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Holden Thorp is the Editor-in-Chief of the Science family of journals and a Venture Partner at Hatteras Venture Partners, based in Washington DC. Prior to his current positions, he served as the Provost of Washington University in Saint Louis from 2013 to 2019 and was the tenth Chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As a successful biotechnology entrepreneur, he cofounded Viamet Pharmaceuticals to develop the approved drug VIVJOA and previously launched the diagnostic company Xanthon, securing twenty-five million dollars in venture capital. He earned a doctorate in chemistry from Caltech, possesses nineteen issued United States patents, and currently serves on the board of directors for PBS and Saint Louis University. His multifaceted career focuses on the intersection of higher education administration, scientific publishing, science policy, and early stage life sciences commercialization.
Holden Thorp is a distinguished Venture Partner at Hatteras Venture Partners, a leading venture capital firm focused on the life sciences. In this pivotal role, Thorp brings an unparalleled blend of scientific acumen, academic leadership, and strategic insight to the firm's investment activities. His contributions are instrumental in identifying and evaluating innovative companies poised to make significant impacts in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and digital health. Hatteras Venture Partners benefits immensely from his deep understanding of research and development, as well as the complex landscape of academic-industry collaboration.
Thorp's investment focus at Hatteras is deeply rooted in his extensive background in science and higher education. He is particularly interested in early-stage companies and university spin-outs that are translating cutting-edge scientific discoveries into commercial products and solutions. His expertise helps Hatteras navigate the scientific rigor and market potential of new technologies, ensuring investments are made in ventures with strong foundational science and clear pathways to success. This strategic alignment with the firm's core mission to invest in transformative life science companies makes him a valuable asset to the Hatteras team and its portfolio companies.
Before joining Hatteras Venture Partners, Holden Thorp built an illustrious career marked by significant leadership roles in academia. He served as the tenth Chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he championed research, innovation, and economic development initiatives. Prior to his chancellorship, he was the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at UNC. His academic journey also includes a tenure as Provost of Washington University in St. Louis, a role where he oversaw academic programs and research enterprises across numerous disciplines. These experiences provided him with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of scientific discovery and commercialization.
Beyond his university leadership, Thorp is widely recognized for his current role as Editor-in-Chief of the Science family of journals, published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). This position places him at the forefront of global scientific discourse, granting him an intimate understanding of emerging scientific trends and breakthroughs across various fields. While specific individual investment deals are not always publicly detailed for Venture Partners, Thorp's influence is felt through his strategic guidance, due diligence contributions, and mentorship to portfolio companies, particularly those leveraging academic research. His ability to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and market viability is a cornerstone of his value to Hatteras Venture Partners and the broader venture capital ecosystem. His career trajectory underscores a consistent commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering its application for societal benefit.
Holden Thorp is a distinguished Venture Partner at Hatteras Venture Partners and the Editor-in-Chief of the Science family of journals. He is renowned for his extensive background in academic leadership, having served as Chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Provost of Washington University in St. Louis.
Holden Thorp primarily invests in life sciences, biotechnology, and healthcare innovation companies through his role at Hatteras Venture Partners. His focus often includes early-stage ventures and university spin-outs that are translating scientific discoveries into commercial solutions.
Holden Thorp works as a Venture Partner at Hatteras Venture Partners, a venture capital firm specializing in life sciences. He also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Science family of journals.
