Richard Gaster, MD, PhD

Managing Partner

Richard Gaster, M.D., Ph.D., is a Managing Partner at venBio with experience as a physician, entrepreneur, and life science investor.

He has helped to launch, invest, and serve on the board of or as board observer of a number of venBio companies including Akero Therapeutics (IPO 2019), Harmony Biosciences (IPO 2020), Ventyx Biosciences (IPO 2021), Pharvaris (IPO 2021), Elevation Oncology (IPO 2021), Acelyrin (IPO 2023), 35Pharma, Aeovian Pharmaceuticals, Alumis, Arrakis Therapeutics, Attralus, Entact Bio, and NorthSea Therapeutics.

Prior to joining venBio, Dr. Gaster served as the head of translational medicine at Pliant Therapeutics. As a key member of the founding management team, Dr. Gaster was instrumental in the formation and launch of Pliant Therapeutics from Third Rock Ventures where he previously served as a Senior Associate.

Dr. Gaster was named one of Forbes 30 Under 30 in Science and Healthcare

During his tenure at Third Rock Ventures, Dr. Gaster was responsible for company creation to transform new areas of science into innovative drug discovery companies. He began his career as a resident physician in Harvard’s Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Program where he worked at Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
Dr. Gaster has published numerous articles in top-tier peer-reviewed journals including Nature Medicine and Nature Nanotechnology, holds more than a dozen patents, was awarded first prize in the IEEE Change the World Competition, and was named one of Forbes “30 Under 30” in Science and Healthcare.
Dr. Gaster holds a B.S.E in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania where he graduated summa cum laude and was a University Scholar. He received his M.D. and Ph.D. in Bioengineering from Stanford University in the Medical Scientist Training Program.

Richard Gaster, MD, PhD

Managing Partner

Dr. Gaster was named one of Forbes 30 Under 30 in Science and Healthcare

San Francisco office

Seattle office