What is Character?
Formerly known as Clover Therapeutics, Character Biosciences is a precision medicine enterprise headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey. Founded in 2020, the company specializes in the intersection of genomics, deep clinical data, and AI-driven modeling to identify the molecular drivers of disease progression. Its primary focus lies in ophthalmology, specifically targeting age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). By identifying genetic markers, the company aims to significantly improve the success rates of drug development, moving away from traditional trial-and-error methodologies toward a more predictive, patient-centric model.
How much funding has Character raised?
Character has raised a total of $136.9M across 3 funding rounds:
Other Financing Round
$18M
Stock/Share Issuance
$8.9M
Series B
$110M
Other Financing Round (2022): $18M with participation from Innovation Endeavors and Section 32
Stock/Share Issuance (2025): $8.9M, investors not publicly disclosed
Series B (2025): $110M supported by Innovation Endeavors, Catalio Capital Management, Bausch & Lomb, aMoon, S32, KdT Ventures, and Luma Group
Key Investors in Character
Innovation Endeavors
An early-stage venture capital firm that invests in visionary founders and transformational technologies, utilizing a Super Evolution thesis to combine data and advanced engineering across life sciences.
Catalio Capital Management
A New York-based firm specializing in innovative healthcare investing, focusing on breakthrough biomedical technology companies with a network of over 45 venture partners.
Bausch & Lomb
A global eye health company that develops, manufactures, and markets a wide range of ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, surgical devices, and contact lens products.
What's next for Character?
With the successful closure of this major strategic investment, Character Biosciences is well-positioned to scale its research and development infrastructure. The company is expected to prioritize the advancement of its lead candidates through clinical validation while expanding its AI-driven modeling platform to encompass a broader range of polygenic conditions. Strategic partnerships with industry incumbents, such as those represented by its investor base, will likely play a pivotal role in navigating the regulatory landscape and commercializing its therapeutic pipeline. The focus remains on achieving high-impact clinical milestones that validate the efficacy of its precision medicine approach in real-world settings.
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