The Column Group

Investment Thesis

The Column Group invests in breakthrough biotechnology companies developing novel therapeutic platforms. They focus on companies with strong scientific foundations, differentiated technologies, and the potential to transform patient care. The firm takes a hands-on approach, providing strategic guidance and operational support to portfolio companies.

Team

Partners / Managing Directors

• David Goeddel, PhD - Founder & Managing Partner (former Genentech CSO)
• Peter Svennilson - Managing Partner
• Tim Kutzkey - Managing Partner

Other Key Team Members

• Gary Lyons - Partner
• Brent Ahrens - General Partner

Focus Areas

• Drug Discovery Platforms
• Therapeutic Development
• Oncology
• Immunology
• Neuroscience
• Gene & Cell Therapy
• Novel Modalities

Notable Portfolio Companies

• Eikon Therapeutics - Drug discovery platform ($350.7M Series D, February 2025)
• Denali Therapeutics - Neurodegeneration (IPO 2017)
• Annexon Biosciences - Classical complement pathway (IPO 2020)
• Protagonist Therapeutics - Peptide-based drugs (IPO 2016)
• Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical - Rare diseases (IPO 2014)

Notable Exits

• Denali Therapeutics - IPO (2017, NASDAQ: DNLI)
• Annexon Biosciences - IPO (2020, NASDAQ: ANNX)
• Protagonist Therapeutics - IPO (2016, NASDAQ: PTGX)
• Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical - IPO (2014, NASDAQ: RARE)
• FLX Bio - Acquired (acquired by Bristol-Myers Squibb)

Sources

• The Column Group website: https://www.thecolumngroup.com
• https://www.thecolumngroup.com/team
• Crunchbase: https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/the-column-group
• BioCentury, Fierce Biotech coverage