MRL Ventures

MRL Ventures, known as MRLV, is the corporate venture arm of Merck & Co, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It invests worldwide in early-stage therapeutics companies that are still preclinical.

What MRL Ventures offers

• Seed and early-stage investment — funds therapeutics companies from concept to IND.
• Lead or syndicate roles — can lead a round or join other investors, with an active board role.
• Continued funding — provides capital and expertise throughout a company's life.
• Access to Merck expertise — portfolio companies may choose to seek advice from the wider corporation, and a firewall protects their confidentiality.

Who it works with

Scientists and entrepreneurs with differentiated science, in any therapeutic area or modality. It takes no product or technology rights as a condition of investment. It does not invest in medical devices, diagnostic platforms or digital health.

Key facts

• Parent: Merck & Co
• Based in: Cambridge, Massachusetts