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Kamet Capital Leads Exclusive Series A Investment in AI Avatar Pioneer TopView

Kamet Capital backs industry-first AI avatar platform enabling digital humans to physically interact with products

SINGAPORE, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kamet Capital, a leading multi-single-family office headquartered in Singapore, has announced the completion of its exclusive Series A investment of USD 8.5 million into TopView.ai (“TopView”). The fast-rising AI-powered product content creation platform is transforming how brands produce immersive and conversion-driven e-commerce content through breakthrough AI avatar technology.

Launched in Singapore in 2024, TopView is a next-generation content creation platform that harnesses proprietary AI and digital human technology to revolutionise how businesses produce high-quality video content. Its platform empowers brands to create immersive, UGC-style videos and product photos at scale without the need for filming, editing, actors, or KOLs. With its industry-first capabilities, including lifelike AI avatars that can physically interact with products on screen, TopView transforms conventional product showcases into dynamic, conversion-driven experiences.

TopView’s latest Product Avatar and Product AnyShoot version 2.0 solutions require only one product image to generate hyper-realistic content featuring AI avatars that look and behave like real-life presenters. These avatars can “physically” catch, hold, and demonstrate products onscreen, and unlock a whole new level of avatar-product interaction for brands looking to create engaging and scalable product content for e-commerce, livestreaming, and social media marketing.

Driven by its breakthrough technology, TopView has achieved exceptional commercial momentum, recording over 50% month-over-month growth in recurring revenue since the release of V2.0. Its growing roster of enterprise clients includes major regional and international brands such as L’Oréal, ANTA, and Anker.

TopView’s rise is further bolstered by Kamet Capital’s strategic support. In addition to leading the Series A funding, Kamet provided comprehensive incubation support, offered workspace at its offices in the company’s early days, guided the setup of its global headquarters in Singapore, and facilitated business development across Southeast Asia. Kamet also connected TopView to a broader network of families and founders through its proprietary Founders Network.

“At Kamet, we seek out visionary founders with disruptive ideas capable of reshaping industries,” said Kerry Goh, Founder and CEO of Kamet Capital. “TopView represents not only a rare AI investment opportunity from Asia but also exemplifies our ability to leverage Kamet’s deep Founders Network to source, support, and scale emerging leaders in high-growth sectors.”

TopView was co-founded by Jensen Wu and Albert Chen, whose careers span years at one of Asia’s top 5 tech giants. Within one year of setting up in Singapore, the company caught the attention of the prominent Silicon Valley venture capital firm, Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), which featured TopView in its investment thesis on AI avatars.

Singapore’s emergence as Asia’s Palo Alto made it the natural choice for TopView’s headquarters. With its deep tech talent pool, the presence of regional or international headquarters of major tech firms, and the support of forward-looking venture capital, such as Kamet’s Founders Network, Singapore offered an ideal environment for TopView’s next phase of growth. TopView has strong potential to transform sectors and build capabilities in Singapore. It was selected for Singapore’s IMDA Spark programme, and its founder, Jensen Wu, is also part of the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB)’s Global Founder Programme, a support initiative for experienced founders to scale global ventures in Singapore.

“We’re entering a new era where AI avatars can now act, present, and connect like real humans on behalf of brands,” said Jensen Wu, Co-Founder and CEO of TopView. “Our technology aims to reshape the boundaries of digital commerce by turning product pages into rich, interactive experiences. Kamet’s backing accelerates our ability to scale globally, while anchoring our innovation in Singapore – a world-class launchpad for the next generation of AI-powered storytelling.”

“AI avatars represent one of the most exciting frontiers in next-generation digital commerce,” added Kerry. “With TopView, Singapore is well-positioned to play a leadership role in this emerging space.”

Kamet continues to explore new investment opportunities in the most innovative areas and welcomes more families and investors to join its Founders Network and co-participate in such deals.

About Kamet Capital

Kamet Capital is a leading wealth management firm headquartered in Singapore, pioneering the multi-single-family office model in Asia. Founded in 2017, Kamet Capital is dedicated to serving ultra-high-net-worth families and individuals with a comprehensive suite of services that include investment management, wealth planning, international mobility solutions, household management, administrative support, and philanthropy. Its innovative approach combines the personalised attention of a single-family office with the robust capabilities and efficiencies of a multi-family office to cater to the dynamic needs of affluent families and founders across Asia. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Kamet Capital continues to shape the future of the family office sector, providing unparalleled support and strategic solutions to ensure the prosperity and growth of our clients’ legacies.

 

 

SatSure and KALRO Partner to Leverage Satellite Data for Agricultural Transformation in Kenya

BANGALORE, India, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SatSure Analytics India Pvt. Ltd., one of the leading Earth Observation (EO) data refinery platforms, has partnered with Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) to revolutionize agricultural productivity and resilience in Kenya through the use of advanced satellite data and analytics.

SatSure partners with Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization to transform the agricultural landscape with Earth Intelligence.
SatSure partners with Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization to transform the agricultural landscape with Earth Intelligence.

This strategic collaboration aims to integrate SatSure’s expertise in Earth observation and artificial intelligence with KALRO’s extensive research capabilities to drive data-driven decision-making in the agriculture sector. The partnership will focus on leveraging satellite imagery, remote sensing, and advanced analytics to provide actionable insights for crop monitoring, yield forecasting, soil health assessment, and climate resilience strategies.

Speaking on the partnership, Dhruva Rajan, Chief Revenue Officer at SatSure, stated,

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with KALRO in bringing cutting-edge geospatial intelligence to Kenya’s agricultural landscape. This strategic partnership marks a significant step toward enabling data-driven policymaking, strengthening food security, and empowering smallholder farmers with near real-time insights into crop health, weather variability, and sustainable practices.”

KALRO, a premier institution in agricultural research, is committed to improving agricultural productivity and sustainability in Kenya. Salim Kinyimu, ICT Director at KALRO, commented, “Our partnership with SatSure aligns with our vision of integrating technology into agricultural research and extension services. By harnessing satellite-based analytics, we can better understand climate impacts, optimize resource utilization, and empower farmers with precise, timely information.”

Paving the Way for Innovation

The MoU between SatSure and KALRO will pave the way for pilot projects, joint research initiatives, and the development of digital tools that support agricultural stakeholders, including government agencies, agribusinesses, and farmers.

By combining SatSure’s geospatial intelligence capabilities with KALRO’s on-ground expertise, the collaboration is set to enhance Kenya’s agricultural resilience and contribute to the country’s food security goals.

About SatSure
SatSure is one of the world’s leading Earth Intelligence companies, delivering analytics-ready data products that enable contextual, industry-specific Earth Observation (EO) solutions at a global scale.

It is an end-to-end EO data refinery platform—transforming EO data into decision intelligence—designed to address global challenges across sectors such as Agriculture, Banking, Aviation, Utilities and Critical Infrastructure, and Natural Resources, including Water and Forestry.

About KALRO
The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) is a premier research institution dedicated to enhancing agricultural productivity and rural development in Kenya. KALRO conducts cutting-edge research in crop sciences, livestock management, and sustainable farming practices to support the country’s agricultural sector.

Photo: https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/karlo_x_satsure.jpg
Logo: https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/satsure_logo.jpg

 

Vietnam Tops APAC in Ambition, Sustainability, and Global Career Outlook, Reeracoen × Rakuten Insight Study Shows

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Vietnam’s workforce leads the Asia-Pacific region in career ambition, values-driven job decisions, and openness to working abroad, according to a new white paper from recruitment firm Reeracoen and market research agency Rakuten Insight Global.

The  Reeracoen × Rakuten Insight APAC Workforce Whitepaper 2025, which surveyed more than 12,000 workers across 12 APAC markets, reveals that Vietnam ranks highest in three key categories: 58% of Vietnamese professionals strongly aspire to leadership roles, 82% say corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability influence their job decisions, and 62% are open to relocating internationally.

“Vietnamese talent isn’t just looking for better jobs. They are actively preparing for them,” said Masato Sekine, Country Manager at Reeracoen Vietnam. “Ambition, adaptability, and a desire for meaningful work define this next generation of professionals.”

Mr. Masato Sekine, Country Manager at Reeracoen Vietnam
Mr. Masato Sekine, Country Manager at Reeracoen Vietnam

Key Findings from Vietnam:

  • Vietnamese Workers Lead in Ambition: Vietnamese workers have the highest level of career ambition across all 12 markets surveyed, with 58% expressing strong aspirations for leadership roles.
  • CSR and ESG Influence Job Choice: 82% deem CSR and sustainability commitments as critical criteria when evaluating employers. This is the highest response in the region, ahead of Singapore (79%) and the APAC average of 71%.
  • Mobility is Not a Showstopper: 62% are open to relocating abroad, with Japan, Singapore, and South Korea among the top preferred destinations.
  • Wage Expectations are Rising: 32% expect salary increases of more than 10% this year, compared to the regional average of 21%.
  • Growing “Flexibility Gap”: While 74% desire hybrid work, only 51% currently have access to it, creating one of the widest gaps between expectation and reality in the region.

These insights emerge as Vietnam experiences robust economic growth, rising foreign direct investment, and growing demand for digitally skilled and globally aware professionals. At the same time, many employers remain focused on short-term productivity, cautious hiring, and cost containment.

“This report sends a clear signal to Vietnam’s employers,” said Kosuke Soejima, General Director at Reeracoen Vietnam. “Workers are no longer just job seekers. They are evaluating companies based on values, leadership, and long-term opportunity. Businesses that align with these priorities will attract and retain the best talent.”

Mr. Kosuke Soejima, General Director at Reeracoen Vietnam
Mr. Kosuke Soejima, General Director at Reeracoen Vietnam

Why This Matters

Vietnam is emerging as a regional hub for manufacturing, green energy, and digital innovation. Its talent base, composed mainly of Gen Z and millennial professionals, is more globally minded and socially conscious than ever before. The report highlights how worker expectations are shifting and outlines the steps employers must take to remain competitive.

The findings also support Vietnam’s national agenda, including the Green Growth Strategy and Digital Transformation Roadmap, by spotlighting the importance of sustainable practices and skill development in the labour market.

About the Study

The whitepaper synthesises insights from over 12,000 respondents across the APAC region, including Vietnam. It provides both regional analysis and market-specific breakdowns to support workforce benchmarking and strategic planning.

About Reeracoen Vietnam

Reeracoen is an award-winning leader in Asia’s recruitment landscape, connecting top-tier talent with forward-thinking organisations across the region. With 9 offices across 6 major Asian countries, we combine deep local networks with cross-border hiring expertise to help businesses grow faster and stronger. Our excellence has been recognised with recent awards such as: 

  • Best Recruitment & Talent Acquisition Agency 2025
  • Best International Recruitment & Talent Acquisition Agency 2024
  • Best Executive Recruitment Agency 2024

We uphold the highest standards of professionalism and service quality, providing innovative and trusted recruitment solutions to help businesses and candidates succeed in an evolving digital economy. For more information, visit https://www.reeracoen.com.vn/ and follow us on social media.

About Rakuten Insight Global, Inc.

Rakuten Insight Global, Inc. (“Rakuten Insight”) is a wholly-owned online market research subsidiary of Rakuten Group, Inc., a global leader in internet services, headquartered in Tokyo. Rakuten Insight was established in 1997 as AIP Corporation and became part of the Rakuten Group in 2014. Rakuten Insight possesses a research panel focusing on 12 major Asian markets & the US and a panel network covering 60 countries and regions. With offices in 11 countries and regions, Rakuten Insight provides market research for over 500 leading companies around the world. Rakuten Insight Singapore serves as an off-shore market research hub to drive business development and provide multi-lingual and multi-functional operational support for clients based across Southeast Asia. For more information, visit https://insight.rakuten.com/  and follow us on social media.

METiS Technologies Closes RMB 400 Million Series D Financing to Power Beijing’s Biopharmaceutical Innovation Engine

BEIJING, China, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — METiS Technologies, a global leader in AI-driven nanodelivery innovation, today announced the successful completion of its RMB 400 million Series D financing round. The announcement was made at the Zhongguancun (Daxing) Cell and Gene Therapy Industrial Park, a key hub for Beijing’s life sciences sector.

Financing Co-led by Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund and Daxing Industrial Investment Fund

The Series D round was co-led by the Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund and the Daxing Industrial Investment Fund. The new capital will be used to accelerate METiS’ core strategic initiatives, including automation upgrades to its proprietary platform, in-house pipeline development, expansion of global partnerships, and recruitment of world-class talent.

Left: Dr. Chris LAI, Co-founder and CEO of METiS Technologies; Right: Mr. REN Peng, Chairman and General Manager, Shunxi Management Co., Ltd., a General Partner of the Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund
Left: Dr. Chris LAI, Co-founder and CEO of METiS Technologies; Right: Mr. REN Peng, Chairman and General Manager, Shunxi Management Co., Ltd., a General Partner of the Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund

The Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund (Limited Partnership) is one of eight major industrial funds established with support from the Beijing Municipal Government. It focuses on innovative pharmaceuticals, advanced medical devices, and emerging technologies such as cell and gene therapy (CGT) and digital health. The fund plays a key role in accelerating the city’s biotech innovation ecosystem.

Mr. REN Peng, Chairman and General Manager of Shunxi Management Co.,Ltd. commented: “Healthcare is a cornerstone of Beijing’s innovation-driven strategy and a vital engine of emerging productivity. With the launch of the city’s AI+Healthcare Innovation Action Plan, Beijing is strategically integrating AI with life sciences to lead the next phase of high-quality growth. Our RMB 20 billion fund reflects our commitment to advancing innovation in CGT. METiS fills a critical gap in advanced formulation and delivery systems, and we believe their technology will set new standards in AI-powered nanodelivery.”

Mr. LI Ming, Chairman of Beijing Daxing District Investment Group Co., Ltd., added:
“Daxing District is committed to making biopharma a core pillar of its economic growth strategy. The launch of the OpenCGT platform marks a major milestone that will accelerate the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies, while attracting top global talent, capital, and innovation to Daxing – enhancing our competitiveness in CGT on the world stage.”

Mr. HUANG Hantao, Deputy General Manager of CICC Capital, noted:
“We are grateful for the strong support from Beijing’s leadership, Shunxi Management, and Daxing District across policy, capital, talent, and infrastructure. METiS has made tremendous progress over the past two years. As a long-term investor, CICC Capital will continue to support the company in R&D collaborations with our portfolio companies, clinical development, talent acquisition, and capital markets—empowering the next wave of breakthroughs in AI-enabled drug delivery.”

Dr. Chris LAI, Co-founder and CEO of METiS Technologies, stated:
“We are deeply grateful for the trust and support from the Beijing municipal government, our investors, and our ecosystem partners. Solving the grand challenge of nanodelivery through AI innovation is not just METiS’ mission—it’s our commitment to the broader life sciences ecosystem. We will continue to develop homegrown, world-class delivery technologies to support the high-quality growth of China’s CGT industry.”

METiS Technologies Becomes a Pillar Enterprise of Beijing’s OpenCGT Platform

CGT represents the third major wave of pharmaceutical innovation, following small molecules and biologics. In 2024, five Beijing authorities—including the Municipal Science and Technology Commission and Zhongguancun Administrative Committee—jointly launched a Three-Year Action Plan aimed at accelerating CGT development. The plan sets out to foster over 20 cutting-edge CGT companies by 2027 and establish a globally recognized CGT innovation cluster.

As a cornerstone of this initiative, METiS launched the OpenCGT platform—designed to address key challenges in precision nanodelivery, reduce costs and complexity, and enable the clinical translation of next-generation CGT therapies. This platform is set to become a new engine driving Beijing’s life sciences growth.

Leveraging METiS’ proprietary AI nanodelivery technology, the OpenCGT platform bridges the gap between foundational research in leading academic institutions and major hospitals, and translational work by biotech firms. Its inaugural project is to enable AccurEdit Therapeutics to develop a liver-targeted CRISPR gene-editing therapy using mRNA-LNP delivery.

AccurEdit Therapeutics is a pioneering biotech company developing precise, safe, and effective in vivo gene editing therapies for hereditary and acquired diseases. The company has built a best-in-class, end-to-end platform for in vivo gene editing that integrates RNA synthesis, editing, and delivery technologies. In October 2023, AccurEdit became the first and only company in China to demonstrate systemic CRISPR gene editing in humans with confirmed safety and efficacy.

About METiS Technologies
Unlocking a healthier world through AI-driven nanotechnology
. METiS Technologies is a pioneering TechBio company at the intersection of artificial intelligence and nanomaterial science, focused on transforming the delivery and application of active agents across life forms.

Founded by a team of MIT-trained scientists with deep expertise in AI, quantum mechanics, nanomaterials, and advanced drug delivery, the company has developed three proprietary platform technologies, AiLNP – AI platform for nucleic acid delivery system design; AiRNA – AI platform for mRNA sequence optimization; and AiTEM – AI platform for small molecule formulation design.

METiS’ platforms simulate, predict, and interpret nanoscale interactions to enable rational design, optimization, and validation of next-generation nanomaterials and their payloads. By advancing AI-enabled nanotechnology, METiS strives to unlock new therapeutic possibilities across a wide range of diseases, including cancer, metabolic and autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions, and improve the health of lives. 

METiS Technologies Closes RMB 400 Million Series D Financing to Power Beijing’s Biopharmaceutical Innovation Engine

BEIJING, China, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — METiS Technologies, a global leader in AI-driven nanodelivery innovation, today announced the successful completion of its RMB 400 million Series D financing round. The announcement was made at the Zhongguancun (Daxing) Cell and Gene Therapy Industrial Park, a key hub for Beijing’s life sciences sector.

Financing Co-led by Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund and Daxing Industrial Investment Fund

The Series D round was co-led by the Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund and the Daxing Industrial Investment Fund. The new capital will be used to accelerate METiS’ core strategic initiatives, including automation upgrades to its proprietary platform, in-house pipeline development, expansion of global partnerships, and recruitment of world-class talent.

Left: Dr. Chris LAI, Co-founder and CEO of METiS Technologies; Right: Mr. REN Peng, Chairman and General Manager, Shunxi Management Co., Ltd., a General Partner of the Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund
Left: Dr. Chris LAI, Co-founder and CEO of METiS Technologies; Right: Mr. REN Peng, Chairman and General Manager, Shunxi Management Co., Ltd., a General Partner of the Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund

The Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund (Limited Partnership) is one of eight major industrial funds established with support from the Beijing Municipal Government. It focuses on innovative pharmaceuticals, advanced medical devices, and emerging technologies such as cell and gene therapy (CGT) and digital health. The fund plays a key role in accelerating the city’s biotech innovation ecosystem.

Mr. REN Peng, Chairman and General Manager of Shunxi Management Co.,Ltd. commented: “Healthcare is a cornerstone of Beijing’s innovation-driven strategy and a vital engine of emerging productivity. With the launch of the city’s AI+Healthcare Innovation Action Plan, Beijing is strategically integrating AI with life sciences to lead the next phase of high-quality growth. Our RMB 20 billion fund reflects our commitment to advancing innovation in CGT. METiS fills a critical gap in advanced formulation and delivery systems, and we believe their technology will set new standards in AI-powered nanodelivery.”

Mr. LI Ming, Chairman of Beijing Daxing District Investment Group Co., Ltd., added:
“Daxing District is committed to making biopharma a core pillar of its economic growth strategy. The launch of the OpenCGT platform marks a major milestone that will accelerate the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies, while attracting top global talent, capital, and innovation to Daxing – enhancing our competitiveness in CGT on the world stage.”

Mr. HUANG Hantao, Deputy General Manager of CICC Capital, noted:
“We are grateful for the strong support from Beijing’s leadership, Shunxi Management, and Daxing District across policy, capital, talent, and infrastructure. METiS has made tremendous progress over the past two years. As a long-term investor, CICC Capital will continue to support the company in R&D collaborations with our portfolio companies, clinical development, talent acquisition, and capital markets—empowering the next wave of breakthroughs in AI-enabled drug delivery.”

Dr. Chris LAI, Co-founder and CEO of METiS Technologies, stated:
“We are deeply grateful for the trust and support from the Beijing municipal government, our investors, and our ecosystem partners. Solving the grand challenge of nanodelivery through AI innovation is not just METiS’ mission—it’s our commitment to the broader life sciences ecosystem. We will continue to develop homegrown, world-class delivery technologies to support the high-quality growth of China’s CGT industry.”

METiS Technologies Becomes a Pillar Enterprise of Beijing’s OpenCGT Platform

CGT represents the third major wave of pharmaceutical innovation, following small molecules and biologics. In 2024, five Beijing authorities—including the Municipal Science and Technology Commission and Zhongguancun Administrative Committee—jointly launched a Three-Year Action Plan aimed at accelerating CGT development. The plan sets out to foster over 20 cutting-edge CGT companies by 2027 and establish a globally recognized CGT innovation cluster.

As a cornerstone of this initiative, METiS launched the OpenCGT platform—designed to address key challenges in precision nanodelivery, reduce costs and complexity, and enable the clinical translation of next-generation CGT therapies. This platform is set to become a new engine driving Beijing’s life sciences growth.

Leveraging METiS’ proprietary AI nanodelivery technology, the OpenCGT platform bridges the gap between foundational research in leading academic institutions and major hospitals, and translational work by biotech firms. Its inaugural project is to enable AccurEdit Therapeutics to develop a liver-targeted CRISPR gene-editing therapy using mRNA-LNP delivery.

AccurEdit Therapeutics is a pioneering biotech company developing precise, safe, and effective in vivo gene editing therapies for hereditary and acquired diseases. The company has built a best-in-class, end-to-end platform for in vivo gene editing that integrates RNA synthesis, editing, and delivery technologies. In October 2023, AccurEdit became the first and only company in China to demonstrate systemic CRISPR gene editing in humans with confirmed safety and efficacy.

About METiS Technologies
Unlocking a healthier world through AI-driven nanotechnology
. METiS Technologies is a pioneering TechBio company at the intersection of artificial intelligence and nanomaterial science, focused on transforming the delivery and application of active agents across life forms.

Founded by a team of MIT-trained scientists with deep expertise in AI, quantum mechanics, nanomaterials, and advanced drug delivery, the company has developed three proprietary platform technologies, AiLNP – AI platform for nucleic acid delivery system design; AiRNA – AI platform for mRNA sequence optimization; and AiTEM – AI platform for small molecule formulation design.

METiS’ platforms simulate, predict, and interpret nanoscale interactions to enable rational design, optimization, and validation of next-generation nanomaterials and their payloads. By advancing AI-enabled nanotechnology, METiS strives to unlock new therapeutic possibilities across a wide range of diseases, including cancer, metabolic and autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions, and improve the health of lives. 

METiS Technologies Closes RMB 400 Million Series D Financing to Power Beijing’s Biopharmaceutical Innovation Engine

BEIJING, China, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — METiS Technologies, a global leader in AI-driven nanodelivery innovation, today announced the successful completion of its RMB 400 million Series D financing round. The announcement was made at the Zhongguancun (Daxing) Cell and Gene Therapy Industrial Park, a key hub for Beijing’s life sciences sector.

Financing Co-led by Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund and Daxing Industrial Investment Fund

The Series D round was co-led by the Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund and the Daxing Industrial Investment Fund. The new capital will be used to accelerate METiS’ core strategic initiatives, including automation upgrades to its proprietary platform, in-house pipeline development, expansion of global partnerships, and recruitment of world-class talent.

Left: Dr. Chris LAI, Co-founder and CEO of METiS Technologies; Right: Mr. REN Peng, Chairman and General Manager, Shunxi Management Co., Ltd., a General Partner of the Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund
Left: Dr. Chris LAI, Co-founder and CEO of METiS Technologies; Right: Mr. REN Peng, Chairman and General Manager, Shunxi Management Co., Ltd., a General Partner of the Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund

The Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund (Limited Partnership) is one of eight major industrial funds established with support from the Beijing Municipal Government. It focuses on innovative pharmaceuticals, advanced medical devices, and emerging technologies such as cell and gene therapy (CGT) and digital health. The fund plays a key role in accelerating the city’s biotech innovation ecosystem.

Mr. REN Peng, Chairman and General Manager of Shunxi Management Co.,Ltd. commented: “Healthcare is a cornerstone of Beijing’s innovation-driven strategy and a vital engine of emerging productivity. With the launch of the city’s AI+Healthcare Innovation Action Plan, Beijing is strategically integrating AI with life sciences to lead the next phase of high-quality growth. Our RMB 20 billion fund reflects our commitment to advancing innovation in CGT. METiS fills a critical gap in advanced formulation and delivery systems, and we believe their technology will set new standards in AI-powered nanodelivery.”

Mr. LI Ming, Chairman of Beijing Daxing District Investment Group Co., Ltd., added:
“Daxing District is committed to making biopharma a core pillar of its economic growth strategy. The launch of the OpenCGT platform marks a major milestone that will accelerate the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies, while attracting top global talent, capital, and innovation to Daxing – enhancing our competitiveness in CGT on the world stage.”

Mr. HUANG Hantao, Deputy General Manager of CICC Capital, noted:
“We are grateful for the strong support from Beijing’s leadership, Shunxi Management, and Daxing District across policy, capital, talent, and infrastructure. METiS has made tremendous progress over the past two years. As a long-term investor, CICC Capital will continue to support the company in R&D collaborations with our portfolio companies, clinical development, talent acquisition, and capital markets—empowering the next wave of breakthroughs in AI-enabled drug delivery.”

Dr. Chris LAI, Co-founder and CEO of METiS Technologies, stated:
“We are deeply grateful for the trust and support from the Beijing municipal government, our investors, and our ecosystem partners. Solving the grand challenge of nanodelivery through AI innovation is not just METiS’ mission—it’s our commitment to the broader life sciences ecosystem. We will continue to develop homegrown, world-class delivery technologies to support the high-quality growth of China’s CGT industry.”

METiS Technologies Becomes a Pillar Enterprise of Beijing’s OpenCGT Platform

CGT represents the third major wave of pharmaceutical innovation, following small molecules and biologics. In 2024, five Beijing authorities—including the Municipal Science and Technology Commission and Zhongguancun Administrative Committee—jointly launched a Three-Year Action Plan aimed at accelerating CGT development. The plan sets out to foster over 20 cutting-edge CGT companies by 2027 and establish a globally recognized CGT innovation cluster.

As a cornerstone of this initiative, METiS launched the OpenCGT platform—designed to address key challenges in precision nanodelivery, reduce costs and complexity, and enable the clinical translation of next-generation CGT therapies. This platform is set to become a new engine driving Beijing’s life sciences growth.

Leveraging METiS’ proprietary AI nanodelivery technology, the OpenCGT platform bridges the gap between foundational research in leading academic institutions and major hospitals, and translational work by biotech firms. Its inaugural project is to enable AccurEdit Therapeutics to develop a liver-targeted CRISPR gene-editing therapy using mRNA-LNP delivery.

AccurEdit Therapeutics is a pioneering biotech company developing precise, safe, and effective in vivo gene editing therapies for hereditary and acquired diseases. The company has built a best-in-class, end-to-end platform for in vivo gene editing that integrates RNA synthesis, editing, and delivery technologies. In October 2023, AccurEdit became the first and only company in China to demonstrate systemic CRISPR gene editing in humans with confirmed safety and efficacy.

About METiS Technologies
Unlocking a healthier world through AI-driven nanotechnology
. METiS Technologies is a pioneering TechBio company at the intersection of artificial intelligence and nanomaterial science, focused on transforming the delivery and application of active agents across life forms.

Founded by a team of MIT-trained scientists with deep expertise in AI, quantum mechanics, nanomaterials, and advanced drug delivery, the company has developed three proprietary platform technologies, AiLNP – AI platform for nucleic acid delivery system design; AiRNA – AI platform for mRNA sequence optimization; and AiTEM – AI platform for small molecule formulation design.

METiS’ platforms simulate, predict, and interpret nanoscale interactions to enable rational design, optimization, and validation of next-generation nanomaterials and their payloads. By advancing AI-enabled nanotechnology, METiS strives to unlock new therapeutic possibilities across a wide range of diseases, including cancer, metabolic and autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions, and improve the health of lives. 

METiS Technologies Closes RMB 400 Million Series D Financing to Power Beijing’s Biopharmaceutical Innovation Engine

BEIJING, China, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — METiS Technologies, a global leader in AI-driven nanodelivery innovation, today announced the successful completion of its RMB 400 million Series D financing round. The announcement was made at the Zhongguancun (Daxing) Cell and Gene Therapy Industrial Park, a key hub for Beijing’s life sciences sector.

Financing Co-led by Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund and Daxing Industrial Investment Fund

The Series D round was co-led by the Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund and the Daxing Industrial Investment Fund. The new capital will be used to accelerate METiS’ core strategic initiatives, including automation upgrades to its proprietary platform, in-house pipeline development, expansion of global partnerships, and recruitment of world-class talent.

Left: Dr. Chris LAI, Co-founder and CEO of METiS Technologies; Right: Mr. REN Peng, Chairman and General Manager, Shunxi Management Co., Ltd., a General Partner of the Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund
Left: Dr. Chris LAI, Co-founder and CEO of METiS Technologies; Right: Mr. REN Peng, Chairman and General Manager, Shunxi Management Co., Ltd., a General Partner of the Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund

The Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund (Limited Partnership) is one of eight major industrial funds established with support from the Beijing Municipal Government. It focuses on innovative pharmaceuticals, advanced medical devices, and emerging technologies such as cell and gene therapy (CGT) and digital health. The fund plays a key role in accelerating the city’s biotech innovation ecosystem.

Mr. REN Peng, Chairman and General Manager of Shunxi Management Co.,Ltd. commented: “Healthcare is a cornerstone of Beijing’s innovation-driven strategy and a vital engine of emerging productivity. With the launch of the city’s AI+Healthcare Innovation Action Plan, Beijing is strategically integrating AI with life sciences to lead the next phase of high-quality growth. Our RMB 20 billion fund reflects our commitment to advancing innovation in CGT. METiS fills a critical gap in advanced formulation and delivery systems, and we believe their technology will set new standards in AI-powered nanodelivery.”

Mr. LI Ming, Chairman of Beijing Daxing District Investment Group Co., Ltd., added:
“Daxing District is committed to making biopharma a core pillar of its economic growth strategy. The launch of the OpenCGT platform marks a major milestone that will accelerate the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies, while attracting top global talent, capital, and innovation to Daxing – enhancing our competitiveness in CGT on the world stage.”

Mr. HUANG Hantao, Deputy General Manager of CICC Capital, noted:
“We are grateful for the strong support from Beijing’s leadership, Shunxi Management, and Daxing District across policy, capital, talent, and infrastructure. METiS has made tremendous progress over the past two years. As a long-term investor, CICC Capital will continue to support the company in R&D collaborations with our portfolio companies, clinical development, talent acquisition, and capital markets—empowering the next wave of breakthroughs in AI-enabled drug delivery.”

Dr. Chris LAI, Co-founder and CEO of METiS Technologies, stated:
“We are deeply grateful for the trust and support from the Beijing municipal government, our investors, and our ecosystem partners. Solving the grand challenge of nanodelivery through AI innovation is not just METiS’ mission—it’s our commitment to the broader life sciences ecosystem. We will continue to develop homegrown, world-class delivery technologies to support the high-quality growth of China’s CGT industry.”

METiS Technologies Becomes a Pillar Enterprise of Beijing’s OpenCGT Platform

CGT represents the third major wave of pharmaceutical innovation, following small molecules and biologics. In 2024, five Beijing authorities—including the Municipal Science and Technology Commission and Zhongguancun Administrative Committee—jointly launched a Three-Year Action Plan aimed at accelerating CGT development. The plan sets out to foster over 20 cutting-edge CGT companies by 2027 and establish a globally recognized CGT innovation cluster.

As a cornerstone of this initiative, METiS launched the OpenCGT platform—designed to address key challenges in precision nanodelivery, reduce costs and complexity, and enable the clinical translation of next-generation CGT therapies. This platform is set to become a new engine driving Beijing’s life sciences growth.

Leveraging METiS’ proprietary AI nanodelivery technology, the OpenCGT platform bridges the gap between foundational research in leading academic institutions and major hospitals, and translational work by biotech firms. Its inaugural project is to enable AccurEdit Therapeutics to develop a liver-targeted CRISPR gene-editing therapy using mRNA-LNP delivery.

AccurEdit Therapeutics is a pioneering biotech company developing precise, safe, and effective in vivo gene editing therapies for hereditary and acquired diseases. The company has built a best-in-class, end-to-end platform for in vivo gene editing that integrates RNA synthesis, editing, and delivery technologies. In October 2023, AccurEdit became the first and only company in China to demonstrate systemic CRISPR gene editing in humans with confirmed safety and efficacy.

About METiS Technologies
Unlocking a healthier world through AI-driven nanotechnology
. METiS Technologies is a pioneering TechBio company at the intersection of artificial intelligence and nanomaterial science, focused on transforming the delivery and application of active agents across life forms.

Founded by a team of MIT-trained scientists with deep expertise in AI, quantum mechanics, nanomaterials, and advanced drug delivery, the company has developed three proprietary platform technologies, AiLNP – AI platform for nucleic acid delivery system design; AiRNA – AI platform for mRNA sequence optimization; and AiTEM – AI platform for small molecule formulation design.

METiS’ platforms simulate, predict, and interpret nanoscale interactions to enable rational design, optimization, and validation of next-generation nanomaterials and their payloads. By advancing AI-enabled nanotechnology, METiS strives to unlock new therapeutic possibilities across a wide range of diseases, including cancer, metabolic and autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions, and improve the health of lives. 

Innovent Receives U.S. FDA Approval for IND Application of Oral GLP-1R Agonist IBI3032

SAN FRANCISCO and SUZHOU, China, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Innovent Biologics, Inc. (“Innovent”) (HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and commercializes high-quality medicines for the treatment of oncology, cardiovascular and metabolic, autoimmune, ophthalmology and other major diseases, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the investigational new drug (IND) application to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial of IBI3032, the company’s novel oral GLP-1R agonist.

IBI3032 is an orally administered small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist with bias for cAMP signaling pathway, discovered and developed by Innovent Biologics with proprietary rights. Preclinical data demonstrate its superior pharmacokinetic (PK) and physicochemical properties compared to peer compounds. In animal models, IBI3032 achieved 5 to 10 times higher oral exposure at equivalent doses, with improved efficacy and good tolerability in both GLP-1R KI DIO mice and obese monkey models, achieving comparable therapeutic effects at lower doses.

The Phase 1 clinical trials of IBI3032 are planned to be conducted concurrently in China and the U.S. Dosing in healthy volunteers and overweight or obese participants is expected to begin in the second half of 2025. Innovent is building up its CVM pipeline with mazdutide as the cornerstone, and the initiation of the IBI3032 clinical study marks a significant step in the evolution of its CVM pipeline portfolio with global potential.

Dr. Lei Qian, Chief R&D Officer for General Biomedicines Pipeline at Innovent Biologics, said, “GLP-1 has emerged as a blockbuster target over the past decade. Its oral form, with its convenience, flexibility, and unique advantage in combination treatment strategies, holds promise as a differentiated complement to GLP-1R-targeting biologicals. Beyond traditional applications in diabetes and weight management, oral GLP-1 possess potential in treating related diseases such as hypertension and OSA (obstructive sleep apnea). IBI3032 has demonstrated its promising efficacy profiles in animal models, where IBI3032 exhibited a longer elimination half-life and higher drug exposure levels than its competitors at the same dose. We are excited to advance this candidate into clinical development. This IND approval reflects Innovent’s strong R&D capabilities and, most importantly, our commitment to global innovation. We hope that in the near future, IBI3032 can offer more effective and convenient treatment options to benefit patients around the world. “

About IBI3032

IBI3032 is a novel oral small molecule glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA). By efficiently and selectively targeting GLP-1R, it activates downstream signal transduction, thereby delaying gastric emptying, inhibiting appetite, and promoting insulin secretion, and ultimately supporting the treatment of insulin-related metabolic diseases such as obesity and T2DB. Discovered through a structure-based drug design (SBDD) strategy combined with systematic physicochemical property optimization, IBI3032 has shown better PK and physicochemical properties compared to similar compounds.

The IND application of IBI3032 was accepted by China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A multi-regional Phase 1 clinical study of IBI3032 is planned for initiation in the second half of 2025.

About Innovent Biologics

Innovent is a leading biopharmaceutical company founded in 2011 with the mission to empower patients worldwide with affordable, high-quality biopharmaceuticals. The company discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes innovative medicines that target some of the most intractable diseases. Its pioneering therapies treat cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic, autoimmune and eye diseases. Innovent has launched 16 products in the market. It has 2 new drug applications under regulatory review, 4 assets in Phase III or pivotal clinical trials and 15 more molecules in early clinical stage. Innovent partners with over 30 global healthcare companies, including Eli Lilly, Sanofi, Incyte, LG Chem and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Guided by the motto, “Start with Integrity, Succeed through Action,” Innovent maintains the highest standard of industry practices and works collaboratively to advance the biopharmaceutical industry so that first-rate pharmaceutical drugs can become widely accessible. For more information, visit www.innoventbio.com, or follow Innovent on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Statement:

(1)Innovent does not recommend the use of any unapproved drug (s)/indication (s).

(2)Ramucirumab (Cyramza),Selpercatinib (Retsevmo) and Jaypirca (pirtobrutinib) were developed by Eli Lilly and Company.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements that are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties. The words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend” and similar expressions, as they relate to Innovent Biologics, Inc. (“Innovent” or “Company”), are intended to identify certain of such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend to update these forward-looking statements regularly.

These forward-looking statements are based on the existing beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates, projections and understandings of the management of the Company with respect to future events at the time these statements are made. These statements are not a guarantee of future developments and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control and are difficult to predict. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of future changes or developments in our business, the Company’s competitive environment and political, economic, legal and social conditions.

The Company, the Directors and the employees of the Company assume (a) no obligation to correct or update the forward-looking statements contained in this site; and (b) no liability in the event that any of the forward-looking statements does not materialize or turn out to be incorrect.