SRTD Biotech raises €31.5M seed for targeted RNA therapeutics
The German biotech plans to push its selectively expressed RNA platform toward preclinical stages with backing from corporate venture funds.
Image: SRTD Biotech
SRTD Biotech, a developer [2] of precision therapeutics, has raised €31.5 million (about $35.3 million) in an equity seed round announced on Nov. 10 [0]. The financing was co-led by Mérieux Equity Partners, NRW.BANK, and Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund [1].
Other institutional participants in the transaction included Lilly Ventures, HTGF, and Anobis Asset [0]. Alongside the financing round, the company named Matthias Alder as chief executive officer, while founder Bernd Hoffmann remains with the company [0]. Kristin Thompson, a director at Mérieux Equity Partners, said the investor believes the startup "has the potential to redefine what is possible with mRNA therapeutics" [0]. Johanna Antonie Tjaden-Schulte, a managing board member at NRW.BANK, also took part in backing the regional biotech initiative [0].
Founded in 2019, SRTD Biotech is developing selectively expressed RNA (seRNA) precision treatments designed to express active therapeutic molecules exclusively within diseased cells [0]. By limiting translation to targeted pathological cells, the approach seeks to improve safety and efficacy profiles compared with broad-acting genetic treatments [0]. The technology pairs with lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery mechanisms to transport RNA directly into targeted tissues [0].
The company will use the proceeds to advance its seRNA platform and lipid nanoparticle delivery capabilities [0]. It also plans to direct the funds toward preclinical testing to prepare for an investigational new drug (IND) application [0].
The equity round follows an earlier undisclosed seven-figure seed round completed in November 2024 [0].
Questions and answers
What does SRTD Biotech develop?
SRTD Biotech develops selectively expressed RNA precision therapies that express therapeutic molecules specifically inside diseased cells, combined with lipid nanoparticle delivery.
Who led SRTD Biotech's seed round?
The financing round was co-led by Mérieux Equity Partners, NRW.BANK, and Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund.
How will SRTD Biotech use the new capital?
The proceeds will support preclinical testing for an investigational new drug filing and advance the company's seRNA and lipid nanoparticle delivery platform.
Companies & investors in this story
Sources
- 1.Why Lilly and Boehringer backed a German startup’s mRNA ‘on-off switch’ in a €31.5M seed — TFN — techfundingnews.com
- 2.mRNA therapy company SRTD Biotech has complet... — chaincatcher.com
- 3.SRTD Biotech Raises €31.5M in Seed Funding — finsmes.com
