Participated · Series D · Mar 2023

Lunaphore, led by CEO Ata Tuna Ciftlik, develops chip-based solutions that extract spatial proteomic and transcriptomic data from tumors and other tissues. Its platform transforms standard assays into multiplex spatial biology to support research in immunology, immuno-oncology, and neuroscience. The technology enables identification of biomarker signatures with clinical relevance to aid diagnostic development and streamline clinical trials. Lunaphore intends to use the new funding to strengthen its spatial biology portfolio and to support commercial execution to meet customer demand. The company recently completed a CHF40M first close of a Series D that includes a EUR10M venture debt facility. Lunaphore Technologies develops next-generation tissue autostainers using a microfluidics-based technology called FFeX (Fast Fluidic Exchange). The FFeX platform is designed to perform assays much faster than standard techniques and has shown promising results in tests with cancer patient samples. The company focuses on equipment for cancer research and tissue diagnostics and is working on next-generation instruments. Founded in 2014 and based in Lausanne, Switzerland, Lunaphore plans to use recent funds for market and product expansion, including a US market entry and a ramp-up of activities in Europe. Financially, the company completed a Series C2 closing that added CHF2M and contributed to a CHF25M total Series C round. The Swiss Entrepreneurs Fund invested in the Series C2 and has committed a total of CHF5M to Lunaphore. Lunaphore Technologies develops next‑generation tissue autostainers based on its FFeX (Fast Fluidic Exchange) microfluidics technology to perform assays faster than standard techniques and has demonstrated promising results with cancer patient samples. The company is based in Lausanne, Switzerland and was founded in 2014. It focuses on products for tissue analytics, pathology workflows and immuno‑oncology research. Lunaphore plans to use the Series C proceeds for market and product expansion, including a US market entry, ramping up activities in Europe and developing next‑generation instruments. The company completed a first closing of a CHF 23M Series C financing on January 15, 2020 (the round was oversubscribed). Lunaphore designs next-generation devices for cancer tissue diagnostics, including a precision medicine solution that performs ultra-rapid immunostainings. The company intends to use the new funding to obtain CE marking and support a product launch. Management says the financing validates partnerships announced in recent months and will help drive market adoption of its first products. The round was oversubscribed and finalized in August 2018. Lunaphore’s CEO, Ata Tuna Ciftlik, and board members highlighted progress toward commercialisation and market launch in the coming months. Lunaphore develops devices based on microfluidic tissue processor technology aimed at shortening the time required for cancer diagnostics assays while maintaining high precision. The company has tested its technology in collaboration with key opinion leaders and across laboratories and hospitals internationally. Lunaphore intends to use the recently raised funds for the development and market introduction of its devices. The company was founded in 2014 by Dr. Ata Tuna Ciftlik, who serves as CEO. Lunaphore is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland and focuses on translating its microfluidic platform into clinical diagnostic workflows. No operating metrics were disclosed in the article.

Led · Equity · Jan 2010

Findababysitter operates an online marketplace that allows parents to search candidates by attributes (for example, language, driver's license, and distance) and choose whom to interview. The site aims to give parents the tools of a nanny agency without the high agency fees. Many candidates display Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks on their profiles, and the company requires staff approval of candidate photos, descriptions, and email addresses before profiles go live. Next month the site will launch a background-check service using Experion, consisting of two reference checks and an identity check. The company recently hired Ben Ferrier as Marketing Director and is led by CEO Tom Harrow. Findababysitter is expanding outside the UK into wider Europe and has raised additional funding to support that expansion.