The Venture Codex

Participated · Series A · Jan 2023

iVexSol is a Lexington, MA–based technology-driven CDMO focused on production of lentiviral vectors (LVVs) for cell and gene therapies. Its platform uses banks of vector-producing cells to produce LVV at greater quantities than current approaches and to facilitate rapid scale-out within a smaller manufacturing footprint. The company is currently focused on generating stable LVV cell lines using each client’s gene of interest to enable an on-demand supply of vector. iVexSol says these advances enable shorter clinical development timelines, reduced costs, and increased global access for patients. The company intends to use the funds to advance process and analytical technologies, expand technical teams in Quality, Regulatory and cGMP operations, and augment infrastructure to support production of stable LVV producer cell lines. The company is led by co-founder and CEO Dr. Rodney Rietze. iVexSol develops a proprietary, next-generation stable lentiviral vector (LVV) production process intended to produce LVVs at significantly greater quantities than traditional transient transfection methods. The company’s core product is commercial-grade LVV and stable LVV producer cell line master banks for use in cell and gene therapy manufacturing. iVexSol says its technology enables a smaller manufacturing footprint and rapid scale-out to meet global demand, aiming to provide vector supply “on-demand” to shorten clinical timelines and reduce costs. The company plans to use the Series A proceeds to establish a cGMP manufacturing facility in Lexington, MA. Leadership includes co-founder and CEO Dr. Rodney Rietze, who framed the technology as addressing supply bottlenecks and long production wait times. Financially, iVexSol closed a $13.0M Series A as part of $15.2M raised to date. iVexSol is a Boston, MA-based viral vector manufacturing company led by CEO Dr. Rodney Rietze. The company is built on a proprietary, stable lentiviral vector production process intended to transform how gene-delivery vehicles are made. Its technology aims to reduce the complexity, cost, and development time of critical reagents for cell and gene therapies. iVexSol positions its platform to accelerate development and improve access for CGT researchers and manufacturers. In January 2019 the company raised $2.0m in new convertible debt funding. The company intends to use the funds to advance the development of its solutions.

Participated · Equity · Sep 2019

Sexton Biotechnologies is a revenue-stage biotechnology company focused on developing and selling bioproduction tools for cell and gene therapy. Its product portfolio includes the CellSeal platform of cryo-compatible containers and fill/finish systems and hPL supplements including Stemulate, n-Liven PR, and the T-Liven PRTM T-cell activity verified product. Sexton plans to expand and scale commercialization of these products and continue building its platform to enable flexible integration into cell and gene therapy manufacturing to accelerate process development. The company was spun out of Cook Regentec in 2019 and comprises a 17-person team that developed and commercialized the products since 2015. Sexton will lease production and office space inside Cook Regentec’s facility through 2024 and was scheduled to become fully independent after a closing on October 1, 2019. The company intends to leverage investor partnerships to expand its customer base and sales and marketing reach while further developing its offerings.

Led · Equity · May 2018

Savsu Technologies is an Albuquerque, NM–based designer and manufacturer of cloud-connected passive storage and transport containers optimized for the cell and gene therapy supply chain. Its products are innovative, high-performance passive containers for temperature-sensitive biologics and pharmaceuticals. Led by CEO Dana Barnard, the company offers cloud-connected solutions aimed at preserving cold-chain conditions during storage and transport. In May 2018 Savsu raised $1M in equity funding from BioLife Solutions (NASDAQ: BLFS). Following the investment BioLife increased its ownership to 31% from 26% after accounting for historical capital contributions. BioLife also placed its CEO Mike Rice and CFO Roderick de Greef on Savsu’s board, creating a closer strategic relationship with the biopreservation-media developer and manufacturer.