Updated:
Dana-Farber
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute was founded in 1947 as a dedicated cancer treatment and research center. Benjamin L. Ebert serves as its President and CEO while...
Dana-Farber
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute was founded in 1947 as a dedicated cancer treatment and research center. Benjamin L. Ebert serves as its President and CEO while Josh Bekenstein chairs the Board of Trustees. The institute's endowment supports both clinical operations and translational research programs. Investment activity centers on early-stage venture commitments executed via Binney Street Capital. Confirmed holdings include Precede Biosciences, Predicta Biosciences, NextPoint Therapeutics and Matchpoint Therapeutics. Geographic focus remains within the United States, with additional exposure through co-investments alongside MPM Capital in a $100 million oncology fund. Asset classes span venture capital, biotechnology startups, and select real estate holdings that house clinical and research facilities. The organization employs 8757 professionals and maintains satellite locations in Chestnut Hill, Foxborough, and Methuen. Adjacent philanthropic vehicles include The Jimmy Fund, established in 1948, and the Dana-Farber Society for planned giving. In August 2024 the institute sponsored the Pan-Mass Challenge to support cancer research fundraising. Dana-Farber operates a hybrid structure that combines a large academic medical center with a dedicated venture holding company. This architecture allows direct limited-partner positions in biotechnology startups while maintaining operational separation between clinical care, research grants, and investment activities.
General information
Firm type
Endowment / Foundation
Year founded
1947
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
Boston
Corporate office
450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Additional offices
Chestnut Hill, MA · Foxborough, MA · Methuen, MA
Principals
Benjamin L. Ebert
President and CEO
Altss tracks 1 additional named team member for this firm — including direct investment leads, IR, and operating principals not listed on the public website.
Book a demoSector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at Dana-Farber?
Benjamin L. Ebert serves as President and CEO. Investment activity through Binney Street Capital is overseen by the institute's leadership team.
Does Dana-Farber participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?
The institute makes both fund commitments and direct investments. It partnered with MPM Capital on a $100M oncology fund and holds direct positions in multiple biotechnology startups.
What investment stages does Dana-Farber typically target?
Activity focuses on early-stage seed and startup rounds as well as expansion and late-stage opportunities in biotechnology.
Where does the underlying wealth come from?
The endowment originates from philanthropic contributions, research grants, and clinical operations rather than a single family source.
How is Dana-Farber related to Harvard Medical School?
Dana-Farber serves as the principal teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School and maintains long-term clinical affiliations with Brigham and Women's Hospital.
Does Dana-Farber maintain philanthropic structures?
Yes. The Jimmy Fund, founded in 1948, serves as the primary fundraising arm alongside the Dana-Farber Society for estate planning donors.
What is Dana-Farber's known posture on co-investments alongside external GPs?
The institute has executed co-investments with MPM Capital and maintains limited-partner positions through Binney Street Capital in multiple venture-backed companies.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
Need institutional-grade insight on endowments & foundations?
Altss delivers:
Prefer a guided tour?
We’ll walk you through: