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Zhizhong Yao

Partner at Sofinnova Partners

Greater Paris Metropolitan Region

Overview 

Zhizhong Yao is a Partner at Sofinnova Partners in the Greater Paris Metropolitan Region, specializing in venture capital investments in the pharmaceuticals and biotech sectors at Series A and Seed stages. With a PhD from Harvard University and experience as a Principal at Sofinnova Capital Strategy, Yao brings a strong academic background and strategic expertise to his role as a key decision-maker in investment opportunities.

Work Experience 

  • Partner - Sofinnova Acceleration Strategy BiovelocITA

    2023 - Current

  • Principal - Sofinnova Capital Strategy

    2015 - 2024

    Sofinnova Partners is a leading European venture capital firm specialized in Life Sciences. Based in Paris, France, with offices in London and Milan.

  • Board Observer

    2021 - 2024

  • Kauffman Fellow, class 24

    2019 - 2024

    Kauffman Fellows is the leadership organization in innovation and capital formation, with graduates leading venture capital, government, corporate, university, and startup innovation efforts globally.

Co-investment VC firm supporting the mission of the Kauffman Fellows

  • Board Observer

    2019 - 2024

    Mnemo Tx is a "next generation"CAR-T company focused on the treatment of solid tumors.

  • Board Observer

    2019 - 2024

    Polyneuron is a growing Basel-based biotechnology company active in the area of autoimmune disease treatments. The company was founded in 2014 as a spinout company from the University of Basel to develop novel treatments to combat immune disorders using its Antibody-Catch™ technology platform.

  • Board Observer

    2018 - 2020

    NodThera is developing a new class of potent and highly selective NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors for the treatment of diseases driven by chronic inflammation.

  • Human Frontier Science Program (Cross-disciplinary Fellows)

    2013 - 2015

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