Participated · Seed · Feb 2026

GelMEDIX is building regenerative ophthalmic therapies around a proprietary injectable hydrogel scaffold that is delivered as a liquid and light-activated in situ to form a biocompatible, biodegradable matrix. The platform is engineered to protect transplanted cells during injection, localize them at the target site, and promote integration and tissue regeneration, thereby improving the safety and efficacy of cell and gene therapies. Its lead candidate, GMX-101, combines the scaffold with iPSC-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells to replace damaged tissue and halt disease progression in late-stage Geographic Atrophy; preclinical studies have shown improved cell survival, engraftment, and vision preservation. Beyond internal programs, GelMEDIX has signed its first strategic collaboration with a global pharmaceutical company that will pair the scaffold with multiple stem cell lines to create new cell therapies. Proceeds from the recent $13 million seed round will fund advancement of GMX-101 toward the clinic and further validation of the hydrogel platform. The company also added MIT Professor Michael J. Cima and Safar Partners’ Parinaz Motamedy to its board, reinforcing technical and investor support.

Participated · Seed · Jun 2024

Biophta is a Paris-based preclinical biotech developing a thiomer biopolymers technological platform for ocular diseases. Its lead product is a 3mm ophthalmic insert that transforms on the eye into a hydrogel pellet and delivers a continuous, controlled low dose of drug for seven days. The company holds an intellectual-property position on the platform and conducted initial development with the Paris Institut de la Vision and Nancy Université de Lorraine's CITHEFOR research team. Biophta plans to use the new funding to accelerate a first-in-human trial of topical ophthalmic inserts for glaucoma and to advance a second program targeting macular edema. The €6.5M seed financing will fund those clinical and development activities. Founders Jean Cuiné and Jean Garrec together bring over 40 years of experience in ophthalmology and drug development.