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Leen Kawas is the Chief Executive Officer of Alafi Capital, a life sciences venture capital firm based in Seattle, Washington. Assuming this leadership position in 2023, she oversees an investment portfolio managing more than $100 million in assets dedicated to biotechnology and pharmaceutical therapeutics. Previously, Kawas served as the CEO of Athira Pharma, where she guided the clinical-stage neuroscience company through its 2020 initial public offering on the NASDAQ and advanced its Alzheimer's drug trials. Her academic background includes a doctorate in molecular pharmacology and toxicology from Washington State University and a pharmacy degree from the University of Jordan, supplemented by executive education at the Wharton School. Following her recent speaking engagement at the 2025 J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, Kawas remains focused on bridging scientific research with venture capital to scale innovative drug development enterprises.
Leen Kawas stands as a prominent figure in the biotechnology investment landscape, currently serving as a General Partner at Propel Bio Partners. In this pivotal role, she is dedicated to identifying and fostering the next generation of innovative life science companies. Propel Bio Partners, under her guidance, focuses on early-stage ventures that promise to deliver transformative solutions in healthcare and scientific research.
Kawas brings a unique blend of deep scientific acumen and proven entrepreneurial success to her investment philosophy. Her investment focus areas are primarily within biotechnology and life sciences, encompassing therapeutics, diagnostics, and other disruptive technologies poised to address significant unmet medical needs. She is particularly interested in companies that possess robust scientific foundations, clear pathways to clinical development, and strong leadership teams.
Before her tenure at Propel Bio Partners, Leen Kawas built an impressive career marked by significant achievements. She is widely recognized as the co-founder and former Chief Executive Officer of Athira Pharma (NASDAQ: ATHA), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. Under her leadership, Athira Pharma successfully advanced its lead drug candidate through clinical trials and completed a successful initial public offering, demonstrating her capability to translate scientific innovation into a viable, publicly traded enterprise. This experience provided her with invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities inherent in scaling a biotech company from inception to market.
Her academic background further solidifies her expertise. Leen Kawas holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Pharmacology from Washington State University, equipping her with a profound understanding of drug discovery and development processes. This scientific rigor, combined with her operational experience at Athira Pharma, makes her a highly effective partner for early-stage biotech founders. She not only provides capital but also offers strategic guidance, scientific mentorship, and operational insights crucial for navigating the complex biotech ecosystem.
At Propel Bio Partners, Leen Kawas continues to champion scientific breakthroughs, aiming to back companies that can make a tangible difference in patients' lives. Her commitment to fostering innovation and her track record of success position her as a key investor shaping the future of biotechnology.
Leen Kawas is a General Partner at Propel Bio Partners, a venture capital firm specializing in biotechnology. She is also known as the co-founder and former CEO of Athira Pharma, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company.
Leen Kawas invests in early-stage biotechnology and life science companies. Her focus areas include therapeutics, diagnostics, and other disruptive technologies aimed at revolutionizing healthcare and scientific discovery.
Leen Kawas works as a General Partner at Propel Bio Partners, a venture capital firm dedicated to investing in the biotechnology sector.
