We Discover Big Ideas and Transform Them into World-Leading Ventures

Spencer Trask & Co. transforms big ideas into world changing ventures through the power of the Spencer Trask Network. We have been instrumental in helping companies pioneer technological and scientific advancements in the fields of genomics, healthcare technology, mobile technology, AI, and open innovation.

Scientists and entrepreneurs partner with Spencer Trask because we provide the precise combination of experience, guidance, and foundational capital to protect and build on big ideas. Working with advisors and private investors, Spencer Trask develops those ideas into world-leading companies.

Our Discovery Powers the Internet

Ciena plays the leading role in powering the pan-global capacity of the Internet. Spencer Trask co-founded Ciena Corporation, the world leader in high-capacity optical communications systems. Their venture patented the dual-stage, all-optical amplifier and commercialized the first dense Wave Division Multiplexing (WDM) system — the light amplification technology that drove the internet explosion of the 1990s.

Our Discovery Powers the Internet

Ciena plays the leading role in powering the pan-global capacity of the Internet. Spencer Trask co-founded Ciena Corporation, the world leader in high-capacity optical communications systems. Their venture patented the dual-stage, all-optical amplifier and commercialized the first dense Wave Division Multiplexing (WDM) system — the light amplification technology that drove the internet explosion of the 1990s.

Our Discoveries Save Lives

Myriad received international acclaim for discovering the breast cancer gene, BRCA1. Spencer Trask co-founded Myriad Genetics with the scientists most responsible for creating the technologies that drove the Human Genome Project. They were brought together by our vision of systematically discovering gene mutations that cause major diseases.

“I can tell my children that they don't need to fear they will lose me to breast cancer.ˮ
Angelina Jolie, The New York Times.