Spica Therapeutics Closes €10 Million Seed Round Led by Qbic Venture Partners
Deal News | Apr 06, 2025 | Qbic Venture Partners
Spica Therapeutics, a leading biotech firm, has secured €10 million in seed funding to further its innovative work in macrophage-targeted therapies. The financing was co-led by Bioqube Ventures and Flanders Future Tech Fund, with contribution from Qbic Venture Partners. This capital injection will enable Spica to enhance development of its lead anti-CD163 depleting monoclonal antibodies for early Investigational New Drug (IND) studies. The company’s proprietary technology aims to address unmet medical needs in oncology and autoimmune diseases. Based in Antwerp, Belgium, with additional facilities in Aarhus, Denmark, Spica is heavily backed by scientific research from various European institutions. A strategic alliance with VUB and VIB further bolsters its research capabilities, as noted by CEO James Rush, expressing optimism towards transforming patient care. Investors such as Debora Dumont from Bioqube Ventures and Bart De Taeye representing FFTF, are highlighted as sharing in the vision of Spica’s groundbreaking work.
Sectors
- Biotechnology
- Life Sciences
Geography
- Belgium – Spica Therapeutics is headquartered in Antwerp, and significant collaboration occurs with Belgian institutions.
- Denmark – Spica has a research presence in Aarhus, Denmark, contributing to its scientific advances.
Industry
- Biotechnology – The article is centered around Spica Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on macrophage-targeted therapies.
- Life Sciences – The investments are led by life science investors, emphasizing the pursuit of innovative treatments for diseases.
Financials
- €10 Million – The total amount raised in Spica Therapeutics' seed financing round.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spica Therapeutics | Target Company | Company | A biotech firm focused on developing macrophage-targeted therapies for oncology and autoimmune diseases. |
| Qbic Venture Partners | Investor | Company | A venture capital firm participating in Spica's seed funding round. |
| Bioqube Ventures | Co-lead Investor | Company | A venture capital firm investing in the life sciences, co-leading the seed round. |
| Flanders Future Tech Fund | Co-lead Investor | Company | A Belgian investment fund focused on technology, co-leading the seed round. |
| James Rush | Chief Executive Officer | Person | CEO of Spica Therapeutics, leading its strategic and operational decision-making. |
| Debora Dumont | Managing Partner | Person | Managing Partner at Bioqube Ventures, articulating the venture’s strategy and investment rationale. |
| Bart De Taeye | Investment Director | Person | Investment Director at PMV, representing FFTF in strategic decisions for the investment. |
| University of Aarhus | Research Contributor | Company | A university providing foundational research for Spica’s therapeutic platforms. |
| University of Southern Denmark | Research Contributor | Company | A university contributing research pivotal to Spica’s development plans. |
| INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy | Research Contributor | Company | A center participating in foundational research contributing to Spica's projects. |
| VUB | Strategic Partner | Company | A Belgian university partnering with Spica to enhance its scientific knowledge base. |
| VIB | Strategic Partner | Company | A Belgian research institute partnering with Spica to strengthen research capabilities. |