US-based small molecule drug developer Ventus Therapeutics completed a $100m series B round yesterday featuring GV, a corporate venture capital subsidiary of internet and technology group Alphabet.
Investment manager RA Capital Management led the round, which included Alexandria Venture Investments, the VC arm of real estate investment trust Alexandria Real Estate Equities, as well as BVF Partners, Casdin Capital, Cormorant Asset Management, Fonds de solidarité FTQ and Versant Ventures.
Founded in Canada, Ventus is working on small molecule therapeutics targeting the body’s innate immune system, with cancer and autoimmune, inflammatory and neurological disorders all possible future targets.
Josh Resnick, managing director at RA Capital, is taking a board seat at Ventus in conjunction with the round, which came after founding investor Versant Ventures led a $60m series A round for the company in May 2020 that also featured GV.
Marcelo Bigal, president and chief executive of Ventus, said: “This support from strong crossover investors will enable the next stage of evolution for Ventus as we build the resources to leverage the full potential of our platforms and product pipeline.
“We have made rapid and substantial progress over the last twelve months, including the emergence of the ReSolve platform and expansion of our pipeline. Ventus is on an exciting growth trajectory, as we continue to unlock high-value targets that have been elusive in the past and advance our lead products for patients with devastating diseases.”
