Virtus Inspire Ventures

Virtus Inspire Ventures is a boutique venture capital firm dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs in improving the world. The firm focuses on investing in ambitious early-stage companies within the technology, media, telecommunications (TMT), medical, and life sciences sectors, primarily in China, the United States, and Israel. Virtus Inspire Ventures specializes in cross-border technology investments, facilitating access for portfolio companies to rapidly growing markets in China and Asia, while also aiding Chinese firms in their international expansion efforts. Offering seed, venture, and growth-stage funding, the firm partners closely with its portfolio companies, providing valuable expertise in areas such as branding, marketing, channel development, overseas expansion, human resources, and finance.

Vic Lee

Founder and Managing Partner

Tianhong Xu Ph.D

Partner

10 past transactions

Design Pharmaceuticals

Seed Round in 2022
Design Pharma has a unique suite of proprietary technologies that enable the discovery and biosynthetic production of drug candidates. The company was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States.

Apexigen

Series C in 2020
Apexigen Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Carlos, California, focused on developing antibody therapeutics for cancer treatment. Established in 2010, Apexigen specializes in immuno-oncology, creating therapies that aim to leverage the patient's immune system to effectively combat and eradicate cancer. The company's pipeline includes several promising candidates, such as APX005M and APX201 for immuno-oncology, along with additional programs targeting various oncology and inflammation conditions. Notably, its lead candidate, sotigalimab, is currently in clinical development, complemented by a range of preclinical immuno-oncology programs. Apexigen also utilizes its proprietary APXiMAB platform to discover novel antibodies targeting immune system pathways, underscoring its commitment to advancing innovative treatments in cancer care.

HiFiBiO

Series C in 2019
HiFiBiO is a biotherapeutics company focused on harnessing the human immune system to address diseases, particularly cancer and autoimmune disorders. Founded in 2013 and based in Paris, the company specializes in proprietary single-cell technologies that facilitate drug and biomarker discovery and development. HiFiBiO's platform combines extensive biological knowledge with advanced single-cell profiling techniques, allowing for the rapid identification and advancement of antibody drugs. Through partnerships with both industry and academic institutions, HiFiBiO aims to promote open innovation and enhance patient outcomes by unlocking the therapeutic potential of the immune system.

TriArm Therapeutics

Series A in 2019
TriArm Therapeutics is a cell therapy company that specializes in developing cellular immunotherapy products aimed at treating cancer patients. It was established by Panacea Venture and conducts research and development operations across Germany, the United States, and the Greater China region. The company's primary focus is on the research and clinical application of its CD19 CAR-T product, utilizing non-viral gene transfer technology. This innovative approach significantly lowers the costs and reduces the time required for preparing cell therapy products, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of tumor treatments.

Apexigen

Series C in 2018
Apexigen Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Carlos, California, focused on developing antibody therapeutics for cancer treatment. Established in 2010, Apexigen specializes in immuno-oncology, creating therapies that aim to leverage the patient's immune system to effectively combat and eradicate cancer. The company's pipeline includes several promising candidates, such as APX005M and APX201 for immuno-oncology, along with additional programs targeting various oncology and inflammation conditions. Notably, its lead candidate, sotigalimab, is currently in clinical development, complemented by a range of preclinical immuno-oncology programs. Apexigen also utilizes its proprietary APXiMAB platform to discover novel antibodies targeting immune system pathways, underscoring its commitment to advancing innovative treatments in cancer care.

SmartZyme Biopharma

Series B in 2018
SmartZyme Biopharma is a medical technology company focused on enhancing continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for individuals with diabetes. It specializes in integrating its next-generation glucose-sensing enzyme into CGM devices, aiming to improve performance, safety, and user experience. Unlike traditional methods, SmartZyme's enzyme eliminates the need for signal mediators, reducing manufacturing costs; minimizes hypoglycemic errors, ensuring superior safety; and eliminates fingersticks, enhancing quality of life. The company is backed by OrbiMed, a leading healthcare investment firm.

Rani Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2018
Rani Therapeutics, LLC is a clinical-stage biotherapeutics company focused on developing oral delivery systems for large drug molecules, including peptides, proteins, and antibodies. The company has created the RaniPill capsule, a novel and patented technology designed to replace traditional subcutaneous or intravenous injections with an oral dosing method. This capsule is engineered to automatically release a precise therapeutic dose of medication in the small intestine, aiming to enhance patient compliance and comfort. Rani Therapeutics has conducted several preclinical and clinical studies to assess the safety, tolerability, and bioavailability of the RaniPill, contributing to a robust intellectual property portfolio. The company's therapeutic offerings include treatments for inflammatory disorders, osteoporosis, growth deficiencies, and multiple sclerosis, among others. Founded in 2012 and based in San Jose, California, Rani Therapeutics seeks to improve patient outcomes by providing a convenient alternative to painful injections.

Gordian Surgical

Series A in 2016
Founded in 2012, Gordian Surgical develops innovative laparoscopy equipment. Its flagship product, TroClose 1200, is an integrated port closure solution used to open and suture close the abdominal wall during laparoscopic procedures.

Rani Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2016
Rani Therapeutics, LLC is a clinical-stage biotherapeutics company focused on developing oral delivery systems for large drug molecules, including peptides, proteins, and antibodies. The company has created the RaniPill capsule, a novel and patented technology designed to replace traditional subcutaneous or intravenous injections with an oral dosing method. This capsule is engineered to automatically release a precise therapeutic dose of medication in the small intestine, aiming to enhance patient compliance and comfort. Rani Therapeutics has conducted several preclinical and clinical studies to assess the safety, tolerability, and bioavailability of the RaniPill, contributing to a robust intellectual property portfolio. The company's therapeutic offerings include treatments for inflammatory disorders, osteoporosis, growth deficiencies, and multiple sclerosis, among others. Founded in 2012 and based in San Jose, California, Rani Therapeutics seeks to improve patient outcomes by providing a convenient alternative to painful injections.

Gordian Surgical

Seed Round in 2015
Founded in 2012, Gordian Surgical develops innovative laparoscopy equipment. Its flagship product, TroClose 1200, is an integrated port closure solution used to open and suture close the abdominal wall during laparoscopic procedures.
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