# Kite Pharma

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/kite-pharma

- Industry: Biotechnology
- Headquarters: Santa Monica, US
- Website: www.kitepharma.com
- Total disclosed funding: $50M
- Latest round: Series A (May 15, 2013)
- Investors on record: 5

## About

Based in the US, Kite Pharma, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on cell therapy, particularly CAR T-cell therapy, aimed at treating patients with various types of cancer.Kite Pharma, Inc. specializes in developing advanced cell therapy products. Founded in 2009 in Santa Monica, California, the company underwent significant growth and was acquired by BioNTech SE in 2021. Arie Belldegrun and Bruce Levine are notable founders of the firm. In June 2014, Kite Pharma raised USD 128 mn in an IPO, which was its only funding round, bringing its total amount raised to USD 128 mn.Kite Pharma specializes in cell therapy, focusing primarily on CAR T-cell therapy as its core product offering. This innovative treatment involves engineering a patient’s own T-cells to enhance their ability to target and eliminate cancer cells, particularly in specific types of blood cancers. The company’s therapies are tailored to individual patients, leveraging the immune system's power to create personalized treatments that aim for long-term cures. Kite Pharma's portfolio includes a broad pipeline of research initiatives dedicated to improving patient responses and exploring various modalities of cell therapy. The company serves a diverse range of healthcare providers and oncology treatment centers in multiple geographical markets, including the United States, Europe, and other regions where advanced cancer care is prioritized.Kite Pharma generated revenue of USD 22.17 mn in 2016, with an EBITDA of USD -260.97 mn. The company primarily earns its revenue through the sale of its CAR T-cell therapies administered in specialized treatment centers, fostering B2B relationships with healthcare institutions for these customized treatments.Kite Pharma plans to expand its product offerings and develop new CAR T-cell therapies aimed at treating a broader range of cancers. The company aims to enter new international markets, specifically targeting regions in Europe and Asia by 2025. The recent acquisition by BioNTech SE, which occurred in August 2021, is expected to bolster its production capacity in support of U.S. clinical trials. This strategic move will enhance Kite's ability to deliver advanced cancer treatments and support its ongoing research initiatives.

## Funding rounds

- Series A, May 15, 2013, $35M — Alta Partners, Pontifax Venture Capital, Commercial Street Capital LLC, Two River
- Series A, Mar 9, 2011, $15M — TPG, Two River

## Investors

- TPG (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/tpg) — Series A
- Two River (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/two-river) — Series A
- Alta Partners (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/alta-partners) — Series A
- Pontifax Venture Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/pontifax-venture-capital) — Series A
- Commercial Street Capital LLC — Series A