WASHINGTON, May 14, 2026 –The National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) today announced that Gavin Christensen, Founder and General Partner at Kickstart, has been appointed as the 2026-2027 Chair of the NVCA Board of Directors.
Christensen is widely recognized for his role in helping build the Mountain West into a nationally recognized startup ecosystem. At Kickstart, he pioneered a model of venture investing that mobilizes a broad network of founders, operators, and investors to support high growth companies. His work has contributed to a broader shift in the industry toward more distributed and accessible venture capital.
“Gavin brings a deeply networked and collaborative approach to venture capital that reflects where our industry is headed. He has spent nearly two decades proving that world-class innovation can take root anywhere,” said NVCA President and CEO Bobby Franklin. “Gavin’s leadership will be incredibly valuable as we extend our reach across the full spectrum of venture, from emerging managers to established firms, and across every region of the country, to further strengthen our advocacy for a robust, vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
“Taking on the role of NVCA Chair is a true honor,” said Gavin Christensen. “American venture is strongest when it backs entrepreneurs across the country, from Silicon Valley to Silicon Slopes, Boise to Boston. NVCA plays a critical role in ensuring that founders and investors have a strong voice in the policies that impact whether the United States remains the best place in the world to start and scale a company. I’m excited to get to work and build on that mission.”
“Vineeta brought a clear focus on board and member engagement, along with energy and enthusiasm for pro-innovation policy, enhancing how NVCA connects with our members and advances their priorities. She leaves behind a meaningful legacy, and we are grateful for her leadership and support,” said Franklin.
NVCA also announced the appointment of ten new directors to its Board of Directors, each of whom will serve a four-year term from 2026-2030:
The National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) empowers the next generation of American companies that will fuel the economy of tomorrow. As the voice of the U.S. venture capital and startup community, NVCA advocates for public policy that supports the American entrepreneurial ecosystem. Serving the venture community as the preeminent trade association, NVCA arms the venture community for success, serving as the leading resource for venture capital data, practical education, peer-led initiatives, and networking. For more information about NVCA, please visit www.nvca.org.
Non-invasive platform delivers catheter-free urodynamic testing, converting bladder activity into clinically meaningful diagnostic data JERSEY CITY, N.J. and OR YEHUDA, Israel, May 14, 2026 — Urologic Health Inc., a medical device company pioneering non-invasive urodynamics,…
PALO ALTO, Calif., May 14, 2026 — Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been an FDA-cleared therapy for treatment-resistant depression since 2008, but the equipment has historically been too expensive, large, and complex for most clinics to offer.
Ampa, co-founded by seminal researcher Jonathan Downar, MD, PhD, has developed a new TMS device that costs $3,000 per month, fits in the trunk of a car, and can be operated after a few hours of training.
A clinician administering treatment with the Ampa One – a portable, camera-guided TMS system designed to make brain stimulation more accessible and easier to deliver (PR Newsfoto/Ampa)
Caption: The Ampa One system, designed for simplicity and portability, fits seamlessly into modern clinics, bringing advanced TMS technology to any setting. (PRNewsfoto/Ampa)
Today, Ampa announced an oversubscribed financing that will accelerate the rollout of its FDA-cleared Ampa One TMS system, already used by clinics in more than 30 states. Ampa has also secured regulatory approval in Israel, paving the way for commercial launch overseas.
“The Ampa One device is, by far, the simplest way for clinics to add TMS to their offerings,” says Don Vaughn, PhD, CEO and neuroscientist. “It can be used anywhere, by practically any licensed professional, at a fraction of the typical cost. Demand has doubled every quarter, and this most recent funding will help us meet this accelerating demand.”
This most recent financing was led by a syndicate of investors including Morningside Ventures, Trimera Capital, Neta Foundation, Jake Collective, and noted technology investor and author Tim Ferriss, bringing total funding to more than $25 million.
“I’ve received TMS treatments myself, I’ve tracked the technology for almost 20 years, and Ampa is poised to offer the iPhone of the field. It’s the first device I’ve seen that could legitimately scale to help millions of people,” said Tim Ferriss. “I’ve personally experienced One-Day TMS treatments that have taken my symptoms from a 9 out of 10 in severity to a 1, lasting a minimum of 3-4 months. Nothing else I’ve tried comes close to that durability. It’s a glimpse of the future of psychiatry.”
“We’re thrilled to partner with Ampa,” said Owen Muir, MD, Co-Founder of Radial, which operates clinics nationwide that offer Spravato® (esketamine), TMS, neurofeedback, and more. “The Ampa One is a category-defining product, and we see Ampa emerging as a true platform for next-generation brain medicine therapies.”
The company continues to see increasing adoption by mental health clinics who appreciate the multi-layered advantages of the Ampa One: portable hardware; a lightweight, hand-holdable coil; camera-guided targeting; pre-printed neuronavigation caps; high-throughput capacity; and affordable subscription pricing.
“Ampa is bringing innovative, life-changing tools to millions of people navigating significant mental health challenges,” said Melissa Floren Filippone, CEO of Jake Collective, a nonprofit and investment engine dedicated to improving the lives of neurodivergent young people. “We are excited to be furthering Ampa’s critical work with our first impact investment.”
“With breakthrough innovation, Ampa is transforming the landscape and broadening access to care,” added Brian Earthman, MD of Cedar Park TMS, a Beacon Behavioral Partners Clinic.
About Ampa
Ampa is a neurotechnology company creating practical tools that help people recover their mental health. The FDA-cleared Ampa One system is the most accessible, portable, easy-to-use TMS system available — built by clinicians for clinicians. Learn more and book a demonstration at www.ampahealth.com
Maryland’s Venture Capital Entity Promotes Executives
COLUMBIA, Md., May 14, 2026 — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, formally announced the promotions of Tammi Thomas to president and Geyssel Gonzalez to chief financial & technology officer. These appointments were made by TEDCO’s CEO, Troy LeMaile-Stovall, recognizing the leadership, strategic vision and longstanding contributions both leaders have made to TEDCO’s growth and Maryland’s innovation ecosystem.
“These promotions reflect the extraordinary leadership, institutional knowledge and forward-thinking vision Tammi and Geyssel bring to TEDCO and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said TEDCO CEO, Troy LeMaile-Stovall. “Both have played critical roles in strengthening our organization, expanding our impact and positioning TEDCO for the future. Their leadership will be instrumental as we continue advancing innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth across Maryland.”
Since joining TEDCO nearly a decade ago as chief marketing officer, Thomas has played a transformative role in shaping the organization’s growth, visibility, and long-term strategic direction. Throughout her tenure, she has led the execution and evolution of TEDCO’s integrated marketing, communications, investor engagement, and fundraising strategies, helping position the organization as a nationally recognized leader in innovation and economic development.
Thomas’ leadership has contributed to significant organizational growth and expansion, including supporting an increase in state funding of more than 50%, helping secure more than $75 million in federal grant funding, contributing to a more than 33% increase in TEDCO’s assets under management, and supporting the attraction of more than $55 million in foreign direct investment into Maryland’s innovation ecosystem.
Under her leadership, TEDCO has significantly expanded its thought leadership platform and ecosystem engagement efforts, including the growth of its annual Entrepreneur Expo, which convenes more than 1,000 entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and industry leaders each year. Thomas has also helped position TEDCO to pursue new international collaboration and foreign direct investment opportunities, including recent engagements in Taiwan and South Korea and the organization’s memorandum of understanding with the Kingdom of Jordan. Those efforts also contributed to a recently announced agreement enabling $50 million foreign direct investment into Maryland’s innovation ecosystem through TAIIDA; the Taiwan APAC Investment and Innovation Development Association (TAIIDA) and SFIC Group.
Thomas has also laid the groundwork for TEDCO’s expansion into philanthropic engagement initiatives focused on diversifying long-term funding opportunities and strengthening resources that support Maryland’s innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem. These efforts align with TEDCO’s broader strategic focus on increasing investment, expanding strategic partnerships, and positioning the organization for continued growth and long-term impact.
As president, Thomas will continue helping lead TEDCO’s next phase of strategic growth, with a focus on strengthening cross-sector partnerships, expanding innovation-driven economic development initiatives, increasing global engagement opportunities, and continuing to build a more connected and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem throughout Maryland.
“TEDCO has always been deeply committed to supporting innovation, empowering entrepreneurs and creating pathways for long-term economic growth,” Thomas said. “I’m honored to step into this role and continue building on that mission alongside our CEO, team, board, partners and the broader ecosystem. The opportunity ahead is about not only growing companies but strengthening Maryland’s position as a national and global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship.”
Across her career, Thomas has been recognized by her industry peers for excellence in communication, marketing and development. Most recently, she was selected for the second time as one of The Daily Record’s 2026 Top 100 Women (2023 and 2026), named as a Waves of Change Impact Award honoree and one of the I-95 Business Magazine’s2025 Influential Women. She serves on the World Trade Center Institute’s CEO Council, Maryland Momentum Fund Advisory Board and MEDA Board of Directors, where she is serving as President.
Gonzalez’s promotion to chief financial and technology officer reflects her leadership in strengthening TEDCO’s financial operations, technology stack, and organizational efficiency. Since joining TEDCO as controller, Gonzalez has steadily expanded her leadership responsibilities, most recently serving as deputy chief financial and operating officer.
“Geyssel has been instrumental in strengthening TEDCO’s operational and financial foundation during a critical period of growth for the organization,” LeMaile-Stovall said. “Her leadership, strategic mindset and commitment to operational excellence have helped position TEDCO for long-term sustainability and impact. She has earned the trust and respect of the organization, and I’m excited to see her continue expanding that leadership in this role.”
During her tenure, Gonzalez has helped oversee financial operations supporting TEDCO’s more than $200 million in assets under management while leading initiatives focused on operational optimization, financial transparency and long-term organizational scalability. Her leadership has helped strengthen TEDCO’s operational foundation as the organization continues expanding its statewide impact, contributing to more than $2.7 billion in economic activity across Maryland as of 2023.
Gonzalez has also played a key role in improving internal processes, strengthening financial and technology infrastructure, and enhancing operational efficiency to support TEDCO’s continued growth and evolving organizational needs. In her new role, she will continue leading the organization’s financial and technology strategy while helping position TEDCO for long-term sustainability and impact.
“I’m excited to continue supporting TEDCO’s mission and the entrepreneurs driving innovation across Maryland,” Gonzalez said. “As Maryland continues to grow as a leader in technology and life sciences, I look forward to helping strengthen the operational and financial foundation that enables TEDCO to expand opportunities, support more founders and continue driving economic impact across the state.”
Gonzalez was recently recognized by The Daily Record as one of Maryland’s Leading Women Under 40 for her professional achievements and leadership.
To learn more about TEDCO’s recent FDI activities, visit our press release page here; for more information about TEDCO overall, including funding opportunities and resources for entrepreneurial growth, visit our website at tedcomd.com.
About TEDCO TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, enhances economic empowerment growth through the fostering of an inclusive entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. TEDCO identifies, invests in, and helps grow technology and life science-based companies in Maryland. Learn more at www.tedcomd.com.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 14, 2026 — Advancing its commitment to high-growth innovation, Jetstream Venture Fund announced an investment in Wonderlab Bio, a pioneer in off-the-shelf cell therapies, further expanding everyday investors’ access to elite venture opportunities. This strategic investment highlights Jetstream’s commitment to backing transformative technologies across multiple sectors, positioning Wonderlab Bio’s groundbreaking regenerative medicine alongside the fund’s existing investments in aerospace (SpaceX) and artificial intelligence (Shield AI).
Revolutionizing Cell Therapy
Based in Boston, Wonderlab Bio is addressing a massive gap in regenerative medicine. Current cell therapies are patient-specific, cost between $50,000 and $500,000, and often trigger immune rejection—limiting their use to life-threatening conditions.
Wonderlab Bio engineers living cells into accessible medicines using a proprietary bank of iPSCs (induced pluripotent stem cells) sourced from HLA-homozygous “super donors”. Because these donors’ immune profiles match broad patient populations, the therapies are naturally accepted by the body without the need for systemic immunosuppression.
“Wonderlab’s approach to HLA-matching is a complete paradigm shift for treating chronic conditions,” said Chris Yoo, Portfolio Manager at Jetstream. “By removing the need for immunosuppression and drastically lowering manufacturing costs, they are unlocking the potential of cell therapy for tens of millions of patients who currently have no regenerative options.”
Targeting Osteoarthritis and Beyond
Wonderlab Bio’s lead program focuses on knee osteoarthritis, a condition affecting 32.5 million Americans and currently lacking any FDA-approved cell therapy. Their injectable, iPSC-derived chondrocyte therapy targets cartilage regeneration without surgery, at a projected price point below the cost of a traditional joint replacement.
The company’s platform is already demonstrating significant traction, backed by preclinical animal studies showing cartilage repair and inclusion in a $42 million ARPA-H federal program supporting regenerative medicine. Wonderlab’s super donor bank currently covers over 90% of the U.S. population, laying the groundwork for future applications in cardiac disease and neurodegeneration.
About Jetstream Venture Fund Jetstream Venture Fund is an interval fund managed by Xcellerant Ventures and Sweater Industries LLC, seeking to provide investors access to high-growth companies with lower minimums and no carried interest. Visithttps://www.jvf.vc.
Disclosure: Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. The prospectus contains this information and can be obtained by visitinghttps://www.jvf.vc. Please read carefully before investing.
The Columbus-based brand secures new investment as it expands its national footprint, bringing a new generation into modern soda
COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 14, 2026 — Roxberry, the first modern soda made just for kids, is proud to announce the closing of a major funding round, marking a significant milestone as the brand accelerates national expansion and continues to reinvent the beverage landscape for kids and families.
The raise comes on the heels of a breakout retail run, with Roxberry now available in more than 2,200 Walmart storesnationwide and a recent launch in Texas’ top retailer, H-E-B. In just four months, the brand has quickly captured the attention of both retailers and consumers, emerging as a standout in arguably the hottest segment in all of CPG: Modern Soda.
Despite the weight of the category, Roxberry continues to explode, capitalizing on the momentum from its Walmart launch in January, growing nearly 900% in that time. Those numbers have led to immediate expansion with Walmart, with the brand securing an additional 50% increase in store count (3,300+ stores), essentially doubling its presence across all retail partners, a rare case of exponential growth for a new brand in a booming category.
And Roxberry isn’t just driving sales of its own product, it’s benefiting the category as a whole. Early performance indicates the brand is increasing foot traffic to the modern soda set and bringing new consumers into the aisle, specifically parents shopping for their kids. While the category has recently been framed as crowded, Roxberry is helping demonstrate there is still meaningful room for expansion.
“As parents and founders, we’ve always believed deeply in this product, but this raise is really a reflection of the parents, kids, and Roxberry drinkers across the country who have embraced what we’re building,” said Co-Founder and COO Dan Haugen. “We’re creating something entirely new within modern soda, and this investment allows us to move faster, reach more families, and bring more easy ‘yes’ moments to tired parents and thirsty kids everywhere.”
The brand’s formula for success comes from an authentic place. Founded by parents searching for better beverage options for their own children, Roxberry was created to fill a clear gap in modern soda aisles: a fun, better-for-you soda made specifically for kids. Made with real fruits and vegetables and just 5g of sugar — without artificial flavors, sweeteners, or dyes — Roxberry delivers a product kids love and parents feel good about saying “yes” to.
With fresh capital in place and peak beverage season approaching, Roxberry is well-positioned to continue its rapid growth, expanding distribution, deepening retail partnerships, and further establishing itself as a category-defining brand within modern soda.
About: Roxberry is the better-for-you fizz for kids—from a galaxy not so far away and an aisle right down the street. Made from real fruits and veggies, Roxberry is the drink parents can finally say “yes” to and the first Modern Soda for kids. Each can has only 5g of sugar and no artificial flavors, sweeteners or dyes, meaning no “fake stuff.” And we’re not just saving taste buds, we’re saving the planet, with recyclable aluminum cans, a thoughtful alternative to single-use plastics common in kids’ beverages. Parent-founded, Roxberry is on a mission to bring families together through the most fruitastic, vegetablicious drink option for kids, available in 4-pack, 7.5oz cans of Pink Lava Strawberry Lemonade, Ocean Potion Fruit Punch, and Galaxy Gulp Citrus. For more information, visit getroxberry.com, follow @getroxberry on Instagram and TikTok or find some near you.
Financing to support advancement of CREATE’s repeat dose capable CD19 targeted in vivo CAR-T therapy for autoimmune disease into the clinic, expansion of its dual CAR CD19 x BCMA program, and continued progress across the oncology portfolio
Round co-led by existing investors Newpath Partners, ARCH Venture Partners, and Hatteras Venture Partners, reflecting conviction in CREATE’s clinical trajectory and platform
Ron Philip joins as Executive Chairman; Brian Cuneo of ARCH Venture Partners and Tom Thomas, PhD, of Newpath Partners join the Board of Directors
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 14, 2026 — CREATE Medicines, Inc. (“CREATE”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering in vivo immune programming, today announced the closing of its $122 million Series B funding round, co-led by existing investors Newpath Partners, ARCH Venture Partners, and Hatteras Venture Partners, with participation from Alexandria Venture Investments and other current members of CREATE’s investor syndicate.
The funding will support advancement of CREATE’s clinical pipeline across autoimmune disease and oncology. To date, CREATE has dosed more than 50 patients across its in vivo CAR clinical programs — the largest clinical dataset in the field — generating the translational foundation that informs development across both autoimmune disease and oncology. The company’s proprietary mRNA-LNP platform programs immune cells directly inside the body, enabling a rapid, iterative product engine designed to compress concept-to-clinic timelines.
In autoimmune, CREATE’s lead program CRT-402, a next generation CD19 targeted in vivo CAR-T therapy, has demonstrated deep and durable B cell depletion in non-human primates, with the potential to enable immune reset through the flexibility of repeat dosing. The company is also advancing a dual CAR CD19 x BCMA directed therapy designed to broaden therapeutic reach across refractory autoimmune indications.
In oncology, CREATE continues to advance therapies focused on areas of high unmet need. Early clinical data from the company’s MT-303 program in frontline hepatocellular carcinoma has demonstrated an extremely compelling response profile.
Collectively, these programs exemplify CREATE’s iterative platform that integrates clinically validated CAR architectures, optimized RNA design, and targeted delivery technologies with deep expertise across clinical development, translational medicine, manufacturing, and regulatory execution.
“CREATE was built as an iterative immune programming platform in which each clinical study informs and strengthens the next, and it is that work that has revealed the breadth of what in vivo immune programming can address,” said Daniel Getts, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of CREATE Medicines. “Our autoimmune and oncology pipeline represents the convergence of years of platform development, clinical execution, and translational learning. We believe our ability to engineer multiple immune cell populations directly in vivo has the potential to fundamentally reshape treatment paradigms across autoimmune disease and oncology, and we look forward to this next chapter of innovation and growth.”
In conjunction with the Series B Round, Ron Philip, a veteran biopharma leader, has joined CREATE as Executive Chairman. Brian Cuneo, Senior Partner at ARCH Venture Partners, and Tom Thomas, PhD of Newpath Partners, have joined the company’s Board of Directors.
“I’m excited to join CREATE at this pivotal moment in the company’s evolution,” said Ron Philip. “CREATE has established meaningful in vivo clinical proof points and built a differentiated immune programming platform with the potential to redefine how engineered immune therapies are developed and delivered. The opportunity to translate these capabilities into transformative medicines across autoimmune disease and oncology is exceptionally compelling.”
“I co-founded this company because the science was ahead of the field. More than fifty patients later, it still is. Most in vivo cell therapy companies will struggle to translate science into scalable manufacturing. CREATE owns its manufacturing infrastructure. I am backing CREATE because it can become the next great standalone pharmaceutical company,” said Tom Cahill, MD, PhD, Founder and Managing Partner of Newpath Partners.
“CREATE is building one of the most differentiated in vivo immune engineering platforms in the field,” said Brian Cuneo. “We believe the company’s clinical experience, repeat dose strategy, and broad immune programming capabilities position it to play an important role in the future of autoimmune disease and oncology.”
About CREATE Medicines CREATE Medicines is a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering in vivo immune programming. The company’s proprietary mRNA-LNP platform directly engineers T cells, NK cells, and myeloid cells inside the body to enable scalable, repeat-dose, off-the-shelf immunotherapies. CREATE is advancing a pipeline of in vivo CAR therapies across autoimmune diseases and cancer.
Generates over $120M in value, 700% ROAI™ for in-flight initiatives, and over 250 use cases for multi-million-dollar healthcare organizations.
NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 14, 2026 — Optura, the enterprise healthcare platform that delivers ROAI™ (Return on AI Investment), today announced a $17.5M Series A led by Salesforce Ventures, with participation from Echo Health Ventures and continued investment from Susa Ventures, Matrix Partners and HC9 Ventures, bringing total funding to over $25M to date. The investment follows a momentum-driven seed round and validates what the market is already signaling: healthcare’s AI moment has shifted from proof-of-concept to performance. Optura’s platform is built for exactly that – to help organizations quickly assess AI business value and viability, prioritize AI investments and provide clear visibility into an AI’s enterprise impact and return in real time.
“The hundreds of AI use cases coupled with the introduction of foundational models into healthcare markets, like Claude for Healthcare, are driving AI spend and increasing risk,” said Andy Fanning, Co-Founder and CEO of Optura. “It has also created a never-ending menu of point solutions, without an objective framework to help healthcare leaders measure the ROI on their AI investment decisions. We developed Optura to take out that guesswork and help healthcare organizations objectively measure results.”
Rapid AI adoption exposes gap in the ability to measure value
Healthcare doesn’t have an AI adoption problem. It has an AI results problem. The industry will spend over $18B on AI this year, 46% of all healthcare investment. Yet, often the AI isn’t a fit – 95% of enterprise GenAI pilots have produced no measurable value. As margins compress and economic headwinds intensify, the cost of chasing AI hype without accountability isn’t just strategic risk; it’s existential.
“Healthcare organizations are under growing pressure to move beyond AI experimentation and deliver measurable business outcomes,” said Katie Thiry, Managing Director, Salesforce Ventures. “Optura is helping customers bring greater rigor and visibility to AI investment decisions – identifying high-value use cases, measuring impact and accelerating time to ROI. As enterprises look for more disciplined approaches to AI adoption, we believe Optura is well positioned to help lead that shift.”
Since Optura’s founding last year, the company has gained significant traction with enterprise health plans and providers, which include Independence Blue Cross, Prime Therapeutics, Ardent Health, among others. Today, more than $2B in AI initiatives are loaded into the platform, with $120M in tracked value at 700% ROAI™ on in-flight initiatives and over 250 new use cases identified. With the new funding, Optura will continue to invest in expanding AI capabilities, growing platform teams and scaling LLM partnerships.
“Optura is solving one of our industry’s biggest challenges: helping healthcare organizations structure and capture real value from AI programs,” said Kurt Sheline, Partner, Echo Health Ventures. “Its platform delivers the combination of data insights, tools and technology that we believe are consequential for moving into the next phase of AI transformation – accountability and orchestrated systems that deliver long-term value across the entire enterprise.”
Optura helps healthcare organizations identify and prioritize AI use cases quickly and with minimal risk, taking a disciplined approach to measurement, evaluation and value creation. The ROAI™ platform:
Systematically maps an organization’s existing data, regardless of fragmentation, into a unified knowledge layer so every decision is grounded in how that organization works.
Scores and ranks use cases against organizational priorities, cost and readiness.
Translates the top priorities into AI agents, trained specifically for healthcare and built directly from workflows and SOPs.
Simulates the expected return so organizations can determine the projected value before deployment.
Deploys the AI agents across the enterprise, tracking outcomes, initiatives and projected value in one unified, real-time dashboard to provide clear visibility into AI impact.
“The question for health plans is no longer whether to invest in AI; it’s whether those investments are actually delivering better outcomes for members,” said Michael R. Vennera, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy, Technology and Operations Officer, Independence Blue Cross. “Optura answers that question for an organization like IBX, where every decision connects back to the people we serve, that kind of accountability and visibility isn’t optional; it’s how we ensure AI creates real value where it matters most.”
Optura is the enterprise healthcare platform for ROAI™ (Return on AI Investment). Industry-trained and organization-specific, Optura is the C-suite’s secret advantage for deciding where AI dollars actually pay off. It translates leadership priorities into operational AI agents built directly from existing workflows and SOPs, simulates the returns before a dollar is committed and tracks live performance against the projection on a unified intelligence layer. ROAI™ is the discipline that replaces directionless AI pilots with measurable performance, setting the modern standard for how healthcare leaders justify, fund and govern AI investment. More than $2B in healthcare AI initiatives run on Optura today, with $120M in tracked value at 700% ROAI™ on in-flight initiatives and over 250 new use cases identified. Optura is trusted by leading enterprise health plans and provider organizations.
HONG KONG, May 13, 2026 — METiS TechBio (7666.HK), a tech-bio company focused on AI-powered nanodelivery innovation, today successfully listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX), becoming the world’s first publicly listed AI-powered drug delivery company and the first AI-powered large-molecule biopharmaceutical company listed on the Hong Kong market. With the goal of becoming the “SpaceX of pharmaceuticals,” METiS TechBio has, within six years of its founding, become the fastest unicorn in China’s AI pharmaceutical sector to reach the IPO milestone.
From left to right: Jin Li, Independent Non-Executive Director; Serena Shao, Head of Capital Markets & External Relation; Wenshou Wang, Co-Founder, Executive Director and COO; Dr. Chris Lai, Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO; Hongming Chen, Co-Founder, Executive Director and CRDO; Alan Fu, CFO; Peter Edward Lobie, Independent Non-Executive Director; and Frank Yee Chon Lyn, Independent Non-Executive Director, all of METiS TechBio.
METiS TechBio’s IPO was jointly sponsored by Jefferies, Deutsche Bank Securities Asia and CITIC Securities (Hong Kong). A total of 201,229,000 H shares were offered globally, raising over HKD 2.1 billion in proceeds and marking the largest healthcare IPO fundraising in Hong Kong so far in 2026. The Hong Kong public offering was oversubscribed by more than 6,900 times, locking up over HKD 730 billion in subscription funds, representing the highest subscription amount for the Hong Kong public offering among healthcare IPOs in Hong Kong so far in 2026. For the international placing, the Company received orders from more than 280 institutional investors and recorded 82 times oversubscription for the allocable tranche, also marking the highest international placing oversubscription multiple among healthcare IPOs in Hong Kong so far in 2026.
METiS TechBio’s Hong Kong IPO once again set a record for AI pharmaceutical IPOs in Hong Kong with a top-tier lineup of 18 cornerstone investors subscribing for a total of USD 148 million, securing comprehensive support from “global asset managers + specialized healthcare funds + AI technology funds + state-level funds + Chinese public fund managers.” Among them, BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, led the subscription with USD 50 million. Global asset management giants and ultra-long-term funds including UBS Asset Management Singapore, Mirae Asset of South Korea, and ORIX Corporation of Japan collectively made allocations. Guofengtou Innovation Investment Fund, a state-level fund, made its first investment in the AI pharmaceutical sector. Internationally renowned specialist healthcare funds, including Deerfield, RTW and Lake Bleu Capital, participated in the investment, while leading technology investment institutions, including Walden International, Hillhouse Capital and IDG Capital, also expanded their presence into the sector. Top Chinese public fund managers including GF Fund, ICBC UBS Asset Management, China Asset Management, and Fullgoal Fund also made a rare joint appearance as subscribers with lock-up commitments. This fully demonstrates that AI nanodelivery technology has risen to the level of a national strategic priority and key area of support, and has become a critical technology driving future growth and breakthroughs in global biopharmaceuticals.
Dr. Chris Lai, Co-Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of METiS TechBio, stated:
“The future of biomedicine will no longer be simply about ‘taking medicine when one falls ill.’ METiS TechBio’s ambition is to harness AI to build nano-rockets that can navigate with precision through the inner space of the human body’s 30 trillion cells, write the code of nucleic acids and proteins into cells, and reprogram diseased and aging cells into healthy cells. This was our founding aspiration, and it is the mission to which we will dedicate our lives. The IPO marks a new starting point for us to accelerate forward, and we will strive to live up to the support and trust we have received from all sectors.”
Proprietary World-First AI Nanodelivery Platform, Creating the First-Ever Data, Algorithms, and Models for AI for Nano
METiS TechBio’s core competitiveness stems from NanoForge, its proprietary world-first AI nanodelivery platform. The Company has built the world’s largest ionizable lipid library at the scale of tens of millions, independently developed the world’s only algorithm for de novo lipid generation and lipid language model, established the world’s first end-to-end lipid and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) screening platform, and created the world’s first AI-powered multiscale simulation platform for small-molecule formulation development.
NanoForge encompasses AI foundation models, METiS AI agents, quantum chemistry and molecular dynamics simulations, and an AI-driven high-throughput screening platform, serving as the foundation of the Company’s proprietary AI-driven nanotechnology innovation system. Building upon NanoForge, the Company has developed three technology solutions – AiTEM, AiLNP, and AiRNA – which can not only significantly shorten drug development timelines but also enhance drug safety and efficacy.
Differentiated Innovative Pipeline Covering Major Disease Areas Including Immunology, Oncology and Metabolic Diseases, Supported by a World-First In Vivo Targeted Delivery System
Based on the NanoForge platform, METiS TechBio has taken the lead in the industry in achieving precision targeted delivery to eight key organs and tissues: the liver, lungs, heart, muscles, tumor tissues, immune system, central nervous system, and gastrointestinal tract. Its pipeline products cover oncology, immunology, central nervous system disorders, metabolic diseases, and other areas.
The Company has more than 10 pipeline products, including several candidates at the discovery stage, four preclinical candidates, three clinical-stage products, one pre-NDA product, and two animal health products. As of the Latest Practicable Date, the Company had filed a total of 224 patent applications and had been granted 52 patents.
METiS TechBio has developed MTS-004, China’s first AI-enabled formulation drug to complete a Phase III clinical trial. MTS-004 is the first and only PBA (pseudobulbar affect) drug in China to have completed clinical trials, and is expected to fill the gap in PBA drug treatment in China. The MTS-004 program took 38 months from project initiation to completion of the Phase III clinical trial. Through AiTEM’s predictive analytics and advanced modeling technologies, the Company successfully reduced preclinical formulation development time from one to two years to less than three months.
The “rocket + satellite” next-generation in vivo immunotherapy paradigm is a core capability through which METiS TechBio advances the development of its differentiated innovation pipeline. MTS-105 is a benchmark pipeline product designed to efficiently activate anti-tumor immunity within specific organs in vivo, with the potential to become the world’s first in vivo mRNA-encoded TCE therapy for solid tumors, for the treatment of liver cancer and other advanced solid tumors with liver metastases. Leveraging its AiLNP and AiRNA platforms, METiS TechBio enables highly efficient expression of TCE in hepatocytes and liver cancer cells through specific liver-targeted LNP delivery, activating potent intratumoral immunity and thereby achieving powerful tumor cell killing. MTS-105 is currently in the IIT stage and has received Orphan Drug Designation from the U.S. FDA.
Dual Engines of Platform Collaborations and Product Partnerships, Reinforcing Barriers Through a Closed Loop of Technology Iteration, Commercial Application, and Real-World Data Feedback
In terms of commercialization strategy, METiS TechBio adopts a “platform collaboration + product partnership” dual-engine business model, forming a synergistic and recycling ecosystem of “technology iteration – commercial application – real-world data feedback.” To date, METiS TechBio has more than 30 pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners worldwide, with customers primarily including global top-tier pharmaceutical companies, innovative biotechnology companies, and medical research institutions.
METiS TechBio recorded revenue of RMB 105 million in 2025, primarily from the upfront payment for the MTS-004 product partnership. The total milestones for MTS-004 in the PBA indication amount to RMB 1.845 billion, with additional potential milestone payments of up to RMB 100 million for potential indication expansion. Meanwhile, a single-target contract in existing platform collaborations is valued at up to USD 109 million. The dual-engine business model has been preliminarily validated by the market.
Core Senior Executives at the Founding-Team Level Joining Forces Across Disciplines, with Sustained Heavy Investment in R&D and Talent Development
METiS TechBio’s R&D team is led by its three co-founders. Building upon the Company’s R&D centers in Beijing and Hangzhou, the team brings together multidisciplinary expertise spanning nanomaterials, chemistry, biology, physics, computational science, medicine, and other fields, providing strong support for innovation in AI nanodelivery and cross-disciplinary breakthrough research. The R&D team comprises more than 100 scientists and technical personnel, including approximately 40 Ph.D. holders. The majority of the Company’s operating expenses are R&D-related, primarily including employee benefits for scientists and engineers, share-based compensation expenses, procurement of laboratory materials and equipment, and professional service fees (including fees paid to CROs). From 2023 to 2025, the Company maintained sustained high R&D expenditure of approximately RMB 270 million.
METiS TechBio will always prioritize R&D as a key direction for strategic investment. Approximately 50.0% of the net proceeds from the IPO will be used to support core technology research, development, and advancement of its AI infrastructure and AI-driven nanomaterials platform; approximately 20.0% will be used for ongoing and planned clinical trials in its AI-developed product pipeline, advancing candidate drugs across multiple therapeutic areas and modalities; and approximately 10.0% will be used to develop animal health and anti-aging solutions and to expand AI-enabled solutions into these high-growth areas.
