Cambridge, UK
CamGene Therapeutics, a pioneering biotech company developing RNA-based treatments for hearing loss, has successfully closed an oversubscribed seed funding round. The round was led by UKI2S and joined by Eos Advisory, Cambridge Enterprise Ventures, HexTwo, LongRiver Investments, Parkwalk Advisors, with o2h Ventures participating as an investor.
Hearing loss affects over 1.5 billion people worldwide, with more than 430 million experiencing moderate-to-severe impairment. Current solutions such as hearing aids and cochlear implants manage symptoms but cannot restore natural hearing. CamGene is pioneering RNA-based therapeutics that target the underlying cellular dysfunction, offering the potential to halt progression and restore hearing function. This could be a transformative advance for millions of patients.
From the earliest stages, o2h Ventures has supported CamGene through its integrated biotech ecosystem by providing co-working lab and office space at Hauxton House, hands-on scientific input via o2h Discovery, early-stage capital funding through the o2h Human Health SEIS Fund, and ongoing board-level mentorship and strategic support, helping the team focus on innovation and rapid development.
CamGene combines world-leading LNP-mRNA technology with clinical expertise from ENT surgeon-scientists at the University of Cambridge. The newly raised funds will accelerate preclinical development, refine the proprietary RNA delivery platform, and support the translation of groundbreaking science into first-in-human therapies. With a high-calibre board and expert advisors, CamGene is well-positioned to transform outcomes for patients with hearing loss.
Sunil Shah, CEO of o2h Ventures, said:
It’s fantastic to have worked with the founder, Dr Arpan Desai, from idea generation, through active incubation in Hauxton House, Cambridge, through to now a seed round backed by such great investors. Looking forward to supporting the company through to the clinic.
Arpan Desai, CEO of CamGene Therapeutics, said:
The support and mentorship we’ve received from o2h ventures has been instrumental in shaping CamGene’s early journey. Their deep understanding of biotech innovation, combined with the collaborative energy of Hauxton House, has created an environment where ideas flourish and momentum builds. It’s been a pleasure growing our company in such a dynamic and supportive ecosystem
About CamGene Therapeutics:
Camgene Therapeutics specialises in biotechnology, focusing on mRNA-based treatments for hearing loss. Their strategy involves creating an LNP mRNA growth factor genetic medicine. This innovative approach aims to regenerate nerve cells and alleviate inflammation, addressing the root causes of hearing impairment. Camgene Therapeutics’ goal is to not only enhance hearing but also to restore it to its natural levels.
About o2h Ventures
o2h Ventures is a biotech specialist fund manager based in Cambridge, UK, focused on backing innovative biotech companies that are transforming human health. We invest in pre-seed and seed-stage ventures developing novel therapeutics, pioneering medical technologies, and software or AI solutions that advance healthcare. Beyond funding, we actively support our portfolio with strategic guidance, industry connections, and operational expertise to help them scale.
Our team are recognised leaders in the biotech community, with over 20 years of experience as investors, board members, and hands-on participants in scientific innovation. o2h Ventures operates from our 2.7-acre Mill SciTech Park, where we have built a collaborative ecosystem to incubate and accelerate life sciences startups.To learn more about our portfolio and approach, please visit www.o2hventures.com.
