Armon Sharei (Portal)
Overview
Armon Sharei, Ph.D., is a prominent figure in the biotechnology sector, notably for his work in cell engineering and delivery technologies. Sharei is the founder and CEO of Portal Biotechnologies, a company focused on developing simplified solutions for intracellular delivery. Prior to this, he was the founder and CEO of SQZ Biotechnologies, where he developed pioneering methods to introduce material into cells. Armon Sharei's contributions have been widely recognized, and his innovations in cell therapy have been heralded by notable publications and industry leaders.
Recent Developments
In recent years, Armon Sharei has made significant strides with Portal Biotechnologies, advancing technology that simplifies intracellular delivery across various research and clinical applications:
- April 2025: Portal Biotechnologies announced an oversubscribed $7M seed round, enabling the company to expand its cell engineering platform. The funding, led by IA Ventures, aims to bolster the company's capabilities in both research and clinical settings.
- March 2024: A $5M pre-seed funding round, led by Pear VC, was raised to support the development of Portal's innovative mechanical delivery technology. This aims to enhance RNA, gene editing, and AI-driven discovery technologies.
- 2024: Portal Biotechnologies initiated beta programs with over 20 biotech and pharmaceutical companies, demonstrating its platform's versatility and potential as a transformational research tool.
- December 2023: Portal Biotechnologies was launched, emerging from stealth with partnerships involving major pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions, including being part of the Bayer Co.Lab and Roche Accelerator.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Armon Sharei |
| Born | Not publicly available |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Founder & CEO of Portal |
| Known For | Innovations in Cell Therapy |
| Education | Ph.D. from MIT |
Early Life and Education
Armon Sharei grew up with a strong interest in science and technology. He pursued his undergraduate education at Stanford University, where he excelled in his studies, earning several accolades including the Firestone Medal for Excellence in Undergraduate Research and the David M. Kennedy Honors Thesis Prize. His passion for biotechnological innovations led him to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he completed his Ph.D. His research at MIT, focused on the mechanical delivery of materials into cells, would lay the foundation for his future entrepreneurial endeavors.
Career and Notable Achievements
Armon Sharei's career is marked by groundbreaking contributions to biotechnology:
- Founder of SQZ Biotechnologies: Sharei founded SQZ Biotechnologies to commercialize his Ph.D. research. The company received acclaim for its innovative cell therapy technologies, winning a startup competition which positioned its technology as one of Scientific American's Top 10 World Changing Ideas of 2014.
- IPO and Partnerships: Under his leadership, SQZ Biotechnologies raised over $300 million in funding, went public on the NYSE, and forged a billion-dollar collaboration with Roche.
- Founding Portal Biotechnologies: After leaving SQZ, Sharei founded Portal Biotechnologies in 2023, aiming to provide mechanical solutions for drug delivery into cells. The company's unique platform has quickly gained traction, backed by substantial funding rounds and numerous industry partnerships.
Current Work and Impact
As the CEO of Portal Biotechnologies, Armon Sharei continues to innovate in the biotechnology space. Portal's approach to facilitating intracellular delivery has the potential to revolutionize biological research and therapeutic applications. The company's "Powered by Portal" model allows it to integrate its technology into existing high-throughput clinical and research equipment, promising wide applicability across various fields of medicine and science.
Conclusion
Armon Sharei's ongoing work in cell engineering and biotechnological innovation solidifies his role as a key figure in advancing modern medical science. By bridging the gap between research and practical application, his efforts with Portal Biotechnologies are set to make significant impacts on how cellular therapies and drug delivery systems are developed and implemented. His work not only holds promise for improving therapeutic outcomes but also for democratizing access to advanced cell therapies across the globe.