Participated · Series A · Jun 2022

Gemelli Biotech develops precision, non-invasive diagnostics for gastrointestinal (GI) diseases and has launched two commercial products. Its trio-smart® breath test measures hydrogen, methane, and hydrogen sulfide to provide a more complete picture of gut health, and its ibs-smart® is a patented blood test for post-infectious IBS. Both tests were developed in partnership with the Medically Associated Science and Technology program at Cedars‑Sinai. The company plans to use new capital to accelerate commercialization, expand U.S. sales and marketing, and scale laboratory and manufacturing capacity. Gemelli also intends to grow its operational footprints in Raleigh and Los Angeles. The firm was founded in 2018 and focuses on enabling clinicians to more definitively detect validated biomarkers and optimize treatment for conditions including SIBO, IMO, excess hydrogen sulfide, and post-infectious IBS.

Participated · Series A · May 2018

Emergo Therapeutics is developing norketotifen, the active metabolite of ketotifen, as a treatment to control the body’s immune response to viruses and alleviate flu-like symptoms. The company plans to move ahead with development and testing of norketotifen, leveraging the 40-year safety and efficacy record of ketotifen in asthma and allergic conditions. Emergo was founded in September 2016 by Robin and Nancy Hyde-DeRuyscher and is based in Durham, N.C. In the spring of 2017 Moise Khayrallah joined as CEO, bringing experience from prior drug companies including Addrenex Pharmaceuticals, Neuronex and Aerial BioPharma. The company has secured venture funding to support its development program. Physicians and experts with UNC REX Healthcare participated in assessing Emergo’s technology.

Led · Seed · Apr 2018

Carpe develops dermatologist-tested products that manage sweating across the entire body, including hand lotion, underarm antiperspirant, sweat-proof cosmetics, hair care, and sweat-absorbing products for areas such as the breast, thigh, groin, and scalp. The brand began as a cult favorite solution for excessively sweaty hands and has expanded into a full product suite developed with medical advisors. Carpe sells direct-to-consumer through its own website and e-commerce marketplaces. The company emphasizes proprietary, time-tested formulas that prioritize efficacy, scent, and comfort, and highlights a strong personal connection between its founders and customers. Carpe positions itself as the #1 dermatologist-recommended antiperspirant brand for whole-body sweat protection. The company aims to accelerate growth and reach more customers worldwide with strategic support from its new partner. Carpe offers an antiperspirant lotion designed to reduce hand and foot sweat, with a particular focus on patients with hyperhidrosis. The company was founded in 2015 by lifelong hyperhidrosis sufferers David Spratte (UNC ’17) and Kasper Kubica (Duke ’17). Based in Durham, NC, Carpe’s product targets palm and sole sweating that existing products may not adequately address. The startup plans to use recently raised seed funding to continue expanding its business reach. Seth Radwell, the former CEO of Proactiv, invested in the round and will join Carpe’s board of directors, bringing industry experience. The article does not report operating metrics such as revenue or user counts.