About
Jake Merrill, CFA, is a principal at Sands Capital Management, LLC, based in Los Angeles, California. In his role, he identifies, assesses, and monitors investments, focusing primarily on the life sciences sector, and is a key member of the Life Sciences Pulse strategy at the firm.
Jake began his investment career at Sands Capital in 2014 and, after a stint as a research analyst at Causeway Capital Management, rejoined Sands Capital in 2016 as a senior associate specializing in life sciences. He was promoted to principal in 2021, solidifying his leadership in coverage of biotechnology, therapeutics, and related healthcare innovation.
He holds a BS from the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia and is a CFA charterholder. Jake's expertise in evaluating high-growth companies, particularly in healthcare and biotech, has contributed to advancing innovative investment approaches within the sector, including guiding notable financings such as the recent Series D round for SpyGlass Pharma.
Career History
| Organization | Role | Date Range | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sands Capital Management | Principal | Aug 2018 to Present | — |
| Dice Molecules | Board Observer | Feb 2019 to Present | — |
| Halt Medical Inc. - Acessa Procedure | Board Observer | Mar 2019 to Aug 2020 | — |
| Sands Capital Ventures | Senior Associate | Sep 2018 to Present | — |
| Sands Capital Management | Senior Research Associate | Dec 2017 to Aug 2018 | — |
| Causeway Capital Management LLC | Research Analyst | May 2016 to Jan 2017 | — |
| Sands Capital Management | Research Associate | Jul 2014 to Apr 2016 | — |
Education
University of Virginia
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
CFA Institute
Charter Holder
Skills & Expertise
Others at Sands Capital Management, LLC (21)
| Name | Role | Location |
|---|---|---|
 | Managing Director, Business Development and Client Relations | Washington, DC , United States |
 | Research Analyst | New York, NY , United States |
 | Client Relations Analyst | Washington, DC , United States |
E Emerson Bluhm | Portfolio Manager, Senior Research Analyst | Arlington, VA , United States |
 | Research Analyst | United Kingdom |
 | Managing Director, London | Weybridge, United Kingdom |
 | Sr. Research Analyst | Portfolio Manager Associate | Washington, DC , United States |
 | Research Analyst | Washington, DC , United States |
 | Research Analyst | Arlington, VA , United States |
 | Research Analyst | Washington, DC , United States |
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