IndieBio

High-Level Overview

IndieBio, operated by SOSV, is the world’s largest and most influential biotech startup accelerator, dedicated to transforming early-stage life sciences innovations into scalable companies. Its mission centers on advancing human and planetary health by supporting founders who are tackling some of the most pressing challenges in biotechnology, climate tech, therapeutics, synthetic biology, and beyond. IndieBio’s investment philosophy is rooted in deep tech: it backs science-driven startups at the pre-seed stage, providing not just capital but hands-on operational support, lab infrastructure, and access to a global network of experts and investors. The accelerator has a proven track record of de-risking scientific ventures, accelerating product development, and helping startups secure follow-on funding, making it a cornerstone of the global biotech ecosystem.

Origin Story

IndieBio was launched in 2014 as an experimental program within SOSV, a global venture capital firm with a focus on deep tech. The idea emerged from a recognition that many groundbreaking scientific discoveries never made it out of the lab due to a lack of entrepreneurial support and early-stage funding. IndieBio was designed to bridge that gap, giving scientists—especially PhDs and post-docs—the tools, mentorship, and resources to become founders. Over time, the program evolved from a niche experiment into a leading force in biotech acceleration, expanding to multiple locations including San Francisco and New York. SOSV’s long-term commitment to deep tech and its ability to scale support for startups have cemented IndieBio’s reputation as a pioneer in the field.

Core Differentiators

• Hybrid Support Model: IndieBio offers a blend of in-person and remote support, allowing founders to participate from its state-of-the-art labs in San Francisco and New York or remotely, depending on their needs.
• Deep Scientific Focus: Unlike generalist accelerators, IndieBio specializes in life sciences and deep tech, providing tailored mentorship and resources for complex scientific ventures.
• Comprehensive Funding: Startups receive up to $525,000 in pre-seed funding, with SOSV targeting a long-term ownership of around 10% and continuing to invest through later stages.
• World-Class Facilities: IndieBio provides access to 85,000 square feet of advanced labs and equipment, enabling startups to conduct cutting-edge research and development.
• Global Network: Founders benefit from SOSV’s extensive network of over 1,000 co-investors, mentors, and corporate partners, facilitating follow-on funding and strategic collaborations.
• Hands-On Venture Capital: The IndieBio team actively engages with founders, offering support in everything from lab setup and technical debugging to fundraising and business development.

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

IndieBio is riding the wave of a biotech revolution, where advances in synthetic biology, gene editing, and sustainable technologies are reshaping industries from healthcare to agriculture. The timing is critical: as global challenges like climate change and public health crises intensify, there is growing demand for innovative solutions that can scale rapidly. IndieBio’s model is uniquely positioned to capitalize on these trends, providing the infrastructure and support needed to bring scientific breakthroughs to market. By fostering a collaborative ecosystem and promoting inclusivity, IndieBio is not just accelerating startups—it’s helping to build a more sustainable and equitable future.

Quick Take & Future Outlook

IndieBio’s influence is set to grow as the biotech sector continues to expand and attract investment. The accelerator’s ability to nurture early-stage science and connect founders with global resources will be increasingly valuable in a world where innovation is key to solving complex problems. Looking ahead, IndieBio is likely to play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of biotech leaders and driving the commercialization of transformative technologies. As the boundaries between science and entrepreneurship blur, IndieBio’s legacy as the largest biotech startup accelerator will endure, inspiring a new wave of founders to turn bold ideas into reality.