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NantWorks
NantWorks was founded by Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, a surgeon and researcher who invented Abraxane, the first human nanoparticle chemotherapeutic agent.
NantWorks
NantWorks was founded by Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, a surgeon and researcher who invented Abraxane, the first human nanoparticle chemotherapeutic agent. The firm operates as the parent company of a network of entities rather than as a conventional investment vehicle. The firm's strategy is organized around three pillars: health & life sciences, energy & renewables, and connectivity & communications. It develops and delivers technologies across these sectors, often through wholly owned operating businesses. Portfolio companies include NantHealth, a data-driven healthcare platform, and NantEnergy, focused on clean energy storage solutions. Geographically, NantWorks is headquartered in Los Angeles and has a presence across the United States. Soon-Shiong is the sole named principal, and the firm does not publicly disclose team size or external AUM figures. NantWorks does not maintain a separate philanthropic foundation; the founder's charitable activities are conducted through the Soon-Shiong Family Foundation. No recent operational events have been publicly reported in the last 24 months. The structural differentiator of NantWorks is its hybrid model of a single-family office that acts as an operating holding company, building and owning technology businesses rather than making passive investments. This approach allows the firm to directly control R&D and commercialization across its three focus areas.
General information
Firm type
Single Family Office
Year founded
—
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
Los Angeles
Corporate office
Los Angeles, CA, United States
Principals
Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong
Founder
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at NantWorks?
Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, the founder and a billionaire scientist, sets the strategic direction for NantWorks. The firm does not publicly disclose a separate investment committee or CIO, so all major capital allocation decisions appear to rest with Soon-Shiong.
Is NantWorks structured as a single family office or does it operate more like a venture firm?
NantWorks is a single-family office, but it functions primarily as an operating holding company rather than as a passive investment vehicle. Instead of making fund commitments or taking minority stakes, it builds and owns subsidiaries across health, energy, and communications.
Does NantWorks participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?
Public information suggests NantWorks focuses exclusively on direct ownership of operating businesses. There is no evidence of fund commitments to external GPs; the firm's strategy is to develop and control technology platforms internally.
What investment stages does NantWorks typically target?
NantWorks does not invest by stage in the traditional venture sense. The firm launches and incubates businesses from the ground up, often based on Soon-Shiong's own research and patents, and also acquires existing companies to integrate into its ecosystem.
Where does the underlying wealth come from?
The wealth originates from Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong's career as a surgeon and entrepreneur. He invented Abraxane, a nanoparticle chemotherapeutic agent for breast cancer, and later sold the rights to that drug and other assets, generating billions for his family.
Does NantWorks maintain philanthropic structures, and how are they separated?
Yes, Dr. Soon-Shiong and his wife, Michele B. Chan, have established the Soon-Shiong Family Foundation. This entity is separate from NantWorks and handles their charitable giving. The foundation focuses on medical research and community health initiatives.
How does NantWorks source proprietary deal flow?
Deal flow is entirely internal, generated by the founder's own scientific research and invention. NantWorks commercializes technologies developed by Soon-Shiong and his research teams, rather than sourcing external opportunities from the broader market.
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.
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