Life Sciences VCLink News’ Post

Most drug discovery people tend to think that the effectiveness of their novel APIs is hampered by the lack of adequate drug targeting and precise delivery. Let's turn the conversation around to the question I usually ask.... Can new forms of drug delivery systems (DDS) enable new technological solutions and create therapies for patients in need, regardless of the novelty of API? Khosla Ventures Venture Capitalist Alex Morgan talks about their investment in. Cellfe - Compression wave cell transfection system Cellino- Parallel processing of cell therapies BioNaut - Magnetic guided device mini-device for minimally invasive brain delivery Liberate Bio - Bar-coded LNP formulation strategy for extra hepatic organ targeting. Nice portfolio.... ---- Disclaimer- Views expressed here are of the Author only https://lnkd.in/eH-VR26z

#fundingalert 💼Company: Red Arrow Therapeutics. 💰Funding: $4.5Million ⚡Round: Seed Extension  👥Investors: OSAKA University Venture Capital Co., Ltd., Keio Innovation Initiative, Inc., UTEC - The University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners Co., Ltd., Beyond Next Ventures Inc. Red Arrow Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology business dedicated to creating novel technologies capable of converting “cold” tumours into “hot” tumours that are inflamed. The company’s flagship drug, IL-12-loaded nanopolymeric micelles, will enable it to gather important preclinical data on safety and efficacy through the Seed extension round. Additionally, the investment will make it possible to start production in cooperation with outside partners. Takuya Miyazaki, Ph.D., Rika Tajima, Rika Tajima Read more - https://lnkd.in/eACMDrhW To share your startup story write us on - [email protected] #RedArrowTherapeutics #biotechnology #business #nanopolymeric #funding #fundingnews #news #startupnews #startuprise

🚀 NEW INVESTMENT - Chalmers Ventures does follow-on investment in LanteRNA – #deeptech accelerating tomorrow's #vaccine and drug development Chalmers Ventures is investing in portfolio company LanteRNA, whose technology is based on leading research from Marcus Wilhelmsson's research group in collaboration with Elin Esbjörner's group specializing in microscopy methods at Chalmers University of Technology. LanteRNA's solution creates better processes for vaccine and drug development. By using fluorescent base analogs in RNA, researchers in academia and the pharmaceutical industry can study, for example, the uptake of mRNA in individual cells and the ability of mRNA to form proteins within the cell. LanteRNA's technology is based on many years of research at Chalmers, AstraZeneca, and the research center FoRmulaEx, and today the company is one of Chalmers Ventures' portfolio companies. -We know how crucial it is to ensure that new high-quality medicines reach the market faster, says Popescu Ana Maria, Head of Venture Creation and Pre-Seed Investor, Chalmers Ventures. LanteRNA is a great example of how co-creation with various actors can create groundbreaking research companies that enable precisely this. Chalmers Ventures, Almi Invest, and Scale Up Life Science Invest are now investing in LanteRNA. -This successful investment round is an important milestone for us at LanteRNA. We can now go full speed ahead and create powerful and user-friendly tools for researchers to develop new generations of medicines against currently incurable diseases, says Felix Mossberg, CEO of LanteRNA. Over the past two years, the company has shown good development in terms of product concepts and sales. With the new financing, LanteRNA looks forward to further developing its innovative fluorescence platform within the RNA therapy field and its adjacent research areas towards additional applications and paid collaborations. - Jesper Nilsson, Head of Research and Founder  - Marcus Wilhelmsson, Chairman of the Board and Founder  - Felix Mossberg, CEO  - Sofi Gummeson, Head of Synthesis and Production Chalmers University of Technology Chalmers School of Entrepreneurship Chalmers Innovation Office

VC dollars pour into Biopharma, with Q2 haul signaling sunshine ahead - Some interesting trends: With venture investments pouring into biopharma, steady M&A deals and an increasingly widening IPO market, J.P. Morgan sees the industry returning to growth - finally. * Fundraising primarily focused on companies with candidates in the clinic, which is a change from last year, according to J.P. Morgan. Phase 1 companies raised a median round of $76 million in the second quarter, which is double the figure from the same period a year earlier. For phase 3 companies, the median was $100 million, which is more than double the full-year 2023 value for late-stage companies. * Biologics and small molecules continue to attract the most popular investments and licensing deals. * Particularly of interest were antibody-based therapies and antibody-drug conjugates, while cell and gene therapy partnerships declined in aggregate value.

Many of the topics featured in this insightful Nature article are trends that we have observed at JPM, BIO, BIO-IT, the Biotech2050 podcast, and with Clora’s clients this year. As we navigate the evolving landscape of biotech funding, it's clear that the industry is cautiously turning a corner. Recent funding trends highlight that fundraising success is increasingly concentrated among biotechs that have formed with proven teams, have some existing funding, or have shown proof-of-concept. There are also many promising emerging opportunities overseas. While the Nature article highlights the increased attention in Chinese assets, we’ve also seen sophisticated investors emerge from countries in the Middle East, adding emphasis to the importance for many companies stuck in “middle limbo” and startups to think outside traditional biotech VC pathways and look to alternatives including individuals/families, research institute or government grants, and corporate venture capital. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for navigating the current biotech funding environment, and it's clear that adaptability and innovative operating models will be key to success in the months ahead. #biotech #pharma #lifesciences #fundraising #biotechfunding

This post has more of the model I think is interesting.

The Biggest Private Biotech Investments in February 2024 💷💵💹 🌟 Exciting Insights Alert! 🌟 Curious about the latest trends shaping the biotech investment landscape? Look no further! Dive into the February 2024 Biotech Investments Report by LaBiotech and stay ahead of the game. From funding rounds to promising startups, this comprehensive analysis sheds light on the future of biotech. If you would be keen to learn more about a candidate who can help you drive a successful fundraising round, I have the person you're looking for, please do not hesitate to contact me at +44203 88 77 365. Check out the report here: https://lnkd.in/gJgGxvQQ #Biotech #Investments #Innovation #BiotechTrends #LaBiotech #StayInformed

Drug delivery is one of the most critical challenges in the biotech industry, and Khosla Ventures is at the forefront of addressing it. In a recent BioPharma Dive article I thought I would highlight, Alex Morgan sheds light on innovative solutions in cell therapy and drug delivery. Discover how Khosla Ventures is steering its investments to tackle these challenges, offering insights into the future of biotech. #Biotech #Innovation #Healthcare #VentureCapital #DrugDelivery #KhoslaVentures #AlexMorgan #moleculargenomics Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eTGz7uag

PRIVATE BIOTECH FUNDRAISING – MORE INSIGHTS During a panel discussion titled "Opportunities for Financing Your Company Through Series B and Beyond," experts such as Ellen Hukkelhoven from Perceptive Advisors and Alethia Young from Bicycle Therapeutics shared their insights during the BIO CEO & Investor Conference in NYC last week. Key takeaways include: - Series B means “Be in the clinic”. However, there still is a small opening for strong pre-clinical stories to get funded. - Emerging Corporate Venture Funds: Corporates are increasingly filling the private financing gap across stages. - Sovereign Wealth Funds: Groups such as Mubadala are demonstrating a strong willingness to invest, even leading late-stage deals. - Gaining Investor Attention: With numerous companies vying for investment, consider hiring an IR advisor to stand out. - Communication is Key: Articulate your value proposition in clear, understandable terms to bridge the knowledge gap with potential investors. It's important to remember not all investors have a Ph.D. Simplify complex biotechnological concepts to ensure your innovative ideas are accessible and engaging to a broader audience. - Funding for Milestones: Investors and strategic partners alike prioritize companies with sufficient runway to reach significant milestones. - Early Business Development: Initiating business development campaigns early on can create valuable optionality for your company. Leveraging Conference Partnering Systems: As an investor in the conference partnering system, 300 companies reached out to me. I briefly evaluated most of them. For those leveraging the conference partnering system, consider these strategies to maximize your impact: - Research and Target: Identify and engage with investors whose interests align with your company's focus. Avoid spending time on those unlikely to invest in companies like yours (e.g., stage, etc.). - Proactive Outreach: Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with potential investors ahead of the conference, highlighting why they would want to meet with your company NOW. What is the opportunity and sense of urgency? - Create Interest: Ensure your profile in the partnering system is compelling, generating excitement and a sense of urgency among investors. A simple "this is what we are working on, let us know if you are interested" approach is no longer effective. - Announce Your Attendance: Utilize traditional and social media to broadcast your participation and readiness to engage in meaningful discussions.   #PrivateBiotechFundraising #SeriesB #MiddleEastInvestorsBiotech #Mubadala #BIOCEOInvestorConference #PerceptiveAdvisors #BicycleTherapeutics #HSBCInnovation   https://lnkd.in/eKS6iXAY

INVESTING in REVERSE AGING COMPANIES Here are the top 8 Players in the Reverse Aging industry. The only two publicly traded through an IPO are UNITY Biotechnology (UBX) on NASDAQ and AgeX Therapeutics, Inc. (AGE) in the NYSE. 1)   Calico Life Sciences ·     Funding: $3.5 billion ·     Location: California, USA ·     Major Investors: Alphabet Inc. (Google), AbbVie ·     Government/Abroad Funding: No direct government grants mentioned; collaboration with global institutions. ·     Details: Initial investment of $1.5 billion in 2014, extended with $1 billion in 2018, and an additional $1 billion in 2021 ($500 million from each party) (FierceBiotech)(GEN News)(pharmaphorum). 2)   Altos Labs ·     Funding: $3 billion ·     Location: Los Altos, California, with additional operations in San Diego, UK, and Japan ·     Major Investors: Jeff Bezos, Hal Barron (ex-GlaxoSmithKline) ·     Government/Abroad Funding: Operations in the UK and Japan imply potential government engagement. 3)   Human Longevity, Inc. ·     Funding: $330 million ·     Location: California, USA ·     Major Investors: Emerging Technology Partners, Celgene ·     Government/Abroad Funding: Mainly private investors and venture capital; partnerships with international biotech firms. 4)   Insilico Medicine ·     Funding: $306.3 million ·     Location: Hong Kong ·     Major Investors: Warburg Pincus, Qiming Venture Partners, Pavilion Capital, Sinovation Ventures ·     Government/Abroad Funding: No specific government funding; funded by international venture capital firms. 5)   UNITY Biotechnology ·     Funding: $290.6 million before its IPO ·     Location: California, USA ·     Major Investors: Peter Thiel, Jeff Bezos, Hercules Capital, Invus, Arch Venture Partners ·     Government/Abroad Funding: Primarily private funding from notable investors; no direct government funding reported. 6)   Juvenescence® ·     Funding: $219.2 million ·     Location: Ireland ·     Major Investors: Longevity Vision Fund, Grok Ventures, IPGL ·     Government/Abroad Funding: No direct government funding; international investors such as Longevity Vision Fund. 7)   Life Biosciences ·     Funding: $124 million ·     Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA ·     Major Investors: LeFrak, Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) ·     Government/Abroad Funding: Collaboration with multiple international research institutes; received funding from ADDF. 8)   Elevian, Inc. ·     Funding: $64.3 million ·     Location: Massachusetts, USA ·     Major Investors: Leslie Ventures, Bold Capital Partners, Prime Movers Lab ·     Government/Abroad Funding: No direct government funding mentioned; funded by international venture capital firms.