Activation Capital

Light Switch Bio specializes in pre-clinical services for pharmaceutical companies, focusing on mitigating systemic toxicities of drugs. They repurpose existing drugs, using a proprietary laser-targeted drug delivery system to activate medications precisely where needed in the body, reducing adverse effects. This precision enhances patient outcomes and expands market reach for their clients. Additionally, they co-develop software to de-risk R&D, optimize clinical dosimetry, and improve response predictability.

Peel Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Salt Lake City, Utah, focused on developing innovative cancer therapies utilizing proteins derived from elephants. Established in 2015, the company has harnessed the unique properties of elephant p53 (EP53) nanoparticles to create treatments aimed at enhancing patient outcomes in oncology. Peel Therapeutics aims to regulate cellular responses to environmental stresses by stimulating gene transcription associated with cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and metabolism. In addition to its core focus on cancer treatment, the company is actively exploring new therapeutic avenues for both cancer and inflammatory diseases, leveraging the evolutionary advantages found in nature to address complex health challenges.

KeViRx is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapeutics for cancer and respiratory disorders. The company specializes in drug discovery and is advancing new small molecule therapeutics towards clinical testing. KeViRx is currently working on an allosteric protein tyrosine phosphatase small molecule inhibitor that has shown efficacy in preclinical models for conditions such as ovarian cancer, acute myeloid leukemia, and acute lung injury. By concentrating on these areas, KeViRx aims to address significant unmet medical needs in oncology and respiratory health.

Vizma Life Sciences develops next-generation molecular imaging and chemical analysis solutions.

Rapid Forensic Cell Typing (RFC) is a company that specializes in advanced DNA testing services for forensic investigators. Their innovative process, using imaging flow cytometry, determines the origin, age, and type of cells in evidence samples, helping labs prioritize samples for optimal profiling results. This adds a critical layer of analysis to DNA evidence, aiding in more efficient and accurate investigations.

GenAssist began commercializing biomimetic sponges to treat muscle loss in human patients after observing a notable recovery in muscular function after a composite trauma model of muscle loss.

Oncoustics is a company focused on enhancing clinical workflow through advanced artificial intelligence solutions aimed at non-invasive surveillance, diagnostics, and treatment monitoring of diseases with significant unmet clinical needs. Unlike competitors that rely on image recognition, Oncoustics utilizes AI to analyze raw ultrasound signals from readily available handheld devices, allowing for the rapid differentiation between healthy and diseased tissues. This innovative approach uncovers novel acoustic biomarkers that align with existing medical standards. Initially concentrating on liver disease, a market valued at $30 billion, Oncoustics has sought Breakthrough Device Designation from the FDA for its OnX system, designed to detect liver fibrosis, with further regulatory submissions underway. The company is also developing additional liver-related products and possesses clinical data for applications in various other organ conditions, including prostate, kidney, breast, and thyroid diseases and cancers.

Gisens Biotech is a biotechnology company specializing in bioelectronics and nanotechnology. The firm is recognized for its innovative approach to problem-solving and leverages advanced technology to meet its goals. A standout product is the Nano-Lab, a portable diagnostic device that measures and monitors various biomarkers from minimal samples of blood, urine, or saliva. This device is particularly adept at detecting renal biomarkers such as urea, creatinine, and potassium from a single drop of blood. By providing real-time tracking of these concentrations, the Nano-Lab enhances health monitoring capabilities, offering a high level of accuracy and convenience that has the potential to transform traditional biomarker measurement and interpretation methods.

OrthoPreserve is a medical technology company specializing in the development and distribution of artificial meniscus replacement implants. These implants are designed to mimic the function of the natural meniscus, a crucial shock absorber in the knee, and are intended to treat meniscus injuries. By replacing the damaged meniscus, OrthoPreserve's implants aim to alleviate pain, restore mobility, and prevent the progression of arthritis, thereby improving patients' quality of life and long-term knee health.

Atticus Pharma specializes in innovative drug delivery systems, focusing on improving the bioavailability and effectiveness of topically applied therapeutics for immunodermatological conditions and wound healing. Their unique, sustained-release technology enables direct delivery of drugs to the skin, representing a significant advancement in the field.

Lighthouse Labs RVA helps entrepreneurs grow their startups by providing resources and support to validate business models and attract customers. Their accelerator lab program has successfully worked with 33 companies in the past 5 years, helping them raise over $25 million in financing. With a focus on real customer validation and a strong team of founders, Lighthouse Labs RVA assists startups in reaching their full potential. Whether you are looking to raise capital, bootstrap your idea, or crowdfund your business, they offer pre-acceleration resources to help you prepare for success.