Biotech firm opens in NC | Axtra3D raises $6.25M

Biotech firm opens in NC, seeking to develop depression treating compound

RALEIGH, NC–Major depressive disorder is a severe, debilitating, and inadequately treated disease that affects approximately 17.3 million American adults any given year. A new biotech firm, Lusaris Therapeutics, launched in the Research Triangle with $60 million Series A financing, will seek to develop a naturally derived psychedelic compound aimed at treating depression. The company is spun out of Boston-based RA Capital Management but will have its headquarters in the Triangle.

Axtra3D raises $6.25M in Series A funding

CHARLOTTE, NC–Axtra3D, developer and producer of innovative 3D printing machines, has raised $6.25 million in a Series A funding round. The round was led by HZG Group, with participation from Steve Grundahl. The startup’s flagship printer, the Lumia X1, is beneficial in industries such as aerospace, medical and dental care, consumer goods and automotive. Axtra3D will use the funds to double its team within a year.

WorkTorch closes on $2.2M seed round

WICHITA, KS–HR platform WorkTorch, formerly known as QuickHire, has closed on a $2.2 million seed round led by Tenzing Capital. Founded by sisters Deborah Gladney and Angela Muhwezi-Hall, the company launched last April, and now has a roster of more than 40,000 service industry applicants actively looking for a job, with at least 1,000 interviews a month scheduled via the platform.

Groove Capital launches $15M fund

MINNEAPOLIS, MN–Pre-seed investment firm Groove Capital has launched a second fund, which totals $15 million. The fund will begin making investments into early-stage companies starting the first quarter of 2023. Groove’s first fund launched in 2021 at $7.5 million and provided capital to about 50 companies.