Alder Biopharmaceuticals - Top 20 VC deals of 2008

Company: Alder Biopharmaceuticals
Based: Bothell, WA
Amount: $40.2 million

Investors: TPG Growth, Delphi Ventures, Ventures West Management, Sevin Rosen Funds, H.I.G. Capital, WRF Capital

Scoop: Alder started 2008 on a good foot. The company secured a $40.2 million third round in January to support development of its lead antibody therapeutic ALD518 through multiple proof-of-concept trials. Unlike many other biopharma companies, Alder actually boosted its staff from 34 to about 50. The new employees are working on antibody manufacturing and clinical development.