LaunchCyte operates like an incubator, helping found and scale early-stage life-science companies with the goal of commercializing new technologies. The firm invests capital in its portfolio companies and assists in recruiting management talent, but it engages at an earlier stage than most venture firms. LaunchCyte has six portfolio companies, all based in Pennsylvania, including Immunetrics (clinical-trial software), Celsense (real-time imaging of transplanted cells), Proteopure (lab research kits), and Knopp Neurosciences (an ALS drug with a Biogen licensing deal). The company raised $1.055 million in equity in its latest filing, expected to be part of a $1.575 million fundraise, and the funding was sourced from six investors. LaunchCyte began in 2000 and has previously received funding from the University of Pittsburgh. Tom Petzinger is CEO and co-founder. LaunchCyte operates as a biotechnology commercialization firm that discovers new technologies, creates companies to bring those technologies to market, invests in them, and helps them secure additional capital before exiting. The firm typically gets involved earlier in the company‑formation process than most venture firms. All six of LaunchCyte’s portfolio companies are based in Pennsylvania. Portfolio companies named in the article include Immunetrics Inc., Celsense Inc., and Proteopure, and its most advanced portfolio company, Knopp Neurosciences, is developing a drug for Lou Gehrig’s disease currently in Phase 2 trials. LaunchCyte began in 2000 and has previously received funding from the University of Pittsburgh. The company recently raised funds but its specific plans for that capital are unclear; the CEO did not return a call for comment.

Total raised

$2M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Jun 2011