Genocea Biosciences' work in vaccine discovery has won over a lineup of venture capital groups which are investing $23 million in the developer. The money is earmarked for five development programs, including one project to advance a vaccine for the STD chlamydia. And Genocea recruited Staph Leavenworth Bakali--an experienced executive with a track record for grooming companies later bought out by GlaxoSmithKline--as its new CEO.
Lo and behold, GSK's venture arm, SR One, joined the list of investors. The other VCs: Auriga Partners, Cycad Group, Alexandria Real Estate Equities, with returning founding investors Lux Capital Management, Polaris Venture Partners and Morningside Ventures.
Founding CEO and Lux Managing General Partner Robert Paull will stay on the board. And he has high hopes for his biotech baby, which was selected as one of last year's Fierce 15.
"With the experienced leadership and prior success of Staph Leavenworth Bakali as well as the support of leading international, U.S. and corporate investors, Genocea is poised to become the next great vaccine company," says Paull.
- read the Genocea release
- read the story from the New York Times