Updated:
Third Security
Randal J. Kirk established Third Security in 1999 after selling General Injectables & Vaccines in 1998. The firm originated to oversee personal investments...
Third Security
Randal J. Kirk established Third Security in 1999 after selling General Injectables & Vaccines in 1998. The firm originated to oversee personal investments tied to his biotechnology and pharmaceutical exits. Third Security functions as both a manager of biotechnology operating companies and a single-family office. It provides capital access, strategic assistance, and business development support. Investments span early-stage seed through late-stage growth in life sciences. Confirmed holdings include equity interests in GreenVenus, Eleszto Genetika, Okanagan Produce Holdings, and Oxitec UK Holdings acquired via TS Biotechnology Holdings in January 2020. Activity centers on North America with a focus on biotech applications. The firm maintains offices in Radford, Virginia and Delray Beach, Florida. It liquidated remaining life-science venture capital funds in December 2020. Adjacent vehicles include the Julian Kirk Foundation and Zylphia Shu-En Kirk Endowment. No verifiable operational events from the last 24 months appear in available records.
General information
Firm type
Single Family Office
Year founded
1999
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
Radford
Corporate office
The Governor Tyler, 1881 Grove Ave, Radford, VA 24141, United States
Additional offices
Delray Beach, FL, United States
Principals
Randal J. Kirk
Founder and Executive Chairman
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 Third Security?
Randal J. Kirk serves as Founder and Executive Chairman. Julian P. Kirk, his son, acts as CEO and oversees day-to-day operations.
How does Third Security source proprietary deal flow?
The firm draws on long-standing relationships in biotechnology built since the 1980s. It works directly with portfolio companies on innovation and growth initiatives.
Is Third Security structured as a single family office or does it operate more like a venture firm?
Third Security operates as a single-family office that also manages a portfolio of operating biotechnology companies. It liquidated its historical venture capital funds in December 2020.
Does Third Security participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?
The firm focuses on direct investments, structured financings, and ownership of operating companies rather than external fund commitments.
Where does the underlying wealth come from?
Wealth originates from Randal J. Kirk's exits in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, including the 1998 sale of General Injectables & Vaccines and New River Pharmaceuticals.
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 family offices?
Altss delivers:
Prefer a guided tour?
We’ll walk you through: