Stoic VC

Kinoxis Therapeutics is an early stage biotechnology company based in Australia that is working to progress the development of a range of novel therapeutic compounds for the treatment of substance use disorders and other CNS conditions. The company has licensed these compounds from the University of Sydney, with the lead candidate demonstrating potent anti-addictive and prosocial effects in a number of different animal models and is progressing through pre-clinical testing.

Lenexa Medical specializes in developing innovative technology aimed at preventing pressure injuries in patients. The company offers a medical smart sheet, which is an ultra-thin fabric bed sheet embedded with sensing capabilities, alongside advanced software for monitoring patient position, posture, and presence. This technology is designed to assist clinicians in delivering effective, long-term solutions for detecting and preventing pressure injuries, ultimately enhancing patient care and health outcomes. Through its focus on medtech and medical devices, Lenexa Medical aims to drive significant improvements in patient safety and quality of life.

BioScout develops an integrated hardware and software platform focused on the detection and prevention of airborne diseases in agricultural settings. The company employs advanced air sampling, mapping, and data analytics, utilizing strategically placed sensors in farm fields to monitor disease spread. This patented platform provides farmers with crucial data through a disease dashboard and sends text message alerts for high threat levels. By enabling proactive disease management, BioScout helps farmers maximize yield and quality while improving spray efficiency and tracking disease outbreaks more effectively.

Ena Respiratory Pty Ltd is a biotechnology company based in Melbourne, Australia, established in 2020. The company focuses on developing synthetic innate immunomodulators aimed at transforming the treatment and prevention of respiratory infections. Ena Respiratory's novel synthetic Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) receptor agonists are designed to activate the innate immune system specifically in the respiratory tract. This innovative approach enables targeted delivery to the airways, helping to prevent the dissemination of viral and bacterial infections to the lungs. By enhancing the immune response, Ena Respiratory aims to protect patients with pre-existing lung conditions from severe complications associated with respiratory infections.

Ena Respiratory Pty Ltd is a biotechnology company based in Melbourne, Australia, established in 2020. The company focuses on developing synthetic innate immunomodulators aimed at transforming the treatment and prevention of respiratory infections. Ena Respiratory's novel synthetic Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) receptor agonists are designed to activate the innate immune system specifically in the respiratory tract. This innovative approach enables targeted delivery to the airways, helping to prevent the dissemination of viral and bacterial infections to the lungs. By enhancing the immune response, Ena Respiratory aims to protect patients with pre-existing lung conditions from severe complications associated with respiratory infections.

Wildlife Drones Pty. Ltd., founded in 2016 and headquartered in Macquarie, Australia, specializes in the design and development of innovative animal radio-tracking systems using drone technology. With over 25 years of experience in ecological and scientific research, the company addresses the challenges associated with tracking highly mobile animals. Traditional ground-based radio-tracking methods often require significant effort to achieve clear signals, which can be costly and labor-intensive. By utilizing drones, Wildlife Drones enhances the altitude from which data is collected, significantly improving the quality and quantity of radio-tracking information. This technology enables wildlife researchers, conservationists, and environmental consultants to effectively monitor endangered species, track invasive species, and locate livestock on remote properties, ultimately aiding in the prevention and mitigation of environmental damage.

OccuRx is a Melbourne-based biopharmaceutical company founded in 2014, focusing on the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for ophthalmic disorders linked to retinal fibrosis. The company aims to address the unmet clinical need for targeted ocular therapies through its proprietary small-molecule drugs, which are designed to enhance visual acuity and prevent vision loss in inflammatory and degenerative eye diseases. OccuRx's strategies enable healthcare professionals to prevent the growth of new and abnormal blood vessels and reduce inflammation in the retina, thereby improving patient outcomes in the treatment of these conditions.

Morse Micro is a wireless integrated circuit solutions company focused on reinventing Wi-Fi for the Internet of Things (IoT). Founded by industry experts including Wi-Fi pioneers, the company is headquartered in Australia with additional offices in China and the United States. Morse Micro specializes in low-power wireless chips that enhance Wi-Fi connectivity across a wide range of IoT applications, such as surveillance systems, access control, industrial automation, and mobile devices. Their innovative technology allows for smaller and more cost-effective chips, facilitating a robust IoT ecosystem that supports connected devices operating over greater distances. The company's diverse team and strong portfolio of intellectual property position it as a key player in the evolving IoT market.

Agerris is a field robotics and artificial intelligence start-up focused on enhancing the agricultural sector. Originating from technology developed at the Australian Centre for Field Robotics at the University of Sydney, Agerris has been creating innovative ground and air robotic solutions since 2005. The company specializes in using proprietary artificial intelligence to integrate mapping and decision-making systems into its robotic systems. These advanced technologies enable the detection of weeds, counting of fruits, nuts, crops, and animals, as well as providing comprehensive assessments of crops, livestock, and environmental conditions. By improving farm productivity, Agerris aims to contribute to both environmental sustainability and animal welfare in agriculture.

Forcite Helmet Systems Pty Ltd, founded in 2013 and based in Haymarket, Australia, specializes in manufacturing smart helmets designed to enhance motorcycle safety. These helmets feature an integrated camera system, navigation, intercom, and active noise-cancelling technology, aiming to address the safety gaps commonly associated with motorcycling. By leveraging advanced sensor technology and the Forcite Command software platform, the company seeks to make motorcycling significantly safer compared to traditional helmets. The lightweight carbon fiber construction of the helmets further contributes to their innovative design. Forcite is committed to improving the riding experience through its cutting-edge helmet solutions.

PERKii specializes in producing probiotic beverages designed to deliver live and protected probiotics effectively. Utilizing a unique Progel™ technology, developed by scientists at The University of Queensland, PERKii's drinks encapsulate probiotics in microgels that withstand stomach acid, ensuring their survival and efficacy in the digestive system. Each refreshing water-based drink contains only 26 calories and a modest amount of sugar derived from apples, making it a healthier alternative in the beverage market. By combining natural flavors with advanced probiotic delivery, PERKii aims to enhance gut health, support immunity, and provide a satisfying taste experience for consumers.

Exonate is a privately held, early stage, biotech company spun out of the University of Nottingham that is focused on alternative splicing of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in ophthalmology. Exonate’s lead programme is focused on Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO). A consequence of diabetic retinopathy, DMO, is swelling in an area of the retina called the macula and wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (wAMD), which is the leading cause of vision loss in people aged 60 and older. The Company is founded on scientific excellence with strong links to Professor David Bates and his lab at Nottingham University specializing in the biology and biochemical pathways of VEGF splice variants. Exonate have developed small molecules that inhibit production of pro-angiogenic VEGF through selective inhibition of serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (SRPK1)-mediated VEGF splicing. These inhibitors have already demonstrated superior efficacy as topical agents in preclinical models of wet AMD. Through a Wellcome Trust funded project, Exonate has completed an optimization programme and has nominated a pre-clinical candidate drug with optimal characteristics. During the second quarter of 2020 regulatory toxicology and safety pharmacology studies have taken place. This is to support the successful application to the regulatory authorities for clinical evaluation. Exonate is led by an experienced, international management team that has previously worked together with cross-disciplinary experience in medicine and drug development, as well as successful fundraising for early stage companies. About Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO)*: DMO is the build-up of fluid (Oedema) in a region of the retina called the macula. The macula is important for the sharp, straight-ahead vision that is used for reading, recognizing faces, and driving. DMO is the most common cause of vision loss among people with diabetic retinopathy. About half of all people with diabetic retinopathy will develop DMO and although it is more likely to occur as diabetic retinopathy worsens, DMO can happen at any stage of the disease. About wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (wet AMD): Today, wet AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in people aged 60 years or older and affects more than 30 million patients worldwide, over 200,000 of those in the UK alone. If untreated patients are likely to lose sight in the affected eye within 24 months of disease onset. The main currently available treatment options for DMO and wet AMD are: • anti-VEGF antibody drugs – to prevent the growth of new blood vessels in the eye. Unlike small molecule drugs or eye drops these treatments must be injected into the eye once every 1 or 2 months. Resistance can develop to these drugs causing the disease to progress anew. • Laser surgery – to destroy abnormal blood vessels in the eye. This type of surgery is only suitable if blood vessel damage is not too extensive and if the abnormal blood vessels aren't close to the fovea, as performing surgery close to this part of the eye can cause permanent vision loss. • With DMO, Corticosteroids either injected or implanted into the eye, may be used alone or in combination with other drugs or laser surgery to treat DMO. *source: https://nei.nih.gov/health/diabetic/retinopathy

Q-Sera Pty Ltd specializes in developing innovative blood collection tubes that enhance the efficiency of blood clotting, utilizing snake venom-derived proteins. This technology accelerates the clotting process, allowing for the rapid production of high-quality serum essential for biochemical analysis and clinical diagnostics. The company's approach leverages potent prothrombin activators isolated from the venom of certain snakes, including the Australian Taipan. These proteins are manufactured through modified cell lines using standard pharmaceutical processes, ensuring reliability and effectiveness. By improving the speed and quality of serum production, Q-Sera's technology aims to optimize laboratory efficiency and enhance patient care.

Kinoxis Therapeutics is an early stage biotechnology company based in Australia that is working to progress the development of a range of novel therapeutic compounds for the treatment of substance use disorders and other CNS conditions. The company has licensed these compounds from the University of Sydney, with the lead candidate demonstrating potent anti-addictive and prosocial effects in a number of different animal models and is progressing through pre-clinical testing.

Nexgen Plants is an emerging company focused on developing innovative plant traits that provide non-genetically modified solutions for various agricultural challenges. By utilizing a proprietary transformation technique, Nexgen aims to create crops that are resistant to viruses and fungi, as well as those that are salt-tolerant and enhanced in anthocyanin content. Their work addresses the needs of agriculture-dependent communities globally, helping them improve yields and adapt to new market opportunities. The company is dedicated to fostering the next generation of valuable crops for diverse applications, including food, fiber, energy, and ornamental purposes.

Certa is an operational management platform that specializes in third-party lifecycle management. The company offers a fully integrated suite of products designed to optimize workflows related to third-party interactions. Its automated software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform facilitates various business-to-business processes, including onboarding, due diligence, risk mitigation, and ongoing monitoring of third-party relationships. By providing tools for supplier lifecycle management, Certa enables businesses to effectively manage risks, ensure compliance, and streamline operations with their external partners on a global scale.

Kinoxis Therapeutics is an early stage biotechnology company based in Australia that is working to progress the development of a range of novel therapeutic compounds for the treatment of substance use disorders and other CNS conditions. The company has licensed these compounds from the University of Sydney, with the lead candidate demonstrating potent anti-addictive and prosocial effects in a number of different animal models and is progressing through pre-clinical testing.

Cardihab is a provider of innovative cardiac rehabilitation services, utilizing a cloud-based portal and smartphone applications to enhance patient care. The company offers remote rehabilitation programs that reduce the need for frequent in-clinic visits, allowing patients to attend the clinic only for their initial assessment and final discharge. By combining telephone support with digital tools, Cardihab facilitates a more convenient and engaging rehabilitation experience, helping patients at risk of heart disease achieve optimal health outcomes. This approach also provides clinicians with alternative delivery models, increasing the likelihood that more patients will complete their rehabilitation programs.

QUE Oncology, Inc. (QUE) was formed through a collaboration between Emory University, in Atlanta, Georgia, and The University of Queensland (UQ) research commercialization company, UniQuest, in Brisbane, Australia. QUE licenses intellectual property originating from research discoveries at both UQ and Emory’s Institute for Drug Development (EIDD). The leading drug candidate is Q-122, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties that is in Phase 1b clinical development for the treatment of hot flashes in women with breast cancer who are receiving anti-estrogen therapy. Additional cancer research projects that have been identified to supply the QUE Oncology pipeline are designed to address prostate cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, and cancer pain.

Ena Respiratory Pty Ltd is a biotechnology company based in Melbourne, Australia, established in 2020. The company focuses on developing synthetic innate immunomodulators aimed at transforming the treatment and prevention of respiratory infections. Ena Respiratory's novel synthetic Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) receptor agonists are designed to activate the innate immune system specifically in the respiratory tract. This innovative approach enables targeted delivery to the airways, helping to prevent the dissemination of viral and bacterial infections to the lungs. By enhancing the immune response, Ena Respiratory aims to protect patients with pre-existing lung conditions from severe complications associated with respiratory infections.

Smart Sparrow operates an innovative e-learning platform that allows educators and organizations to create interactive and adaptive courseware across various subjects, such as digital literacy, computer science, engineering, finance, and soft skills. Founded in December 2010 by Ariel Shoham, Dror Ben-Haim, Shaowei Ho, and Zack Belinson, the company is headquartered in Surry Hills, Australia, with an additional office in San Francisco, California. The platform features a user-friendly, drag-and-drop authoring tool accessible through any web browser, enabling educators to build customized courses, define personalized learning paths for students, and collaborate in real-time. Additionally, Smart Sparrow provides pre-made templates to streamline the course creation process, serving a diverse range of institutions both locally and internationally.