# Kano Therapeutics

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/kano-therapeutics

- Industry: Biotechnology
- Headquarters: Cambridge, US
- Website: www.kanotherapeutics.com
- Total disclosed funding: $5M
- Latest round: Seed (May 6, 2024)
- Investors on record: 4

## About

Based in Massachusetts, US, and founded in 2021, Kano Therapeutics Inc. a spin-off of MIT, operates as a biotechnology company that engages in the development of a new class of biomaterials for gene correction. In May 2024, Kano Therapeutics Inc. raised USD 5.05 million in seed funding co-led by new investors The Engine Ventures and VSquared Ventures, with participation from other new investors Taihill Venture and Metaplanet. The firm as of June 2024, is led by its founders, Floris Engelhardt (CEO and CSO) and John Vroom (CBO). Kano Therapeutics primarily serves scientists, labs, and companies in the biotechnology industry.

The company is dedicated to pioneering targeted gene correction using circular single-stranded (donor) DNA (ssDNA). Kano’s ssDNA technique combines the stability of double-stranded DNA with the flexibility of RNA, offering superior building blocks for genomic engineering. As of May 2024, the company has developed a fermentation-based production technique for ssDNA, enabling the creation of gene-length circular ssDNA templates. This innovation overcomes traditional manufacturing bottlenecks, supports longer DNA insertions, and unlocks gene editing targets. Kano's platform integrates design, manufacturing, and screening processes to provide a solution for partners seeking to develop gene replacement therapies. The company plans to use the May 2024 funding to develop its clinical-grade kilobase ssDNA manufacturing technique and boost the company's initiatives through collaborative drug development.

## Funding rounds

- Seed, May 6, 2024, $5M — Engine Ventures, Taihill Venture, Metaplanet Holdings, Vsquared Ventures

## Investors

- Engine Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/engine-ventures) — Seed
- Taihill Venture (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/taihill-venture) — Seed
- Metaplanet Holdings (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/metaplanet-holdings) — Seed
- Vsquared Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/vsquared-ventures) — Seed