CasInvent Pharma, founded in 2020 as a spin-off from Masaryk University, focuses on the development of highly selective inhibitors of casein kinase 1 (CK1), aiming to create effective therapies for treatment-resistant cancers for advanced cancer patients. Now, the biotech startup has successfully closed a new investment round, with strong support from both existing and new investors – many of whom come from the South Moravian region in the Czech Republic.
New investors include JIC Ventures, independent investors from the Garage Angels network, and Dynumerics a.s., together contributing 50% of the total investment. Their involvement highlights the growing support of high-tech innovations in the Brno region.
The remaining investment was backed by longstanding investors including KHAN-I, i&i Prague, and Holeček Family Foundation.
“This investment round is a strong signal that innovation in oncology is gaining meaningful traction, not only globally, but also locally in the Czech Republic. We’re proud to have earned the trust of experienced investors from the South Moravian region who share our vision of targeted, next-generation therapies for hard-to-treat cancers,” said Alexander Scheer, CEO of CasInvent Pharma. “With their support, we are moving closer to translating our scientific discoveries to the clinic.”
“Our decision to invest was driven by CasInvent’s clear scientific focus, promising data, and experienced leadership. We see enormous potential in the targeted modulation of CK1 enzymes, and we believe the team has what it takes to make a meaningful difference in cancer therapy,” commented Miloš Dendis, CEO of Dendis Capital and member of the Garage Angels investor group.
“Casinvent is a great example of know-how being transferred from a scientific environment into business. The JIC innovation agency has supported this process for a long time, both through targeted programs and financially,“ adds Radim Kocourek on behalf of JIC Ventures.
“At KHAN-I, we are committed to backing visionary science with the potential to transform lives. Our continued investment in CasInvent Pharma over the past three years reflects our strong belief in their pioneering approach to kinase inhibitors and targeted cancer therapies,” added Michael Krebs, Managing Director at KHAN-I.
About CasInvent Pharma
CasInvent Pharma is a drug discovery spin-off company established in 2020 by Masaryk University (MU) and Bio-Innovation Centre i&i Prague, s.r.o. (Ltd). The mission of the company is to develop new therapeutic options for the treatment of resistant tumors. The CasInvent platform is based on the use of proprietary, best-in-class highly selective inhibitors of enzymes belonging to the casein kinase 1 (CK1) family that are responsible for the regulation of different cellular mechanisms leading to resistance to targeted therapies.
Further information available at: www.casinvent.com
About KHAN-I
KHAN Technology Transfer Fund I GmbH & Co KG (KHAN-I) is an early-stage life sciences venture fund with € 70 million under management. Their mission is to create value through cooperative drug development partnerships with academic innovators in Europe. KHAN-I focuses on first-in-class therapies for attractive markets with a high unmet medical need. The fund is managed by Khanu Management GmbH, an experienced team of professionals with proven track records in early-stage drug development and academic spin-offs as well as pharma licensing and partnering. KHAN-I received an investment from the European Investment Fund (EIF) with the support of InnovFin Equity, and with the financial backing of the European Union under Horizon 2020 Financial Instruments and the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) under the Investment Plan for Europe.
KHAN-I is also supported by Austria Wirtschaftsservice GmbH (AWS with funds provided by the Austrian Federal Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs and the Austrian Foundation for Research, Technology, and Development), Max Planck Foundation, and Thyssen’sche Handelsgesellschaft mbH. In addition, KHAN-I sustains a preferred partnership with the Max Planck Society (Max-Planck-Gesellschaft e.V.).
Further information available at: www.khanu.de
About i&i Prague
i&i Prague is a biotech incubator and venture builder supporting the creation of startups and spin-offs. The incubator is dedicated to helping scientists transform their groundbreaking discoveries into market-ready solutions. Whether the research focuses on Drug Discovery, Diagnostics, MedTech, or other Life Science fields, i&i Prague specializes in identifying and supporting promising innovations. The incubator offers step-by-step guidance to help with the commercialization of innovations, from shaping the idea into a business concept to connecting inventors with top-tier experts in science, law, and industry.
Further information available at: www.iniprague.com
About the Holeček Family Foundation
The Holeček Foundation supports individuals and institutions with the vision and expertise to positively impact society. Its main areas of focus are education, healthcare, and scientific research — fields seen as essential to societal development.
The Foundation primarily funds universities, hospitals, and research organizations in the Czech Republic, helping them reach their full potential despite financial limitations. It also backs innovative projects with the potential to drive meaningful change.
Through its open and flexible approach to funding, the Foundation aims to inspire others and promote a culture of giving back.
Further information available at: www.holecekfoundation.cz
About Garage Angels
Garage Angels is an informal group of about 15 independent individual investors from South Moravian region focusing on early-stage angel investments in Czech startups. They provide capital, mentorship, and emphasize collaboration and co-investing to support break-through innovations. Key members include Jiří Hlavenka, an active investor in over 20 startups and Miloš Dendis, a biotech specialist founding GeneProof.
Further information available at: www.g-angels.cz
About JIC Ventures
JIC Ventures is an investment fund established in 2015 by the South Moravian Innovation Centre (JIC) to support visionary founders at the pre-seed and seed stages. Led by Managing Director Radim Kocourek bringing extensive experience working with startups, JIC Ventures invests across sectors including biotech, IT, and smart technologies.
Further information available at: www.jic.cz
About Dynumerics
The Czech company Dynumerics supports Czech early-stage tech and biotech startups. The portfolio includes CAREBOT developing AI-powered diagnostic tools for healthcare professionals.
Contact: pr@lead-discovery.de