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Kiersten Stead is a Managing Partner at DCVC in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she co-leads the firm's dedicated life sciences funds. In May 2023, she co-led the closing of DCVC Bio III, a $400 million venture fund focused on computational biology and deep-tech platforms. Prior to joining DCVC in 2018, she served as an Investment Director at Monsanto Growth Ventures and worked as a research scientist. She holds a doctorate in molecular biology and genetics from the University of Alberta and a master of business administration from the University of Calgary. Stead also serves on multiple corporate and non-profit boards, including the Danforth Center for Plant Sciences and the Keystone Symposia scientific advisory board. Her current investment focus centers on backing early-stage companies developing advanced technologies across therapeutics, agriculture, and industrial biotechnology.
Kiersten Stead stands as a distinguished Managing Partner at DCVC (Data Collective), a premier venture capital firm renowned for its strategic investments in deep technology. In her influential role, Stead is instrumental in shaping the future of industries by identifying, funding, and scaling companies that leverage scientific breakthroughs and proprietary data to address some of the world's most pressing challenges. Her leadership at DCVC reinforces the firm's commitment to backing founders who are building foundational technologies with significant global impact.
At DCVC, Kiersten Stead's investment focus spans a diverse yet interconnected range of deep tech sectors. She is particularly passionate about ventures in computational biology, where data science intersects with life sciences to revolutionize drug discovery, diagnostics, and personalized medicine. Her portfolio interests also extend to advanced materials, supporting innovations that promise to transform manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure. Furthermore, Stead is a strong advocate for climate technology, investing in solutions that drive sustainability, reduce carbon footprints, and foster a greener economy. Her expertise lies in recognizing the potential of complex scientific and engineering problems to yield scalable, data-driven solutions.
Stead's impressive career background provides a robust foundation for her current role. With a strong academic grounding, including a Ph.D. in Chemistry, she brings a rigorous scientific perspective to venture capital. Prior to her tenure at DCVC, Stead honed her skills in various capacities that bridged the gap between scientific discovery and commercialization. This experience equipped her with a unique ability to evaluate the technical viability and market potential of nascent technologies. Her journey reflects a consistent dedication to fostering innovation and translating cutting-edge research into tangible, impactful businesses.
As a Managing Partner, Kiersten Stead not only sources and evaluates investment opportunities but also actively supports DCVC's portfolio companies. She provides strategic guidance, leveraging her extensive network and deep industry knowledge to help founders navigate growth, overcome technical hurdles, and achieve market leadership. While specific individual investments are part of DCVC's broader portfolio, Stead's influence is evident in the firm's continued success in backing companies that are pioneering advancements in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and sustainable technologies. Her work exemplifies DCVC's mission to invest in the next generation of world-changing deep tech enterprises.
Kiersten Stead is a Managing Partner at DCVC (Data Collective), a leading deep tech venture capital firm. She is known for her expertise in identifying and investing in groundbreaking companies that leverage scientific and data-driven innovations.
Kiersten Stead primarily invests in deep technology sectors. Her focus areas include computational biology, advanced materials, and climate technology, supporting ventures that use data and scientific breakthroughs to solve complex global challenges.
Kiersten Stead works as a Managing Partner at DCVC (Data Collective), a prominent venture capital firm specializing in deep tech investments. DCVC has offices in Palo Alto, California.
