Life sciences start-ups give hope

Dear reader 

Well-known VCs have invested a further CHF 20 million in Memo Therapeutics. The Schlieren-based company will use the money to push ahead with clinical trials for its most advanced drug candidate, which aims to treat a viral infection following a kidney transplant.

Basel-based BioVersys has been working with GSK for some time on the development of a tuberculosis drug. Now the pharmaceutical giant has also acquired a stake in the biotech start-up. Further investment from existing and new investors has extended the series C financing round by CHF 12.3 million, resulting in total proceeds of CHF 44.9 million to date.

Allegria is working on therapeutics for allergies and inflammatory diseases and has now secured USD 3.5 million in a seed round. Start-ups at the interface of IT and life sciences have also attracted investors. Ticino-based GoHealthy is developing a digital toolbox for mental health and has secured its first investment. Axmed, which is backed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has raised USD 2 million to launch its marketplace for medications in emerging and growth markets. The company was originally founded in Boston, but is now in the process of moving its headquarters to Basel, where two of the three founders are already based.

The financing environment remains difficult and the fact that the larger rounds come in tranches makes this clear. Nevertheless, a positive trend is slowly emerging again in the biotech sector. It was also particularly pleasing that we were able to report four further financing rounds for cybersecurity, robotics and cleantech companies. Security start-up Anapaya secured the largest sum with CHF 10 million.

Money is given mainly to start-ups that already have traction and programmes such as Innosuisse’s grant for start-up innovation projects help to develop this traction. Since the programme’s launch in 2023, 45 companies have received funding. A complete overview can be found in our article. Incidentally, of the 45 companies, those from the life sciences make up the largest group, ahead of ICT start-ups.

The ZKB Pionierpreis Technopark was also presented this week, going to Decentriq. The start-up enables companies and other organisations to carry out data analysis without passing on sensitive data.

Fintech and insurtech start-ups can apply for Tenity’s pre-seed programme until 20 May. The application deadline for a pitch at the 10th Medtech Innovation Event is 22 May. The application phase for ClimateLaunchpad ends on 29 May. I would also like to draw your attention to Startup Days in Bern on 30 May; the 18 start-ups that will pitch at the event have been announced. In addition, registered visitors can now arrange one-to-one meetings on the event platform.

Have a good weekend.
Stefan Kyora

Editor in Chief, Startupticker.ch