🤗 New Investment: QurieGen is transforming oncology through next-Gen single cell analysis
We are excited to announce that we invested in our deep tech TechBio startup QurieGen that has secured EUR 2.2 million in pre-seed funding to develop advanced AI-based technology aimed at accelerating drug development progress in oncology. Dr. Eng. Kinga Matula, CEO and co-founder, describes QurieGen as a pioneer in building a groundbreaking solution - “Google Maps for cells” - with the potential to save millions of lives affected by serious medical conditions.
The project has been backed by a syndicate of investors from the CEE region: Tensor Ventures, Lighthouse Ventures, BSV Ventures, Moondust Ventures, and 22 Hor Invest, as well as renowned venture US capital investor Tim Draper of Draper Associates (who invested in companies like SpaceX, Tesla, Bitcoin, Carta).
At the heart of this journey is a young scientist, innovator, and entrepreneur whose path has led her from academia, through a personal battle as an oncological patient, to founding the startup QurieGen. This Dutch startup with Polish roots has developed a groundbreaking technology that enables a deeper understanding of disease mechanisms and how specific cancer drugs work at the single-cell level. This innovation helps pharmaceutical companies accelerate and reduce the cost of developing new and more effective treatments.
Why QurieGen?
Led by Dr. eng. Kinga Matula, a visionary scientist and entrepreneur, QurieGen is setting new standards in the world of cancer research by utilizing advanced AI-powered technology to accelerate drug development at the single-cell level.
QurieGen’s innovation is truly groundbreaking. While the pharmaceutical industry has made significant strides in cancer treatment, many challenges remain, especially in understanding how specific drugs work at the molecular level. What makes QurieGen stand out is their ability to study individual cancer cells, providing insights that enable faster and more cost-effective development of new treatments. In a world where time and cost are critical factors in drug development, this technology has the potential to save millions of lives.
What’s their story?
QurieGen’s journey is one of personal inspiration and scientific dedication. Dr. Kinga Matula, who founded QurieGen after her own battle with cancer, has turned her personal experience into a powerful driving force for change. Her firsthand knowledge of the difficulties faced by cancer patients has provided her with an intimate understanding of what needs to be done to make treatments more effective.
She and her team of world-class researchers became “molecular detectives,” identifying the specific cells that make certain drugs work or fail for particular cancers. This breakthrough approach led to a deeper understanding of how cancer drugs interact with individual cells, resulting in more tailored and efficient treatments.
“At the time I was diagnosed with cancer, we were developing groundbreaking single-cell technology alongside a team of Best-in-Class professors and PhD researchers in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. However, my own cancer experience gave me firsthand insight into the challenges patients face. This experience also strengthened my resolve to create meaningful change,”
- says Kinga Matula, co-founder and CEO of QurieGen.
What makes QurieGen different?
The core of QurieGen’s innovation lies in its ability to study single cancer cells. Analyzing individual cells can provide pharmaceutical companies with insights into why certain drugs succeed or fail in treating specific cancers. This precision medicine approach accelerates the drug development process and reduces costs, a vital factor in today’s competitive TechBio landscape.
Their unique methodology has already delivered tangible results, including their first paid project with a pharmaceutical company whose FDA-approved drug was not performing as expected. QurieGen’s specialized technology allowed them to study and improve the drug’s efficacy, providing pharmaceutical companies with a faster, more efficient path to market.
How have they grown?
In addition to the groundbreaking technology, QurieGen’s journey has been marked by several key milestones. The company’s potential was recognized early on, as they won the Venture Challenge in May 2022, securing a golden ticket to the prestigious Silicon Valley Accelerator in July 2022.
Further proof of their growing impact came when QurieGen was named the top winner in the XTC Winner Competition 2024. This recognition, alongside their recent selection for the NATO DIANA program, solidifies their position as a startup with immense potential for global success. As part of the NATO DIANA program, QurieGen will receive EUR 100,000 in funding, gain access to over 180 test centers, and participate in one of 13 dedicated accelerators that support the development of dual-use technologies in both the civilian and defense sectors.
Why we’re invested
As investors, we are proud to support a company that blends cutting-edge scientific research with a deeply personal commitment to improving healthcare outcomes. QurieGen’s ability to innovate in a complex and competitive space, coupled with their drive to make meaningful change, is a formula for success. We believe that their technology will not only transform the pharmaceutical industry but also contribute to saving lives and reshaping the global healthcare landscape.
“Kinga is a rare mix of scientific brilliance and entrepreneurial drive. Her success will inspire other talented women to enter deep tech,”
- says Roman Smola of Tensor Ventures, which led the investment under Jan Faflik.