Focuses primarily on companies with programs that are in clinical testing or can be in less than 18 to 24 months
About the RD Fund
RD FUND
The RD (Retinal Degeneration) Fund is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit subsidiary of the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Launched in 2018 as the venture arm of the Foundation and with $72 million under management, the RD Fund focuses on making mission-related investments in companies with projects nearing clinical testing.
The RD Fund aims to deliver life-changing solutions for individuals with retinal degenerative diseases today, while also creating a pipeline of next-generation and novel therapeutic opportunities for tomorrow. The RD Fund is flexible in how it structures investments leveraging equity, debt, royalty, and/or project co-funding. All proceeds of this high-impact philanthropic vehicle are returned back to the Foundation to provide resources to further its mission.

The RD Fund is changing how the world treats blinding retinal diseases.
Click here to download the January 2021 Outcomes & Outlook Report.

FACTS OF THE FUND
Uses a variety of investment strategies including convertible debt, equity, royalties, and/or project-based co-funding
Deploys a geographically agnostic approach
Targets initial investment allocations ranging between $2 and 5 million with appropriate reserves
Leverages the breadth and depth of the Foundation’s knowledge, global relationships and resources, including the Clinical Consortium, My Retina Tracker® Registry, Scientific Advisory Board, and outside funding from co-investors
Provides returns when a portfolio company exits (company is sold or becomes a publicly traded company) and funds go back to support the Foundation’s mission
Board of Directors
The RD Fund has an independent Board of Directors comprised of prominent investors, business executives, and clinicians to oversee the portfolio of investments, and to ensure alignment with the Foundation’s mission. They are also charged with balancing risk versus return, and to ensure diversification of indications and therapies within the category.
Management
RD Fund’s seasoned management team is deeply aligned with the Foundation’s mission and are actively seeking and vetting viable and beneficial partnerships.