanthropy program that makes direct financial investments in early-stage biotech companies. Their goal is to de-risk and accelerate the development of new treatments for PWS, taking on higher risks than traditional venture capitalists in exchange for advancing life-changing therapies. They are highly regarded in the rare disease ecosystem for their collaborative approach, partnering with pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and other institutional investors to bridge the "valley of death" in drug development.

What they look for

FPWR’s Venture Philanthropy program makes direct investments in early-stage companies focused on advancing the development of new treatments to address the most challenging symptoms associated with PWS. Unlike traditional venture capitalists whose primary objective is financial return, FPWR is willing to take on a higher level of risk because their ultimate objective is to provide the financial assistance needed to bring new PWS treatments to market. Any financial returns generated (e.g., through royalties or equity exits) are reinvested into future research.

Stage

Seed, Series A, Series B+

Sectors

Healthcare, Deeptech

Based

Covina, US