Data science company closes on $9M | Pittsburgh biotech gets backing from Roche
Data science company closes on $9M in Series A funding
MILWAUKEE, WI–Sift Healthcare, a data science company enabling increased patient payment and payer reimbursement for healthcare providers, announced the closing of a $9 million Series A funding round. The round was led by new investors Allos Ventures and First Trust Capital Partners. Continued support came from Rock River Capital Partners and the Winnebago Seed Fund, both early investors in Sift, and others.
Roche backs University of Pittsburgh spinout research
PITTSBURGH, PA–Biotech company Avista Therapeutics, a spinout from UPMC Enterprises, is at the forefront of gene therapy tech treating ophthalmic diseases that lead to blindness. Now the company just got a boost from pharmaceutical company Roche, which is paying Avista $7.5 million upfront along with other payments further down the line in a potential $1 billion deal that will see Avista’s computational platform, known as scAAVenger, help develop and evaluate new adeno-associated viruses.
New VC firm invests in Melodi Health
MINNEAPOLIS, MN–A new venture capital firm focused on medical technology companies announced its launch and inaugural company investment. Engage Venture Partners’ first investment will be with medical device manufacturer Melodi Health, which offers surgical solutions to women undergoing breast surgery. Engage was established to address the need for a more accessible, lower-friction funding community for seed- and early-growth stage medtech companies and their investors.
Biotech company Xilis adds $19M to series A financing round
DURHAM, NC–Biotech company Xilis added $19 million to its series A financing round, bringing the total amount raised to over $89 million. The company will use the funding to further develop its MicroOrganoSphere technology to guide precision therapy for cancer patients and accelerate drug discovery and development. FPV Ventures led the extension, with participation from Alexandria Venture Investments and EQT Life Sciences, Mubadala Capital Management, Pear Ventures, GV, the Duke Angel Network, Catalio Capital Management, Two Sigma Ventures, Felicis Ventures and Alix Ventures.