David Schenkein

DAVID SCHENKEIN

General Partner at GV

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About

David Schenkein is a distinguished General Partner at GV, where he spearheads investments in the transformative life sciences sector. Leveraging his extensive background as a clinical oncologist and a leader in drug development, he brings unparalleled expertise to identifying groundbreaking biotech and healthcare innovations. His focus is on supporting companies poised to revolutionize patient care and advance medical science.

Experience

Deep Dive

David Schenkein stands as a prominent General Partner at GV, the venture capital arm of Alphabet, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare through strategic investments in life sciences. His deep understanding of clinical medicine and drug development makes him an invaluable asset to the firm and its portfolio companies.

At GV, David Schenkein is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and investing in pioneering companies across the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical technology sectors. His investment thesis centers on supporting ventures that are developing novel therapeutics, diagnostics, and innovative approaches to patient care, particularly those addressing significant unmet medical needs. He provides strategic guidance to founders and leadership teams, leveraging his vast industry experience to help accelerate the development and commercialization of life-changing scientific breakthroughs.

Before joining GV in 2018, Schenkein built an illustrious career marked by significant leadership roles in the biopharmaceutical industry. He served as the Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President of Global Clinical Development at Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, for over a decade. In this capacity, he oversaw the development of numerous innovative medicines that have profoundly impacted patient outcomes across various disease areas. Prior to Genentech, he held the position of Senior Vice President of Clinical Development at Amgen. His career began as a practicing clinical oncologist, a background that provides him with a unique, patient-centric perspective on drug discovery and development. He is board-certified in internal medicine and hematology/oncology, having received his medical degree from Upstate Medical Center.

Schenkein's investment portfolio at GV reflects his commitment to advancing cutting-edge science. Notable investments and board affiliations include companies like Denali Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company focused on neurodegenerative diseases; Relay Therapeutics, which uses a novel protein motion platform for drug discovery; Scorpion Therapeutics, a precision oncology company; and Sana Biotechnology, which is developing engineered cells as medicines. These investments underscore his dedication to fostering innovation that promises to deliver significant therapeutic benefits to patients worldwide. Through his work at GV, David Schenkein continues to be a driving force in the evolution of the life sciences landscape, backing the next generation of healthcare pioneers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is David Schenkein?

David Schenkein is a General Partner at GV, specializing in life sciences investments. He is a former Chief Medical Officer at Genentech and a clinical oncologist, bringing extensive expertise in drug development to his role.

What does David Schenkein invest in?

David Schenkein primarily invests in the life sciences sector, focusing on biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and digital health companies that are developing novel therapeutics and innovative approaches to patient care.

Where does David Schenkein work?

David Schenkein works as a General Partner at GV (formerly Google Ventures), the venture capital firm associated with Alphabet, where he leads life sciences investments.