Dr. Ariane Tom is a neuroengineer and early-stage investor applying over a decade of research insight to venture capital, patent law, and public policy. Throughout her academic career at Stanford, Ariane spearheaded neuroengineering research programs combining materials science and biotechnology resulting in multiple 1st-author publications in Science and Nature. Applications of her work with luminaries Karl Deisseroth and Zhenan Bao include brain-mapping, prosthetics, drug delivery, and neuromodulation. She is the Founder & Director of Kaleida Capital, an investment firm developing startups for precision neuroscience, in pursuit of advancing improved therapies for neurological disease.

Prior to Kaleida Capital, Ariane cultivated a top-performing direct investment track record driving $40M in complex biotech deals with 6.5X MOIC in 2 years at Anzu Partners. In that role, she served as Board Observer at 3 companies focused on enabling technology platforms for precision medicine, diagnostics, and drug development. Prior to venture capital, she worked at Schox Patent Group crafting patents and defining IP strategy for clients in life science, medical device, and wearable tech. In addition to biotech, Ariane brings hands-on experience in renewable energy as a former policy analyst at the U.S. Department of Energy and NGO research affiliate for solar electrification projects in West Africa.

Ariane has a founder-friendly reputation with proven ability to foster meaningful relationships amongst the highest levels of industry executives and investment directors. She has a talent for opportunity recognition, leadership, and strategic thinking across disciplines. She is an active advocate for women in STEM and a champion of diversity in venture capital. Dr. Tom holds a B.S. in Materials Science & Engineering, an M.S. in Bioengineering, and a Ph.D. in Bioengineering from Stanford University.