BCF Advises Theodorus Investment Funds on the Launch of Neomabs Biotechnologies and Its $2 Million Pre-Seed Financing

BCF Represents Theodorus Investment Funds in the Creation of Neomabs Biotechnologies

BCF is proud to have represented its client, Theodorus Investment Funds, in connection with a $2 million pre-seed financing that led to the creation of Neomabs Biotechnologies, a Montréal-based biotechnology company focused on developing next-generation immunotherapies for the treatment of pediatric cancers.

The financing round was led by Theodorus, with participation from the Eureka Investment Fund, managed by Investissement Québec. The initiative also brings together several key players in Québec’s life sciences ecosystem, including Immune Biosolutions Inc., the Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Centre and CQDM, a biopharmaceutical research consortium.

The BCF team advising Theodorus on this transaction was composed of Annie Gauthier, Alessia Talarico, Gabriel Melançon, Andréanne Auger and Emilia Stoute.

Neomabs Biotechnologies: Advancing Novel Immunotherapies for Pediatric Leukemia

Founded in Montréal, Neomabs Biotechnologies is dedicated to developing innovative therapeutic antibodies targeting novel neoantigens associated with acute pediatric leukemias.

Despite significant advances in cancer treatment, certain forms of pediatric leukemia remain difficult to cure, and between 20% and 30% of affected children still succumb to the disease.

To address this critical unmet medical need, Neomabs is building on scientific discoveries made at the Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Centre by researcher Étienne Caron, his associate Isabelle Sirois and Dr. Sonia Cellot.

Their work combines cutting-edge proteomics, immunopeptidomics and computational mass spectrometry technologies with a unique biobank of leukemia specimens, patient-derived xenografts and engineered human leukemia models.

This combination of scientific expertise has enabled the identification of novel therapeutic targets that form the foundation of the antibody-based therapies being developed by Neomabs.

A Strategic Partnership Driving Innovation and Commercialization

The creation of Neomabs demonstrates the strength of Québec’s life sciences ecosystem in transforming publicly funded research into commercially viable healthcare innovations.

The company has secured an exclusive worldwide licence to the neoantigens identified at the Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Centre. The licence agreement was executed through Axelys, the organization responsible for managing, protecting and commercializing the institution’s intellectual property assets.

This collaborative model brings together investors, researchers and industry partners to accelerate the development of breakthrough therapies and ultimately improve outcomes for patients.

Supporting the Growth of Québec’s Life Sciences Sector

For Theodorus, the investment aligns with its mission of supporting promising biotechnology ventures at the earliest stages of development.

According to Patricia Escoffier, Director at Theodorus, the launch of Neomabs marks the culmination of a partnership initiated in 2021 between Theodorus and CQDM. The initiative was designed to identify innovative therapeutic research programs and accelerate their commercialization through the creation of new life sciences companies in Québec.

The Eureka Investment Fund, established to support the commercialization of innovations arising from Québec public research institutions, also plays a critical role in fostering the emergence of new technology companies and attracting additional early-stage investors to the province's innovation ecosystem.

BCF’s Experience in Life Sciences Transactions

Companies operating in the biotechnology, medical technology and life sciences sectors face a complex landscape involving financing, intellectual property, regulatory compliance and commercialization strategies.

BCF regularly advises venture capital funds, institutional investors, start-ups, research institutions and growth-stage companies on strategic transactions, including:

• Pre-seed and seed financings;
• Venture capital investments;
• Spin-off and company formation transactions;
• Intellectual property licensing agreements;
• Research and development partnerships;
• Growth financing and commercialization initiatives.

The creation of Neomabs Biotechnologies highlights the importance of fostering collaboration between researchers, entrepreneurs and investors to accelerate the development of innovative therapies and strengthen Québec’s position as a leading life sciences hub.

About Theodorus Investment Funds

Theodorus is a venture capital fund focused on early-stage investments in life sciences companies. The fund primarily invests in biotechnology, medical technology and healthcare technology businesses developing breakthrough innovations.

Beyond its role as a financial investor, Theodorus actively supports the growth and development of its portfolio companies. Today, the fund manages more than $100 million in assets and has supported over 40 companies. Theodorus maintains offices in Montréal and Brussels.