Esphera SynBio
Seed Round in 2025
Esphera SynBio is a biotechnology company specializing in synthetic biology for disease treatment and prevention. It develops innovative cancer and immunoregulatory therapies using a proprietary platform that produces functionalized vesicles, either in vitro or in vivo, via transgene technology. Beyond oncology, the platform also shows promise in broader immunomodulation applications, such as enhancing mRNA vaccine efficacy for infectious diseases.
Hyivy Health develops an innovative pelvic rehabilitation device aimed at addressing the needs of women who experience pelvic health complications. Recognizing that one in three women will face such challenges in their lifetime, the company provides a solution that offers quantifiable data on the pelvic floor. This device incorporates multiple biosensors and mechanical functions to deliver three distinct therapies, enabling effective treatment monitoring and personalized rehabilitation. By allowing both patients and clinicians to track progress and adapt treatment plans, Hyivy Health enhances the overall rehabilitation experience, making it more effective and comfortable.
Radiant Biotherapeutics
Series A in 2024
Radiant Biotherapeutics is an innovative biotechnology company focused on developing a modular platform for multi-valent and multi-specific therapeutics. This platform aims to advance antibody engineering by creating multi-functional biologics designed to address challenging diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. By leveraging the principles of avidity and enhanced binding power, Radiant Biotherapeutics enables healthcare professionals to deliver potent therapies that have the potential to transform treatment outcomes for patients. The company's commitment to pioneering these advanced therapeutics positions it at the forefront of the biotherapeutics field, striving to unlock new avenues for patient care.
HDAX Therapeutics
Seed Round in 2024
HDAX Therapeutics is focused on developing innovative small molecule therapeutics aimed at treating conditions driven by HDAC6, particularly in the realms of cardiovascular and neurological diseases. The company employs a unique two-site binding mechanism in its targeted therapeutics platform, which enhances the safety and efficacy of treatments while addressing significant unmet medical needs. By concentrating on the root causes of these diseases, HDAX Therapeutics strives to improve patient outcomes and provide long-lasting solutions for various pathologies, including neuropathies and cardiometabolic disorders.
Tenomix
Seed Round in 2024
Tenomix is focused on developing innovative technologies aimed at enhancing the pathology workflow, particularly in the staging process of colorectal cancers. The company has created a robotic scanning device that assists pathology staff in the efficient and reliable collection of lymph nodes from surgically removed colon cancer tissues. This technology facilitates the accurate identification of cancer spread, ultimately improving cancer care while also helping to reduce healthcare costs. Through its advancements, Tenomix seeks to address inefficiencies in cancer diagnosis and treatment, contributing to more effective patient outcomes.
Radiant Biotherapeutics
Seed Round in 2023
Radiant Biotherapeutics is an innovative biotechnology company focused on developing a modular platform for multi-valent and multi-specific therapeutics. This platform aims to advance antibody engineering by creating multi-functional biologics designed to address challenging diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. By leveraging the principles of avidity and enhanced binding power, Radiant Biotherapeutics enables healthcare professionals to deliver potent therapies that have the potential to transform treatment outcomes for patients. The company's commitment to pioneering these advanced therapeutics positions it at the forefront of the biotherapeutics field, striving to unlock new avenues for patient care.
CTRL Therapeutics
Seed Round in 2023
CTRL Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Toronto, Canada, focused on the development of innovative cell therapies. The company has developed a microfluidic platform aimed at optimizing the detection of rare circulating tumor cells, which can be critical in cancer diagnostics. This platform is designed to facilitate the creation of liquid biopsy tests that predict patient responses to targeted therapies. By enabling the evaluation of protein expression on tumor cells, CTRL Therapeutics seeks to enhance the precision of cancer treatment and improve patient outcomes.
HDAX Therapeutics
Seed Round in 2022
HDAX Therapeutics is focused on developing innovative small molecule therapeutics aimed at treating conditions driven by HDAC6, particularly in the realms of cardiovascular and neurological diseases. The company employs a unique two-site binding mechanism in its targeted therapeutics platform, which enhances the safety and efficacy of treatments while addressing significant unmet medical needs. By concentrating on the root causes of these diseases, HDAX Therapeutics strives to improve patient outcomes and provide long-lasting solutions for various pathologies, including neuropathies and cardiometabolic disorders.
Qurcan Therapeutics
Seed Round in 2021
Qurcan Therapeutics is focused on developing innovative solutions for cancer treatment through advanced nanotechnology. The company is designing Manganescan®, a novel theranostic agent that serves as both an MRI contrast agent and a radio-sensitizer. This agent enhances the early detection of brain tumors by providing improved imaging capabilities, being three times more sensitive than traditional Gadolinium-based contrast agents. Manganescan® also sensitizes cancer cells, which leads to better outcomes in radiation therapy. In addition to Manganescan®, Qurcan Therapeutics is developing a drug delivery platform that aims to enhance precision medicine for solid tumors. This platform addresses challenges associated with drug release and liver accumulation seen in lipid nanoparticles, allowing for the efficient delivery of drugs, antibodies, and RNA to difficult-to-reach tumors, including those in the brain. By improving the tumor microenvironment, Qurcan Therapeutics seeks to increase therapeutic efficacy and extend patient survival rates in cancer treatment.
Replica Analytics
Seed Round in 2020
Replica Analytics Ltd. is a Canadian company based in Ottawa that specializes in developing modeling software to create synthetic data derived from real clinical datasets. Founded in 2019, the company employs advanced machine learning technologies to generate privacy-protective synthetic data that retains the statistical properties of the original data. This platform not only facilitates the creation of high-utility synthetic datasets but also provides documentation regarding the utility characteristics of the data. By doing so, Replica Analytics enables businesses to access valuable data while adhering to global regulatory requirements for privacy protection and data analysis.
bridge7
Seed Round in 2020
Bridge7 is a Canadian company founded in 2017 that specializes in developing AI-powered consultation software aimed at improving cancer care delivery. The software employs advanced machine learning algorithms to analyze data from thousands of patients, providing clinical teams with decision-making metrics to enhance the quality of care. This innovative approach enables healthcare providers to gain valuable insights and consultations regarding cancer treatment options before patients initiate their treatment courses, ultimately leading to increased clinical efficiency and improved quality in cancer care delivery. Headquartered in Ontario, Bridge7 is committed to ensuring that patients receive the most effective and timely care from specialized cancer treatment centers.
Xpan Inc. is a Toronto-based company established in 2017 that specializes in the development of surgical access instruments aimed at enhancing minimally invasive surgeries (MIS). The company focuses on creating innovative trocars and ports that facilitate the insertion of surgical instruments and cameras, thereby reducing the size of incisions. Xpan's universal trocar system is designed to improve surgical efficiency and enable surgeons to perform complex procedures with smaller incisions, leading to faster recovery times and decreased post-surgical pain for patients. Through its advancements in surgical technology, Xpan aims to contribute to safer and more effective surgical outcomes.
Qurcan Therapeutics
Seed Round in 2020
Qurcan Therapeutics is focused on developing innovative solutions for cancer treatment through advanced nanotechnology. The company is designing Manganescan®, a novel theranostic agent that serves as both an MRI contrast agent and a radio-sensitizer. This agent enhances the early detection of brain tumors by providing improved imaging capabilities, being three times more sensitive than traditional Gadolinium-based contrast agents. Manganescan® also sensitizes cancer cells, which leads to better outcomes in radiation therapy. In addition to Manganescan®, Qurcan Therapeutics is developing a drug delivery platform that aims to enhance precision medicine for solid tumors. This platform addresses challenges associated with drug release and liver accumulation seen in lipid nanoparticles, allowing for the efficient delivery of drugs, antibodies, and RNA to difficult-to-reach tumors, including those in the brain. By improving the tumor microenvironment, Qurcan Therapeutics seeks to increase therapeutic efficacy and extend patient survival rates in cancer treatment.
Cellular Analytics
Seed Round in 2019
Cellular Analytics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Toronto, Canada, focused on advancing cancer diagnostics through its proprietary microfluidic platform, CytoFind. This innovative technology allows for the detection and molecular characterization of rare circulating tumor cells at a single-cell level. By utilizing significantly lower sample volumes and reducing costs, CytoFind facilitates the development of liquid biopsy tests aimed at predicting patient responses to targeted therapies in immuno-oncology. The company's mission centers on enhancing the precision and efficacy of cancer treatment through advanced diagnostic solutions.
Qurcan Therapeutics
Seed Round in 2019
Qurcan Therapeutics is focused on developing innovative solutions for cancer treatment through advanced nanotechnology. The company is designing Manganescan®, a novel theranostic agent that serves as both an MRI contrast agent and a radio-sensitizer. This agent enhances the early detection of brain tumors by providing improved imaging capabilities, being three times more sensitive than traditional Gadolinium-based contrast agents. Manganescan® also sensitizes cancer cells, which leads to better outcomes in radiation therapy. In addition to Manganescan®, Qurcan Therapeutics is developing a drug delivery platform that aims to enhance precision medicine for solid tumors. This platform addresses challenges associated with drug release and liver accumulation seen in lipid nanoparticles, allowing for the efficient delivery of drugs, antibodies, and RNA to difficult-to-reach tumors, including those in the brain. By improving the tumor microenvironment, Qurcan Therapeutics seeks to increase therapeutic efficacy and extend patient survival rates in cancer treatment.
DNAstack
Pre Seed Round in 2019
DNAstack Inc. is a Toronto-based company that develops a cloud-based platform for genomics data analysis and sharing. Founded in 2014, DNAstack focuses on providing tools that enable researchers, clinical laboratories, and pharmaceutical companies to securely manage, analyze, search, and share genomic datasets. The platform facilitates push-button access to genomic data, helping users streamline the accumulation of data while overcoming barriers to effective data sharing. In addition, DNAstack offers a Cost Calculator to help users estimate the cloud-related expenses associated with bioinformatics and data storage, thereby making genomics more accessible and cost-effective for its clients.
Talon pharmaceuticals
Venture Round in 2018
Talon Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative medicines aimed at treating central nervous system disorders and challenging bacterial infections. Utilizing its Multiphore drug design platform, Talon focuses on developing small molecule therapeutics to address critical health issues, particularly in Parkinson's disease. The company's lead candidates target the reduction of levodopa-induced dyskinesia and psychosis, as well as improving gait in patients. By concentrating on these therapeutic areas, Talon Pharmaceuticals aims to enhance patient quality of life and contribute to life-saving medical advancements.
Polumiros Inc. is a biomaterials company based in Toronto, Canada, founded in 2016. It focuses on the development of biocompatible amino acid-derived polymers that serve various medical applications, including coatings for medical devices, tissue regeneration scaffolds, and drug carriers. The company's primary innovation is its immunomodulatory polymer technology, which effectively manages inflammation and promotes healing, thereby improving patients' health and overall quality of life. One of its notable products is ReFilx, a regenerative filler matrix designed for breast cancer patients, providing an effective and minimally invasive solution for restoring breast tissue defects following lumpectomy. Polumiros aims to reduce implant-associated pain and fibrosis while enhancing bio-integration in medical procedures.
16 Bit
Pre Seed Round in 2018
16 Bit Inc. is a Toronto-based company that develops medical image analysis systems, focusing on artificial intelligence software designed to enhance diagnostic capabilities for healthcare professionals. The company is working on a triaging algorithm specifically for breast cancer screening, as well as systems for neurological emergency detection and pediatric bone age assessment. By creating trusted AI software as a medical device, 16 Bit aims to improve the quality, efficiency, and accessibility of healthcare, ultimately assisting physicians and radiologists in interpreting medical images more effectively.
Dalriada Therapeutics
Seed Round in 2018
Dalriada Therapeutics Inc. is a Canadian biotechnology company, incorporated in 2016 and headquartered in Mississauga. The company specializes in the development of novel small molecule inhibitors that target various medical conditions, including oncology, pain modulation, and neurodegenerative or neuroinflammatory disorders. Dalriada employs a TURN-KEY model that aligns research and development efforts with business and intellectual property strategies, thereby supporting global innovators in the pharmaceutical sector.
DNAstack
Pre Seed Round in 2017
DNAstack Inc. is a Toronto-based company that develops a cloud-based platform for genomics data analysis and sharing. Founded in 2014, DNAstack focuses on providing tools that enable researchers, clinical laboratories, and pharmaceutical companies to securely manage, analyze, search, and share genomic datasets. The platform facilitates push-button access to genomic data, helping users streamline the accumulation of data while overcoming barriers to effective data sharing. In addition, DNAstack offers a Cost Calculator to help users estimate the cloud-related expenses associated with bioinformatics and data storage, thereby making genomics more accessible and cost-effective for its clients.
Radialis
Seed Round in 2017
Radialis is a developer of an organ-targeted positron emission tomography (PET) imaging system that focuses on high-definition and low-dose applications in oncology, neurology, and cardiology. The company’s technology significantly enhances the efficiency of radiotracer detection compared to traditional PET systems, achieving a tenfold improvement. This advanced imaging system has received broad FDA clearance in the United States for the imaging and measurement of injected positron-emitting radiopharmaceuticals. Its primary application lies in high-resolution imaging of primary solid tumors, serving as a valuable adjunct to conventional staging PET/CT without the need for additional radiotracer. Additionally, Radialis is actively engaged in developing targeted early detection methods for cancer and Alzheimer's disease, particularly within high-risk populations, emphasizing low-dose imaging techniques to improve patient safety.
Propellon Therapeutics
Seed Round in 2017
Propellon Therapeutics is developing and commercializing novel cancer therapies targeting the WDR5 protein, essential for assembly of methyltransferase complexes and proper histone modification. The overexpression of WDR5 and resulting deregulation of epigenetic mechanisms are implicated in various cancers and correlated with poor patient survival. Established by FACIT, Propellon’s WDR5 inhibitor platform arises from discoveries, research and innovations originating from OICR.
KA Imaging
Seed Round in 2017
KA Imaging Inc., founded in 2015 and based in Waterloo, Canada, specializes in designing and manufacturing advanced X-ray detectors for both medical and non-medical applications. The company's portfolio includes static X-ray detectors for identifying faults in pipes, dual-energy detectors for baggage screening at airports, dynamic detectors for inspecting engines with moving parts, and mammography detectors. Notably, KA Imaging has developed the world's first portable dual energy subtraction X-ray detector, which uses clinically proven technology to enhance sensitivity in detecting diseases such as pneumonia, nodules, fractures, and verifying catheter positions. This device, known as Reveal, has received FDA 510(k) clearance and is sold globally. The company employs a team of 20 full-time and 10 part-time/contract employees and holds 52 global patents and 17 issued US patents.
Turnstone Biologics
Series B in 2016
Turnstone Biologics Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Ottawa, Canada, with an additional office in New York. Founded in 2015, the company is dedicated to advancing innovative viral immunotherapies aimed at improving cancer patient survival. Its lead product, RIVAL-01, utilizes a vaccinia virus backbone that encodes several immunomodulators, including Flt3 ligand, anti-CTLA-4 antibody, and IL-12 cytokine, which work together to enhance immune activity and optimize the tumor microenvironment for effective cancer treatment. Additionally, Turnstone Biologics is developing next-generation tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapies by isolating and expanding the most potent and tumor-reactive T cells from patients' tumors, thereby harnessing the body's own immune system to combat solid tumors. Through these innovative approaches, Turnstone Biologics aims to deliver breakthrough cancer immunotherapies that significantly improve clinical outcomes for patients.
CapNostics
Venture Round in 2016
CapNostics is a medical technology company focused on the development of innovative screening devices for the early detection of Barrett’s Esophagus and other upper gastrointestinal diseases. The company has created a non-endoscopic swallowable device that utilizes a medical-grade foam ball, which is compressed into a capsule. This capsule can be swallowed and deployed orally, allowing for the collection of cellular specimens without the need for invasive procedures. The device has received FDA clearance and is designed to facilitate the diagnosis of conditions such as Barrett’s Esophagus, cancer, and H. pylori infections. CapNostics is positioned to leverage advancements in genome sequencing to enhance diagnostic accuracy and aims to make its tests widely available for outpatient screening.
Turnstone Biologics
Series A in 2015
Turnstone Biologics Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Ottawa, Canada, with an additional office in New York. Founded in 2015, the company is dedicated to advancing innovative viral immunotherapies aimed at improving cancer patient survival. Its lead product, RIVAL-01, utilizes a vaccinia virus backbone that encodes several immunomodulators, including Flt3 ligand, anti-CTLA-4 antibody, and IL-12 cytokine, which work together to enhance immune activity and optimize the tumor microenvironment for effective cancer treatment. Additionally, Turnstone Biologics is developing next-generation tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapies by isolating and expanding the most potent and tumor-reactive T cells from patients' tumors, thereby harnessing the body's own immune system to combat solid tumors. Through these innovative approaches, Turnstone Biologics aims to deliver breakthrough cancer immunotherapies that significantly improve clinical outcomes for patients.
Privacy Analytics
Seed Round in 2014
Privacy Analytics Inc. is a Canadian company specializing in data anonymization software solutions targeted primarily at healthcare organizations, insurance and medical claims providers, and medical device manufacturers. Founded in 2007 and based in Ottawa, the firm focuses on safeguarding sensitive data while enabling its use for secondary purposes such as research, public health, and marketing. Privacy Analytics offers a range of products, including PARAT, an integrated software for de-identifying both structured and unstructured personal data, and a text anonymization solution. Additionally, the company provides an online risk assessment tool designed to assist privacy officers in managing data sharing agreements and evaluating re-identification risks. Through these offerings, Privacy Analytics helps organizations comply with privacy regulations and effectively manage the risks associated with disclosing health data. As of May 2016, Privacy Analytics operates as a subsidiary of IQVIA Holdings Inc.
Triphase Accelerator
Venture Round in 2013
Triphase Accelerator is a privately held drug development accelerator focused on advancing novel therapeutics, particularly in the field of oncology. The company specializes in acquiring and developing clinically enabled oncology assets that possess high-value potential through a shared risk model, progressing them to proof of concept before out-licensing or selling the products. Triphase aims to expedite the development process, allowing for faster and more cost-effective progression compared to traditional pharmaceutical and biotech methods, ultimately benefiting cancer patients with improved and affordable treatments. The management team at Triphase brings extensive experience in drug development, and the company has established strategic partnerships, notably with Celgene Corporation, to facilitate the rapid advancement of promising cancer therapeutics. Additionally, Triphase collaborates with the Ontario Institute of Cancer Research, MaRS Innovation, and other oncology partners to generate proof-of-concept data that serves the interests of investors, regulators, and healthcare providers.