The Berkeley Catalyst Fund (BCF) is a venture capital firm dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the UC Berkeley ecosystem. Collaborating closely with UC Berkeley, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, UC San Francisco, and various incubators and accelerators, BCF aims to support the vibrant startup community in the San Francisco Bay Area. The fund primarily focuses on sectors such as life sciences—including therapeutics, diagnostics, and medical devices—biotechnology, agriculture, cleantech (encompassing clean air, clean water, and energy storage), and sensors.

BCF typically invests at the Seed and Series A stages, providing early-stage companies with the necessary resources and guidance to scale and succeed. It's important to note that while BCF operates in close association with UC Berkeley, it is a separate legal entity, with the UC Berkeley Foundation serving as a Special Limited Partner. Additionally, BCF maintains a contractual relationship with the university, ensuring alignment with its mission and values.