Christopher Male launched the first Autism Impact Fund in 2021 to use venture capital “to revolutionize the status quo” for diagnosing, treating and living with autism. As a parent of an 11-year-old diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, that mission is deeply personal.
“As somebody who had the means, access and resources, and was able to make it a full-time job to help my son out — and saw how difficult, antiquated, fragmented and broken it was — I really reflected and was like, ‘How is anybody doing this that doesn’t have what I have?’” Male said. “And the reality is, they’re not, and their kids are suffering. The families are suffering.”
Drawing on a network built while working at his uncle’s family office, Male secured $60 million from high-net-worth individuals, including Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi and Bob Nelsen of Arch Venture Partners, and family offices such as Fairfield-Maxwell and the Frist family in Tennessee.
Institutional impact
The first fund has backed 17 companies, and notched two exits. Some LPs have returned for Autism Impact’s second fund, which is targeting innovative solutions that improve care and quality of life for individuals, especially young people living with autism, as well as solutions that lower costs for payers and families.
“We’re really proving out the thesis that you can drive market returns as well as drive impact at scale, but the coolest part is putting my son to bed at night, knowing that I’m helping him,” Male told ImpactAlpha. “It’s no longer viewed as a nice market or being neglected or not investable. We’re seeing some of this innovation really help families, really help kids.”
Autism-focused
Autism Impact Fund participated in venture funding rounds for companies like Cortica, a San Diego-based company building a “whole-child” care model for families of autistic and neurodivergent children. Another portfolio company is Nashville-based Imagine Pediatrics, which partners with major health insurers, to deliver virtual and in-home care for children with complex medical needs.
SpectrumAI is helping clinicians deliver value-based care to children living with autism, while Joshin offers solutions including care navigation, workplace support and peer support for individuals living with autism and other neurodivergent conditions; both were acquired last year.
“The pipeline of deals and opportunities is really robust,” Male said.
