Steve Paul
InvestorVenture Partner at Third Rock Ventures · Director at Sage Therapeutics
East Coast
Writes $100K – $5M checks · typically $1.5M
About
Steve Paul is a physician-scientist with over 40 years of experience in neuroscience, molecular neuropharmacology, and CNS drug discovery and development. He spent 18 years at the NIH, including as scientific director of the National Institute of Mental Health, followed by 17 years at Eli Lilly and Company where he rose to Executive Vice President for Science and Technology and President of the Lilly Research Laboratories. He co-founded several CNS-focused biotech companies, including Sage Therapeutics, Voyager Therapeutics (where he was president and CEO), and Karuna Pharmaceuticals (where he served as CEO and chairman). He first joined Third Rock Ventures in 2010 and returned in 2018 as a venture partner, and remains a professor of psychiatry and neurology at Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine.
Beyond investing
- Founded
- Is the scientific co-founder of Sage Therapeutics. Co-founded Voyager Therapeutics, a CNS gene therapy company.
- Education
- Earned a B.A. in Biology and Psychology from Tulane University. Received an M.S. from Tulane University School of Medicine. Received an M.D. from Tulane University School of Medicine.
- Boards
- Serves as Chairman of the Board of the Foundation for the NIH (FNIH). Served on the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) and National Institute of Mental Health Advisory Councils. Was appointed to the Advisory Committee to the Director of the NIH from 2001-2006. Served on the science board of the FDA from 2012-2014.
- Awards
- Is an elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Is a member of the National Academy of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences. Is an elected fellow emeritus of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP) and served as its President in 1999.
- More
- Has authored or co-authored more than 550 papers and book chapters.
Mentioned above: the Tulane University mafia →
From Steve's own website — common ground for a warm intro.
Director at Sage Therapeutics
Intro paths
In turn, Steve can intro founders to Sage Therapeutics's investors below.
Sage Therapeutics's investors · 1
Experience
- Seaport TherapeuticsFounder and Board Chaircurrent2024 — present
- Third Rock VenturesVenture Partnercurrent2010 — present
- Karuna TherapeuticsPresident of Research & Development and Chief Scientific Officer2023 — 2024
- Karuna TherapeuticsCEO and Chairman of the Board2018 — 2023Greater Boston
- Voyager Therapeutics, Inc.Senior Advisor, Co-founder and Board Member2018 — 2022
- Voyager Therapeutics, Inc.CEO2014 — 2018
Skills & more
From Steve's professional profile.
Investments
Board seats
Karuna TherapeuticsRapport TherapeuticsSage Therapeutics
Per the investor's own website.
Colleagues at Third Rock Ventures
Frequently asked questions
- Who is Steve Paul?
- Steve Paul is a physician-scientist with over 40 years of experience in neuroscience, molecular neuropharmacology, and CNS drug discovery and development. He spent 18 years at the NIH, including as scientific director of the National Institute of Mental Health, followed by 17 years at Eli Lilly and Company where he rose to Executive Vice President for Science and Technology and President of the Lilly Research Laboratories. He co-founded several CNS-focused biotech companies, including Sage Therapeutics, Voyager Therapeutics (where he was president and CEO), and Karuna Pharmaceuticals (where he served as CEO and chairman). He first joined Third Rock Ventures in 2010 and returned in 2018 as a venture partner, and remains a professor of psychiatry and neurology at Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine.
- Where does Steve Paul work?
- Steve Paul is Venture Partner at Third Rock Ventures.
- What check size does Steve Paul write?
- Steve Paul typically writes checks of $100K – $5M.
- What boards does Steve Paul sit on?
- Steve Paul holds tracked board seats at Karuna Therapeutics, Rapport Therapeutics, Sage Therapeutics.
- Where did Steve Paul go to school?
- Steve Paul studied at Tulane University (Bachelor of Applied Science - BASc, Medicine).
- What awards has Steve Paul received?
- Is an elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Is a member of the National Academy of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences. Is an elected fellow emeritus of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP) and served as its President in 1999.
Founder mafias
Third Rock Ventures mafia16
Also came through, then founded or led a company.
+ 9 more
Tulane University mafia9
Also came through, then founded or led a company.
+ 2 more
Sage Therapeutics mafia3
Also came through, then founded or led a company.
Seaport Therapeutics mafia2
Also came through, then founded or led a company.
Voyager Therapeutics, Inc. mafia2
Also came through, then founded or led a company.
Same school
Also attended Tulane University71
+ 65 more




























