Participated · Series A · Sep 2025

Rapafusyn develops non-degrading macrocyclic molecular glues, branded RapaGlues, to address challenging therapeutic targets. Its platform includes DNA-encoded libraries (DELs) and arrayed libraries of RapaGlues that form neo-protein-protein interactions to inhibit target proteins. The compounds are rationally designed to bind FKBP and form ternary complexes with disease target proteins, enabling modulation of intricate protein-protein interactions. The platform’s modular architecture supports SAR and optimization for potency, selectivity, and physicochemical properties to accelerate drug discovery. RapaGlues frequently exhibit cell permeability from the starting point, enhancing their therapeutic potential. The company is led by President and CEO Dr. Sean Hu and intends to use new funding to expand operations and advance its development efforts. Rapafusyn Pharmaceuticals develops non-degrading macrocyclic molecular glues (RapaGlues™) designed to form neo-protein–protein interactions and inhibit target proteins by binding FKBP and creating ternary complexes. The company has built both DNA-encoded libraries (DELs) and arrayed libraries of RapaGlues™ to generate chemical starting points for difficult targets. Its modular architecture enables SAR and optimization for potency, selectivity, and physicochemical properties, and many starting points frequently exhibit cell permeability. Rapafusyn focuses on macrocyclic peptide-based RapaGlues™ as a platform approach to address challenging therapeutic targets. The company plans to use new funding to accelerate progress across its pipeline and to further enhance internal capabilities. Rapafusyn was founded by Jun O. Liu and is headquartered in Baltimore, MD.

Led · Series A · Feb 2025

TECLens is a clinical-stage ophthalmic medical device company pioneering quantitative corneal cross-linking (qCXL™) and the CXLens® delivery system to reshape the cornea with patterned UV light and continuous biomechanical control. Its CXLens® device includes an on-board ultrasound sensor to ensure adherence to a pre-calculated treatment plan derived from a computational biomechanics model of each patient’s eye. The system has been successfully demonstrated in eyes with keratoconus and is being advanced into clinical studies for refractive correction, with a primary focus on presbyopia. TECLens positions qCXL™ as a comfortable, non-incisional alternative to traditional refractive surgery and aims to improve precision and accessibility in vision correction. Potential future applications noted by the company include pediatric progressive myopia, low-order adult myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The company announced new financing to support ongoing clinical development of its technology.

Led · Series D · Sep 2024

CSA Medical develops the RejuvenAir System, a liquid nitrogen spray cryotherapy device intended to treat chronic bronchitis in COPD patients. The company says the technology targets overproduction of mucus and damaged cilia by destroying damaged cells without creating scar tissue, enabling regrowth of healthy airway cells. Led by CEO Wendelin Maners, CSA Medical is preparing a comprehensive commercialization strategy and plans a U.S. launch. The company intends to use the new funds to finance that U.S. launch despite an anticipated premarket approval (PMA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Board additions tied to the financing include Dr. Luc Marengere of TVM and Dr. Deng Mao of Yonjin Ventures. The company positions RejuvenAir as a therapeutic platform for an under-served patient population with chronic bronchitis. CSA Medical develops and manufactures proprietary interventional spray cryotherapy platforms—truFreeze and Rejuvenair—using liquid nitrogen spray delivered by a software‑driven device with specialty catheters to flash‑freeze and destroy unwanted tissue. The company manufactures and distributes the truFreeze system in the U.S., where it is being used in over 100 hospitals and universities to treat conditions such as Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal cancer, and airway obstructions. Its RejuvenAir Metered Cryospray system is designed to ablate mucus‑producing goblet cells while preserving the extracellular matrix and is currently under clinical investigation. Rejuvenair is not yet commercially available as it advances toward clinical and regulatory milestones. Led by Executive Chairman Vincent P. Owens, the company intends to expand commercial adoption of truFreeze in the GI market while progressing Rejuvenair through clinical development. CSA Medical develops the truFreeze spray cryotherapy system that uses super-cold liquid nitrogen delivered via catheter to ablate unwanted tissue inside the body. The company is based in Baltimore. In 2013 CSA raised $16 million in a Series C led by Ascension Ventures, which it planned to use to expand its R&D footprint in Lexington, Mass. CSA is currently pursuing a debt offering targeted at $3.9 million and has raised a little more than $2.9 million to date. The debt offering includes options and warrants and has attracted some 30 unnamed investors so far. Publicly listed backers on the company's website include Ascension, SV Life Sciences, Intersouth Partners, First Analysis, Rose Park Advisors and Blue Heron Capital. CSA Medical develops and manufactures a proprietary interventional spray cryotherapy platform comprised of a device and specialty catheters that deliver extremely cold (-196°C) liquid nitrogen to flash-freeze and destroy unwanted tissue inside the body. The truFreeze System has been used by physicians to ablate tissue in the esophagus and airway and is designed to destroy frozen cells while preserving underlying connective tissue to allow healthy cells to regenerate. The company completed a $16 million Series C financing to support growth and product development. Proceeds will be used to develop new applications, immediately double the sales force, and introduce new products in 2014. The Series C was led by Ascension Ventures and was oversubscribed with all existing investors participating. Tara Butler, MD of Ascension Ventures will join CSA Medical's board, indicating active investor engagement. CSA Medical develops and manufactures the Spray Cryotherapy System, a therapeutic interventional platform that delivers -196°C liquid nitrogen via a device and specialty catheters to freeze and destroy unwanted tissue inside the body. The system is currently used via endoscopic application to treat esophageal disease. Its product is being used at more than 80 top-ranked cancer centers and academic teaching hospitals across the United States. Proceeds from the recent financing will fund post-market clinical studies and ongoing development to support new indications and expanded utilization. Management intends to support the launch of a new platform and pursue new clinical applications, including therapeutic treatments for the airway. The company completed a $20.5 million Series B to support growth and expansion of its patented and currently marketed system.

Participated · Series D · Aug 2024

HistoSonics develops a non-invasive therapeutic platform based on histotripsy, a focused-ultrasound technology that uses acoustic cavitation to mechanically destroy and liquefy targeted tissue. Its flagship product, the Edison® Histotripsy System, received U.S. FDA De Novo clearance for the destruction of liver tumors and has seen expanding clinical adoption at academic medical centers and health systems. Use of the system outside the liver remains investigational while the company pursues regulatory clearances for additional organs. HistoSonics has submitted a De Novo request to the FDA for kidney tumors and is advancing toward an anticipated FDA submission for pancreatic applications. The company is focused on commercializing the Edison System in the U.S. and select global markets while expanding indications into kidney, pancreas, prostate and other organs. HistoSonics maintains offices in Ann Arbor, MI, Madison, WI, and Minneapolis, MN, and was valued at $3.75 billion in its most recent financing.

Participated · Series A · Jul 2024

Spear Bio commercializes the patented Successive Proximity Extension Amplification Reaction (SPEAR) technology, a three-step wash-free workflow that enables measurement of protein biomarkers down to dozens of copies using ubiquitous qPCR instruments. The platform achieves attomolar-level sensitivity from less than 1 microliter of sample — roughly 100 times less sample volume than typical immunoassays — and does not require high-affinity antibodies. The company positions SPEAR as a scalable solution for ultra-sensitive protein measurement aimed at protein research and early disease diagnostics. Spear Bio plans to expand its assay menu and accelerate commercial offerings using the newly raised capital, and is presenting applications to neurology at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference. The company was founded in 2021 and is headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts. It recently closed a significant Series A financing that supports its near-term product launch and commercialization activities. Spear Bio, co‑founded in March 2021 as a Harvard Wyss Institute spin‑off, is developing an ultrasensitive immunodiagnostics and proteomics platform called SPEAR (Successive Proximity Extension Amplification Reaction). The SPEAR technology enables detection of single‑digit counts of protein molecules in tiny sample volumes, down to a tenth of a microliter. The company has launched NAB‑Sure™, its first assay and commercial proof‑of‑concept for ultrasensitive quantification of SARS‑CoV‑2 neutralizing antibodies from challenging samples such as finger‑stick dried blood spots and nasal swabs. NAB‑Sure was validated and adopted in major labs during the pandemic, enabling tracking of immunity, vaccine response, and COVID‑19 sero‑surveillance. Spear Bio says it will use the new funding to expand operations and broaden its business reach, and is focused on bringing ultrasensitive immunoassays to market in neurology, immunology, and oncology. The company is based in Woburn, MA.