Kyoto iCAP has acquired a minority stake in Tokiwa Bio to strengthen collaboration and promote the advancement of innovative biotechnology solutions.

Investment Overview

This announcement pertains to the acquisition of a minority stake in Tokiwa Bio Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as 'Tokiwa Bio'), located in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture and led by Representative Director Masahiro Nakanishi. The investment is facilitated by the Innovation Kyoto 2021 Investment Limited Partnership ('KYOTO-iCAP Fund No. 2'), where Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as 'Kyoto iCAP'), headquartered in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, serves as the unlimited partner, alongside Japan Venture Capital Co., Ltd., based in Tokyo.

Target Company Background

Tokiwa Bio specializes in the research, development, and sales of stealth RNA vector (SRV) technology, which allows for the stable expression of multiple genes over long periods without integration into chromosomes. This innovative technology has proven successful in efficiently producing high-quality induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells.

Currently, Tokiwa Bio is actively advancing the practical application of its SRV technology and various cell reprogramming techniques, as part of a Series B fundi