Amsterdam-based venture capital firm 819 Capital Partners announced that it has acquired and invested in CiMaas, a Dutch biotech company specialising in Natural Killer (NK) cell therapy aimed at advancing cancer treatment.
Earlier, CiMaas had filed for bankruptcy, effective June 11, 2024, due to financial challenges that hindered its ability to fund necessary clinical studies, despite having proprietary feeder cell technology and an advanced NK cell expansion methodology.
Following the acquisition, CiMaas expressed commitment to continuing its mission of developing effective, low-side-effect cancer therapies. The company plans to focus on GMP-grade NK cells.
CiMaas mentions in a statement, “Thanks to an investment from 819 Evergreen Fund I, we are pleased to be able to continue working on our ambitions: cure cancer patients by making Natural Killer cells a reality. Our activities will be realised in Maastricht.”
On a mission to achieve a better cure for cancer
Founded in 2015 as a spin-off from Maastricht University and Maastricht University Medical Center+, CiMaas is focused on transforming cancer treatment with immunotherapies.
These therapies aim to harness the body’s immune system to treat metastatic and late-stage cancers, addressing unmet needs in areas where current treatments are often ineffective, especially in advanced cases.
With a focus on safety, effectiveness, and minimising side effects, CiMaas looks to provide more robust and lasting solutions, offering new hope for patients with limited treatment options.
CiMaas is now offering (non-) GMP-grade feeder cells for collaborations, enabling the expansion of Natural Killer (NK) cells to produce sufficient quantities for scientific research and patient treatment.
The company is also working towards having clinical-grade NK cell production ready, with plans to initiate clinical research in collaboration with various partners.
Gerard Bos, CEO of CiMaas, says, “We are pleased to partner with 819 Capital Partners. This investment enables us to continue working on our ambitions: cure cancer patients by making Natural Killer cells a reality.”
“Our commitment to advancing cell-therapy opportunities for cancer treatment remains as strong as ever, and we are very motivated to continue our work in this vital field now In the coming period, we will further strengthen our team with highly skilled professionals.”
Brief about 819 Capital Partners
819 Capital Partners is an investment firm focused on venture capital, private equity, and corporate finance, with a mission to drive innovation and growth in key sectors.
The firm prioritises healthcare, technology, and leisure, and recently launched the 819 Evergreen Fund to invest in early-stage deeptech ventures. It also supports growth through private equity investments in platform companies, using buy-and-build strategies.
With over €60M in assets under management and 14 active portfolio companies generating €500M in revenues, the firm provides hands-on support to entrepreneurs to help realise their growth ambitions.
Speaking about the acquisition and investment in CiMaas, Thomas Smit, Director of 819 Capital Partners, says, “We are delighted to welcome CiMaas to 819 Evergreen Fund I. Our investment in CiMaas perfectly aligns with our vision to accelerate the growth of cutting-edge ventures.”
“CiMaas’ pioneering technology has great potential and could be a transformative breakthrough in cancer treatment in the future.”
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