# Vivace Therapeutics

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

- Industry: Biotechnology
- Headquarters: San Mateo, US
- Website: www.vivacetherapeutics.com
- Total disclosed funding: $71M
- Latest round: Series D (Feb 28, 2025)
- Investors on record: 7

## About

Vivace Therapeutics, Inc., based in the US, specializes in the discovery and development of innovative small-molecule therapeutics targeting critical pathways in cancer treatment, particularly the Hippo-YAP pathway.Founded in 2014 and headquartered in San Mateo, US, Vivace Therapeutics focuses on oncology and has undergone strategic pivots to refine its product offerings. The company has completed a total of four deals, with the most recent funding round, a Series D, raising USD 17.50 mn led by RA Capital. CEO Sofie Qiao plays a vital role in directing the company towards advancing its promising therapies.Vivace Therapeutics specializes in the discovery and development of small-molecule therapeutics targeting the Hippo-YAP pathway, which plays a critical role in regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis. The company's core product, VT3989, is a first-in-class inhibitor of the YAP-TEAD transcription complex, currently undergoing a Phase 1 clinical trial for advanced solid tumors, specifically malignant mesothelioma and tumors with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) mutations. This innovative therapeutic aims to provide new treatment options for patients suffering from various cancers, including those that are resistant to existing therapies. Vivace also explores the potential of their YAP-TEAD inhibitors in non-oncology indications, such as fibrotic diseases, thereby expanding their market reach. The company focuses on markets in North America and Asia, leveraging research collaborations with leading academic institutions to advance their therapeutic candidates.Vivace Therapeutics operates through a model that engages in direct collaboration with clinical research organizations and healthcare providers, focusing particularly on the oncology sector. The company's revenue generation is primarily derived from strategic partnerships and collaborations aimed at advancing their clinical programs, particularly those associated with VT3989. The structure of transactions includes research funding and milestone payments from partners in exchange for access to Vivace's proprietary drug candidates. These transactions enable Vivace to secure the necessary resources for ongoing clinical trials and further development of their therapeutic offerings. The company’s focus on capital efficiency ensures that they can effectively manage the costs associated with drug development while working towards commercialization of their first-in-class therapies.In February 2025, Vivace Therapeutics, Inc. raised USD 17.50 mn in Series D funding, led by RA Capital Management with participation from Canaan Partners and Cenova Ventures. The company plans to use this funding to advance VT3989 toward a Phase 3 clinical trial in mesothelioma. Additionally, Vivace aims to target expansion in both North America and Asia, with potential new product launches and geographical outreach planned for the coming years.

## Funding rounds

- Series D, Feb 28, 2025, $18M — Canaan Partners, Cenova Ventures, RA Capital Management
- Series C, Dec 11, 2020, $30M — Canaan Partners, RA Capital Management, Boxer Capital
- Series B, May 5, 2017, $8M — Hong Shan, Canaan Partners, Mission Bay Capital, Cenova Ventures, 6 Dimensions Capital
- Series A, Jan 1, 2015, $15M — Canaan Partners, 6 Dimensions Capital

## Investors

- Canaan Partners (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/canaan-partners) — Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D
- 6 Dimensions Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/6-dimensions-capital) — Series A, Series B
- Hong Shan — Series B
- Mission Bay Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/mission-bay-capital) — Series B
- Cenova Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/cenova-ventures) — Series B, Series D
- RA Capital Management (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/ra-capital-management) — Series C, Series D
- Boxer Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/boxer-capital) — Series C