Startups
Trace Biosciences
Trace Biosciences is an Oregon biotechnology company developing Nerve Trace, near-infrared fluorescent imaging agents designed to highlight nerves during surgery, including nerves obscured by tissue or blood. Its nerve-specific small molecules are intended to help surgeons avoid nerve injury and integrate with existing surgical fluorescence imaging systems. Cofounders Connor Barth, Summer Gibbs and Lei Wang lead a 13-person publicly listed team spanning chemistry, manufacturing, toxicology, clinical operations and research. The company reported FDA investigational new drug clearance in December 2025 and Phase I clinical development in July 2026; its agents remain investigational and are not FDA-approved products. Trace announced a Series A strategic investment from Axogen in July 2026. Its August 12 SEC filing reports $8,334,499 sold in an ongoing equity offering, distinct from the $16,234,498 offering target. Axogen separately disclosed a $7 million investment on July 28. Earlier financing includes a $400,000 SciFounders SAFE in 2021 and a combined $275,000 SAFE investment from Elevate Capital and ONAMI in 2023, documented in an NCI-hosted historical company profile. Trace also receives federal research funding; awards to predecessor grant recipient Inherent Targeting LLC are distinguished from grants expressly awarded or transferred to Trace Biosciences Inc.
Founded 2021
Team
 Bryce TimmDirector of Research |
 Connor BarthCofounder and CEO |
 Diego JachoPost Doctoral Scholar |
 Ge HuangSenior Research Associate |
 Grace HubbellStaff Scientist |
 Hanna AdlerMarketing and Research Associate |
 Harsh SantResearch Associate |
 Lawrence TrostHead of Toxicology |
 Lei WangCofounder and Chief Technology Officer |
 Mark SorensonHead of CMC Development |
 Scott HoustonHead of Clinical Operations |
 Summer GibbsCofounder and Chief Scientific Officer |
 Veronica TorresClinical Project Manager |