Fueling the Future: Cash for biotech, cybersecurity, and diagnostics

NC’s Altis completes $3.1M seed round

Altis Biosystems, located in Chapel Hill, has completed a $3.1 million seed round that was oversubscribed by almost 50%. The biotech research tools company has developed an in vitro platform for drug testing.

M25 invests in Ann Arbor cybersecurity startup

Ann Arbor-based cybersecurity startup Blumira has landed $2.6 million in funding. The round was led by Chicago’s M25, a Midwest-focused VC firm, with additional investment from San Francisco’s Array Ventures.

New fund launched by Betsy Brandt

St. Louis entrepreneur Betsy Brandt has launched a search fund with the goal of acquiring and operating a business in the Midwest. (The search fund model, aka “entrepreneurship through acquisition,” gives young founders a chance to fast-track their careers and become CEOs.) The fund, called Forest Park Capital, brought in 10 investors. Although the amount of capital is undisclosed, Brandt says it will fund a two-year search.

Purdue startup receives investment

Amplified Sciences, a diagnostics startup headquartered in Purdue Research Park, has received a $25,000 investment from the IU Angel Network. The funding comes on the heels of a nearly $1 million seed round in April. Amplified Sciences is focused on “detecting and pre-empting the risks of debilitating diseases.”