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§ Accelerator · USA
Biotech accelerator funding and mentoring early-stage life sciences startups with lab space for human and planetary health.
IndieBio is a biotech-focused accelerator that provides early-stage life sciences startups with pre-seed funding, laboratory space, and mentorship, based in San Francisco, California, with operations in New York. The program, part of SOSV founded by Sean O'Sullivan, offers up to $525,000 in seed capital for equity, supporting companies in sectors like food, agriculture, therapeutics, and climate tech. Its 310 graduates have collectively raised $3.6 billion since 2015, with IndieBio New York alone funding 80 startups that secured $180 million in follow-on capital. Notable portfolio companies include Helex and Hoofprint Biome, which recently secured $15 million in Series A funding. Deborah Zajac is a General Partner co-leading IndieBio NY, part of SOSV's over 80 staff. IndieBio was launched in 2015.
Key people at IndieBio.
IndieBio was founded in 2014 by Arvind Gupta (Founder).
IndieBio was founded in 2014 by Arvind Gupta (Founder).
Key people at IndieBio.
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.
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.
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.
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.
IndieBio has 8 tracked investments across 7 companies. The latest tracked deal is $1.4M Seed in FluoSphera in January 2026.