Participated · Equity · Mar 2026

Founded in 2017 as a spin-off from Graz University of Technology, Austria-based VALANX Biotech engineers site-specific protein conjugations through its proprietary GoldenSite platform. The technology enables precise, reproducible attachment of therapeutic payloads to antibodies, aiming to widen the therapeutic window of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). VALANX’s lead program, VLX-ADC-001, targets the LIV-1 protein frequently expressed in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer, a tumor type with limited treatment options. The company intends to complete candidate selection for VLX-ADC-001 by June 2026 and to bring GoldenSite to GMP readiness for future clinical work and partnerships. Beyond the lead asset, VALANX plans to apply GoldenSite to additional ADC and protein-conjugate programs and to seek collaborations with other ADC developers. The most recent €3 million financing strengthens its balance sheet for preclinical studies, manufacturing scale-up, and business development activities. Key backers include strategic investor FUJIFILM Corporation, oncology-focused Foundation Fournier-Majoie, and repeat supporters such as xista science ventures, Tecnet Equity, and SOSV.

Participated · Seed · May 2024

Hephaistos-Pharma is a preclinical biotech developing ONCO-Boost, a first‑in‑class intravenous immunostimulant that targets the innate immune response to treat cancers non‑responding to current regimens. The company is focused on enabling treatment of metastatic and hard‑to‑treat indications. Led by CEO Frederic Caroff, Hephaistos uses a technology designed for intravenous administration to reach systemic disease. It plans to use the new funding to expand operations and accelerate R&D. Hephaistos is part of the SyStInn consortium, which received additional grant funding to support clinical evaluation of ONCO-Boost. The company has operations in Lyon, France and a subsidiary in Liège, Belgium. HEPHAISTOS-Pharma develops next-generation immunotherapies for cancer, with a lead candidate called ONCO-Boost targeting solid tumors, notably sarcoma. The company plans to use new funding to finance GMP transfer and to advance ONCO-Boost toward clinical development. Proceeds will enable industrialization of its manufacturing process and preparation for clinical phases. HEPHAISTOS also intends to open a new subsidiary in Liège, Wallonia to leverage local facilities and expertise, explore additional applications, and strengthen its pipeline. Frederic Caroff is CEO and co-founder.

Participated · Seed · Apr 2021

Mablink Bioscience is a biopharmaceutical company based in Lyon, France, focused on developing antibody-drug conjugates. The company has developed PSARlink™, an innovative and hydrophilic drug-linker technology designed to improve the pharmacological properties of ADCs. Led by CEO Jean-Guillaume Lafay, Mablink completed a €4M seed financing to support its programs. The proceeds from the seed round will be used to advance its ADC pipeline. The article identifies the financing as a seed round and does not detail other financial instruments or prior fundraising rounds.

Participated · Series B · Oct 2014

Biogazelle is a provider of expert laboratory services focused on gene expression analysis. The company leverages RNA sequencing, digital PCR and software tools to deliver its laboratory services. Biogazelle was founded in 2007 as a Ghent University spin-off by Jan Hellemans (CEO) and Jo Vandesompele (CSO). It intends to use the new funding to further develop research on therapeutic RNA targets for specific cancer types and to expand its commercial activities. The recent financing reflects the company’s effort to support both R&D and commercial expansion.