Get to Know Mike
Welcome to my world, where science meets compassion, innovation meets action, and every day is a chance to impact the future. I wear many hats—physician, scientist, engineer, educator, entrepreneur, and above all, a family man devoted to my wife Iris and our three wonderful kids.
Hi, I’m Mike Rubin
I am the Founder and CEO of Northpond Ventures, a multi-billion-dollar venture capital firm dedicated to transforming science and improving human health. My leadership has cultivated partnerships with some of the world's foremost institutions, including Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Oxford, and Cambridge, positioning us at the forefront of scientific innovation.
I am passionately committed to education and mentorship. As an adjunct professor at Stanford University and a visiting scholar at both Harvard University and MIT, I focus on bioengineering and medical innovation. My academic contributions have been recognized with several awards, including the Harvard Medical School Teaching Award, the Potts award, and the Beem Fisher Award. Through these roles, I strive to empower the next generation of leaders, promoting equity and opportunity in STEM fields.
At my core, I am a family man and a lifelong learner. I cherish my time with my wife and children and pursue a range of personal interests that enrich my life. From running marathons to playing guitar, each activity reflects my commitment to continuous personal growth and well-being.
From a young age, I was drawn to the field of medicine with a clear vision—I wanted to become a doctor. As I embarked on my journey in healthcare, treating patients and confronting the realities of medicine firsthand, I realized the immense potential for broader impact. While my initial goal was to heal one patient at a time, I soon recognized the vast opportunities to effect change on a larger scale.
The Leap of Faith
The real adventure began with a daring move—borrowing $5,000 from my parents to make my first venture investment. That leap led to co-founding Sands Capital Ventures, where we turned bold ideas into businesses spanning industries from fintech to life sciences. It was tough, thrilling, and it taught me that true success comes from resilience and a clear vision.
A Vision For Greater Impact
Imagine a place where every idea has the potential to improve lives. That’s what I envisioned, and that’s what Northpond Ventures has become. Named after a place that holds a special part of my heart—the restaurant where my wife and I dreamed of our future together—Northpond stands as a testament to pursuing passions and building futures.
What I Teach and Preach
As an adjunct professor at Stanford and a visiting scholar at both Harvard and MIT, I dive deep into bioengineering and medical innovation. As part of my time with these universities, I helped found the Laboratory for Bioengineering Research and Innovation at Harvard’s Wyss Institute, the MIT/Northpond Program, and the Program for Research and Innovation at Stanford Medicine. It’s not just about technology; it’s about building a better, fairer world. I am passionate about creating opportunities for all, particularly through our Northpond Prize for the MIT Future Founders Competition, a program that encourages female faculty to pursue entrepreneurship in biotechnology.
Northpond Ventures The Dream Realized
Having built a multi-billion-dollar business, I understand the intricacies of scaling, fundraising, and navigating the entrepreneurial landscape effectively. My objective is to share and expand the reach of this knowledge through various platforms, ensuring it is available to those who seek to genuinely transform industries and communities. I look forward to fostering an environment where practical, proven strategies are shared openly—empowering ambitious individuals to forge paths that are informed, strategic, and profoundly impactful.
Looking Ahead
Northpond Ventures is a multi-billion-dollar science-driven venture capital firm based in Cambridge, MA; San Francisco, CA; and Bethesda, MD. Northpond has consistently been named one of the most active lead life science investors in venture industry rankings. It is deeply engaged in the academic ecosystem, having founded The Laboratory for Bioengineering Research and Innovation at the Wyss Institute at Harvard University; launched the MIT-Northpond Program – Advancing Life Science & Engineering Innovation; launched the Northpond Laboratories — Program for Research and Innovation at Stanford Medicine; and sponsored a prize for women entrepreneurs at MIT.
