Flu Labs

VC Firm·California, USA·TBD (venture philanthropy; fund size not publicly disclosed)

Flu Lab is a philanthropic organisation founded by Lucy Southworth in 2018 to eliminate the threat of influenza. Through grantmaking, venture investments, and partner collaborations, it supports early-stage companies and research teams developing innovative vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments for influenza. Flu Lab works alongside partners such as the Gates Foundation to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into applied technologies and medical countermeasures.

Focus Areas

Influenza VaccinesRespiratory DiagnosticsPandemic PreparednessInfectious DiseaseBiotechPublic Health Innovation

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Portfolio

1 company in our directory

Pictura Bio

Biotech·Seed

Pictura Bio emerged from research at the University of Oxford Department of Physics, combining single-molecule fluorescent microscopy with machine learning. Co-founded in 2021 by Dr Nicolas Shiaelis and Associate Professor Nicole Robb, the company developed a world-first diagnostic test that identifies known respiratory viruses such as influenza and COVID-19 within five minutes from a single nasal or throat swab. The core technology, branded PIC-ID, combines molecular labelling, computer vision, and machine learning to create a universal diagnostic imaging platform. Pictura Bio secured a Defence and Security Accelerator contract generating £500K in early revenue upon delivery of a portable prototype in 2024. The company has raised £4.8M to date from IQ Capital, Ahren Innovation Capital, Science Creates, and Flu Labs.