News & Podcast
Stay up to date with the latest stories, deep-dives and interviews from the Munich startup ecosystem. From funding deals to founder portraits and tech trends.
“The biotech scene has always fascinated me”: Christian Gnam on his new role as IZB managing director
Since April, the Innovation and Founder Center for Biotechnology (IZB) has had new leadership with Christian Gnam. With extensive experience from the startup scene and a clear vision for the further development of the IZB, he is focusing on networking and innovation to further strengthen Munich as a biotech hub. He spoke with us about his career path, the challenges of his new position, and his plans for the future. As a speaker at the Munich Startup Festival, he will also highlight the importance of the Munich biotech cluster in comparison to other European locations.
BioM opens new startup incubator MAxL
In the presence of State Secretary Tobias Gotthardt, BioM opened the startup incubator “Munich Accelerator Life Sciences & Medicine” (MAxL) in Martinsried. It supports founders in the field of life sciences and medicine.
Christian Gnam becomes new managing director at IZB
The Innovation and Founding Center for Biotechnology (IZB) is undergoing a leadership change. As of April 1, Christian Gnam will be the new managing director of the support organization IZB. He takes over from Peter Zobel, who held this position for 28 years.
Gene therapy startup Vigeneron begins phase I of clinical trial
The hereditary disease retinitis pigmentosa is one of the most common causes of vision loss in middle adulthood. Previously incurable, gene therapies now promise success in treating the disease. The Munich startup Vigeneron is developing such a therapy and is now beginning phase I of clinical trial.
Bind-X raises 10 million euros in Series B
The Munich biotech startup Bind-X has successfully completed its Series B financing round and raised 10 million euros. The investors include HG Ventures, K&K 1, Greeneering Invest, and Saxovent.
Tubulis partners with Bristol Myers Squibb and receives up to 1 billion dollars
Tubulis has entered into a strategic partnership with American pharmaceutical company Bristol Myers Squibb. The startup based at the IZB in Martinsried receives 22.75 million dollars as an upfront payment through the deal and up to a total of 1 billion dollars.
Catalym secures 50 million euros
Catalym raises 50 million euros in a Series C round. The biotech startup based in Martinsried plans to invest the newly raised capital in further clinical testing of its drug candidate Visugromab.
VC investor Andera Partners moves into IZB in Martinsried
VC investor Andera Partners opens an office at the Innovation and Startup Center for Biotechnology (IZB) in Martinsried. The capital provider already has an IZB company in its portfolio.
Insempra invests in Solena Materials
Insempra – formerly Origin.Bio – invests in Solena Materials, a spinoff of Imperial College London that develops synthetic proteins for high-performance clothing fibers. Through the strategic investment, the IZB-based company aims to support the founding of the spinoff and accelerate the development of synthetic fibers for high-performance, naturally sustainable clothing.