Fintech PR
DISCO Pharmaceuticals launches as the surfaceome company with EUR 20 Million in Seed Financing
- Transformative surfaceome discovery technology enables a comprehensive map of the cancer cell surface to identify a multitude of novel druggable targets.
- Pipeline programs in Small Cell Lung Cancer and Microsatellite-Stable Colorectal Cancer.
- Experienced team of individuals with expertise in surface proteomics and oncology from academia, biotech and pharma, led by CEO Roman Thomas.
- Leading biopharma executives Dieter Weinand (previously CEO at Bayer Pharmaceuticals) and Carsten Reinhardt (CDO at Immatics), join the DISCO Board of Directors as Chairman and Independent Director, respectively.
COLOGNE, Germany and ZURICH, Jan. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — DISCO Pharmaceuticals (“DISCO”), a specialist biotech unlocking the surfaceome of cancer cells at scale to identify new targets and develop first in class drugs, emerges from stealth today. The Company, operating out of Cologne, Germany and Schlieren, Switzerland, successfully raised seed financing of EUR 20 million and is backed by a world leading investor syndicate, including Sofinnova Partners, which led the round, Panakes Partners, M Ventures and AbbVie Ventures.
The development of new treatment modalities in oncology is growing at an ever-increasing rate, but the lack of cancer-specific cell surface targets limits the application to a few clinically effective targets. The development of new biologics, such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and bi-specific antibodies, is on the rise; however, there are currently less than 30 molecular targets which form the basis of all antibody-based therapies. Therefore, there is a significant need to identify novel cancer-specific targets and target pairs.
DISCO’s pioneering surfaceome mapping platform transforms the current approach of target discovery for large molecule R&D. The technology identifies proteins and protein communities across the entire cancer cell surface in a scalable manner, thus addressing the need for target candidates for both mono- and bi-specific antibodies. These insights enable the development of a multitude of cancer-specific therapies, with the potential to boost efficacy and reduce side effects for patients. DISCO has started to create an internal pipeline of novel anti-cancer therapeutics leveraging this knowledge.
DISCO has completed the first-ever map of the surfaceome of a cancer type, Small Cell Lung Cancer, (SCLC) and is developing proprietary antibody-based treatments for SCLC, which has historically been difficult to treat. DISCO is currently working on Microsatellite-Stable Colorectal Cancer, which is associated with a high unmet medical need and for which only a few treatment options are available. The Company’s pipeline includes further undisclosed programs.
DISCO was spun out of ETH Zürich, with founders from ETH, the University of Cologne and Stanford University, and was founded in May 2022 by Prof. Roman Thomas, Dr. Johannes Heuckmann, Prof. Bernd Wollscheid and Prof. Julien Sage. The founders have a deep understanding of surface proteomics, cancer biology and drug discovery, and a track record of value creation. Dr. Stefan Ries, who has previously held leadership positions at Roche and was a venture partner at Versant Ventures, joins DISCO as Chief Scientific Officer. The DISCO team is complemented by a world leading group of scientific advisors.
In addition to the experienced Board of Directors from the investor syndicate, Dieter Weinand will join as Chairman of the Board. Dieter Weinand was previously the CEO of Bayer Pharmaceuticals and has held leadership positions at Pfizer, BMS and Sanofi. He currently serves on the Board of Coya Therapeutics (NASDAQ: COYA), as Chairman of the Boards of Replimune (NASDAQ: REPL), Umoja, and Inspirna, and as Executive Chairman of Mnemo Therapeutics. Furthermore, Carsten Reinhardt, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Development Officer at Immatics (NASDAQ: IMTX), joins the DISCO Board as an Independent Director. Previously, he was EVP and Chief Medical Officer at Micromet Inc, International Medical Leader at Hoffmann-La Roche, and has been serving as a director on supervisory boards to a variety of biopharma companies.
Roman Thomas, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, at DISCO Pharmaceuticals, said: “Today, we are launching DISCO Pharmaceuticals and its breakthrough technology after a decade of research by our exceptional team. We believe that our surfaceome discovery technology is truly disruptive and will transform oncology treatment options and ultimately improve outcomes for patients. The surfaceome mapping in Small Cell Lung Cancer – that we completed within months – has validated our technology platform and approach, demonstrating its potential, and we look forward to applying it to different indications.”
Maina Bhaman, Partner at Sofinnova Partners, added: “DISCO is uniquely positioned to transform cancer care. The team, which brings together individuals with diverse backgrounds from academia, biotech and pharma, combined with its unique surfaceome discovery technology, enables comprehensive target information which neither standard proteomics, nor genome or transcriptome sequencing can provide.”
Dieter Weinand, newly appointed Chairman of the DISCO Board of Directors, commented: “Expanding the possible target space in oncology has been a bottleneck in the industry for decades. I am thrilled to be working with the truly exceptional people at DISCO as I firmly believe that they will be able to overcome this hurdle by using their disruptive surfaceome discovery engine.
About DISCO Pharmaceuticals
DISCO Pharma, operating out of Cologne, Germany and Schlieren, Switzerland, employs a disruptive scalable technology to map the surfaceome of cancer cells and develop first-in-class cancer drugs. With the advent of new cell-surface, target-directed therapeutic modalities (including ADCs and bi-specific antibodies), it is critical to ramp up the discovery of meaningful targets. DISCO does so by comprehensively identifying druggable targets, as well as protein communities (i.e., different proteins that form nanoscale organizations on a cell), across the entire cancer cell surface at scale, thus uncovering crucial new information that neither genome nor transcriptome sequencing can provide. By knowing which proteins are truly present on the cell surface, and how they are associated within protein communities, DISCO can design highly specific binders, boosting expected efficacy and reducing side effects.
DISCO has a highly experienced team with a strong track record in cancer drug discovery and entrepreneurial value creation, as well as a deep understanding of surface proteomics born out of ETH in Zurich and developed further within the Company. DISCO is backed by world leading life sciences investors including Sofinnova Partners, Panakes Partners, M Ventures and AbbVie Ventures.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/disco-pharmaceuticals-launches-as-the-surfaceome-company-with-eur-20-million-in-seed-financing-302035546.html
HONG KONG, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CoinW, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, is set to make a bold statement at Consensus 2025 as an official 4 Block sponsor, showcasing its dedication to Web3 innovation and blockchain adoption. Attendees can visit booth #3811 to explore CoinW’s latest developments and connect with industry experts.
Beyond the main event, CoinW is hosting an exclusive afterparty at The Henderson – Cloud 39. It will bring together industry pioneers and investors for a night of networking, music, and celebration. With a live DJ and a lineup of performers, the event will mark the official launch of two groundbreaking initiatives: DeriW and WConnect.
Transforming Decentralized Trading
Built on the DeriW Chain and powered by Arbitrum Orbit L3 and Rollup technology, DeriW is set to redefine perpetual trading with:
- Zero Gas Fees: Advanced Layer 3 technology enables ultra-fast, cost-efficient transactions.
- Self-Custodial Wallets: Empowering traders with full control over their funds.
- Dynamic Liquidity Pools: Real-time market adjustments for seamless, high-volume trading.
- Referral Rebates: A decentralized rewards system offering up to 50% in rebates.
With the capability to process 7,000 transactions per second, DeriW delivers a secure, scalable, and efficient trading experience.
A Global Hub for Blockchain Innovation
Next is WConnect, a premier online forum series designed to connect developers, traders, and blockchain communities through in-depth discussions, expert insights, and knowledge sharing.
- AI, RWA & DeFi Trends: Exploring the latest innovations shaping the industry.
- Pro Trading Strategies: Unlocking hidden opportunities and market insights.
- Layer 1 Ecosystems: Showcasing top blockchain projects and their impact.
- Project Development Challenges: Lessons from industry-leading builders.
- Web3 Growth Projections: Analyzing adoption trends and the future of blockchain technology.
WConnect events will be streamed globally on Twitter Spaces, YouTube, and CoinW’s Spot Streaming channel, ensuring accessibility to a worldwide audience.
Join CoinW at Consensus Hong Kong 2025
As a 4 Block sponsor, CoinW is excited to participate in Consensus Hong Kong 2025, a leading event that unites global leaders in crypto, blockchain, and Web3. This elite annual gathering offers a unique opportunity to engage in pivotal conversations and shape the future of decentralized finance and digital assets.
About CoinW
Founded in 2017, CoinW is a globally trusted cryptocurrency exchange serving over 13 million users in 14 countries. With cutting-edge technology, advanced security, and a focus on empowering blockchain innovation, CoinW supports communities worldwide in realizing the transformative power of digital assets.
Twitter Official：https://twitter.com/CoinWOfficial
Research Institute Telegram: https://t.me/CoinW_Research
Telegram EN: https://t.me/coinwoff
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/coinw-announces-4-block-sponsorship-at-consensus-hong-kong-2025-302374918.html
- Oversubscribed Series A Funding Round Was Co-Led By Quona Capital and PayPal Ventures with Participation from Citi Ventures
- Finmo Will Use Funds to Accelerate Product Development and AI Capabilities and Expand Global Reach
SINGAPORE, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Finmo, the pioneering all-in-one Treasury Operating System (TOS), today announced its successful oversubscribed $18.5 Million Series A funding round, bringing its total funding to US$27 million. This investment underscores the growing demand for an innovative approach to modern treasury management. With the new funding, Finmo plans to accelerate its product development, invest in AI capabilities, and expand its global reach. The company aims to continue delivering cutting-edge solutions that not only improve operational efficiency but also empower organizations to make informed financial decisions by better harnessing the power of its treasury operating system.
The funding round was co-led by prominent investors Quona Capital and PayPal Ventures with participation from Citi Ventures. Known for their investment focus on cutting-edge fintech companies, these investors’ support is a strong validation of Finmo’s value proposition. Finmo offers a unified platform that addresses the complexities of modern treasury operations.
The Finmo TOS is uniquely designed to address the need for effective treasury management in a global context. It streamlines payment processes, enhances cash flow visibility, manages FX risks, ensures compliance, automates manual tasks, and optimizes financial decision-making, including excess liquidity management. With features such as real-time payment capabilities, modular design for scalability, and a strong emphasis on regulatory compliance, Finmo empowers organizations to optimize their cash management, enhance liquidity, and mitigate financial risks—all within a single platform.
Today’s organizations are global players that demand integrated solutions to streamline their treasury functions. Finmo was developed with a first-hand understanding of what treasurers and CFOs need, ensuring that the platform addresses real-world challenges faced by finance professionals today.
“We are thrilled to have the support of esteemed investors such as PayPal Ventures, Quona, and Citi Ventures,” said David Hanna, CEO and Co-Founder of Finmo. “This funding validates our vision of transforming how global businesses manage their treasury function and enables us to scale our platform, enhance our technology further, and expand into new markets. Underpinning all these developments will be our continued commitment to focus on our customers’ evolving needs to enhance operational efficiency, risk mitigation, and strategic financial decision-making.”
Ashish Aggarwal, Partner at PayPal Ventures, said, “Finmo is redefining treasury operations. Their innovative approach addresses critical pain points faced by businesses in today’s dynamic financial landscape. We are proud to support their journey as they continue to deliver transformative solutions that empower organizations globally.”
“Finmo’s innovative Treasury Operating System addresses critical pain points for businesses operating in multiple geographies, empowering them with seamless cash and FX management capabilities,” said Ganesh Rengaswamy, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Quona, which co-led the Series A. “With their exceptional founding team and strong financial discipline, we believe Finmo is well-positioned to redefine how businesses manage payments, liquidity and risk, and we are excited to support their vision to revolutionize treasury management and cross-border payments for businesses across APAC and beyond.”
About Finmo
Finmo is a global treasury operating system that empowers businesses to manage cross-border payments, optimize liquidity, and navigate financial complexities with ease. Founded in 2021, Finmo is committed to simplifying treasury operations for businesses of all sizes.
For more information about Finmo and its mission to redefine global treasury operations, visit www.finmo.net.
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/finmo-secures-us18-5-million-to-revolutionize-treasury-management-302373124.html
Fintech PR
Japan’s Leading Crypto Tax Service, cryptact, Now Available in Canada – Trusted Reports from US$22.50
As Japan’s top crypto tax service, trusted by more than 150,000 users since 2017, cryptact is now available in Canada – offering reliable tax reports at a campaign price of US$22.50. Founded by former Goldman Sachs executives, cryptact brings institutional-grade expertise to simplify cryptocurrency tax filing with accuracy and efficiency.
TORONTO, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — pafin Inc. (Co-CEOs Amin Azmoudeh and Gaku Saito), the provider of cryptact, a leading cryptocurrency calculation service for tax filing, today announced its official launch in Canada. Founded by former Goldman Sachs executives with extensive experience in finance and investment, cryptact leverages institutional-level expertise to deliver accurate and efficient crypto tax solutions.
To mark this milestone, cryptact is offering a 50% discount on paid plans until April 30, 2025.
Key Features of cryptact
- Japan’s leading crypto tax service: since 2017, cryptact has been the most trusted crypto tax service in Japan, serving more than 150,000 users. Developed by a multicultural startup based in Tokyo, it is built by a team of experts in finance, technology, and blockchain.
- Wide support for exchanges and coins: cryptact supports 24,000+ cryptocurrencies across 137 exchanges and blockchains, offering one of the broadest coverages among crypto tax service providers.
- Comprehensive free access: users can start calculating capital gains, losses and income for exchanges, DeFi, and NFTs, and import up to 100,000 transactions per year – all for free.
- The most affordable tax reports: with a 50% discount, “Basic” plan, normally priced at US$45, is now available for just US$22.50 – offering one of the best values among crypto tax service providers.
- All past tax years covered: by purchasing an annual subscription, users can calculate profit and loss for any year, making it an accessible option for those filing a tax return for the first time.
- Accurate and reliable calculations: developed in collaboration with MetaCounts, a Canadian crypto tax expert, cryptact provides precise calculations for a wide range of transaction types.
- Automatic identification of DeFi and NFT transaction types: users can simply input a wallet address, and cryptact will automatically import all transaction history and identify transaction types, significantly reducing manual work.
- Seamless transition from other services: no past transaction history is required. Users can get started by entering only the cryptocurrencies held as of January 1st of the tax year and their cost basis.
Service page: start using our services for free with just your email address.
About the Canada Launch Campaign
- Eligible Users: Residents of Canada
- Offer： 50% off on new purchases or plan upgrades for all plans (excluding the Data Retention Plan)
- How to Apply the Discount： No coupon code required – simply sign up via the service page above, and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.
- Offer Period： February 12, 2025 – April 30, 2025, 23:59 EDT
Future Outlook
“We are committed to continuously improving our services to meet the evolving needs of our users. As a trusted partner for cryptocurrency users in Canada, we will expand support for additional cryptocurrencies, exchanges, and blockchains while introducing new features to further enhance our user experience.” said Amin Azmoudeh, Co-CEO, pafin Inc.
Leadership Profiles
Amin Azmoudeh, Co-CEO
After graduating with a BS in Computer Science and a BA in Japanese from the University of Maryland in 2003, Amin joined Goldman Sachs Tokyo as the sole technologist of Tokyo’s GSPS team, a principal strategies unit managing the firm’s capital. In 2005, he changed careers to become a financial analyst with GSPS, and in 2007, he transferred to GSIP (Goldman Sachs Investment Partners) as part of the spin-out of the team into GSAM. As a financial/analyst and portfolio manager, Amin managed listed/unlisted equities, bonds, swaps, interest rate products, foreign exchange, derivatives as well as overall risk management. He was promoted to Managing Director in 2013 and retired from Goldman Sachs on December 31, 2017, to found cryptact.
Gaku Saito, Co-CEO
Having completed a Bachelor’s degree in System Innovation Engineering in 2005 and a Master’s degree in Environmental & Ocean Engineering in 2007 from The University of Tokyo, Gaku joined Goldman Sachs – Asia Special Situations Group, where he executed investments exceeding US$500 million in non-performing and sub-performing loan portfolios, private equity, real estate portfolios, and vessel portfolios. Also, he participated in a number of sponsorship auctions on bankrupt real estate developers. From May 2010 to January 2019, he worked at Goldman Sachs Investment Partners Worked as a portfolio manager at a multi-asset hedge fund, managing an US$800 million portfolio. His main investment strategy was equity long/short in listed companies based on a fundamental approach to building financial models. He also invested in equity derivatives, bond/CDS, FX, and mezzanine loan products. Since February 2019, he has been serving as Co-CEO of cryptact, and in 2021, he was appointed as Chairman of the JCBA Tax Review Department.
About the Team
Cryptact is developed and operated by a diverse, multinational team. With expertise in finance, technology and blockchain, the team brings a global perspective to deliver a trusted and efficient crypto tax service.
About pafin Inc.
Services
Cryptact – Crypto tax calculations: Simplified –
Automatically calculate capital gains, access all the information you need for tax filing, and efficiently manage your portfolio — all in one place. Trusted by over 150,000 active users.
X account: https://x.com/CryptactGlobal
defitact – Your Web3 Sidekick –
defitact allows you visualize, analyze and manage your DeFi assets, NFTs and transactions through a highly intuitive and interactive interface. All features are for free.
Company Name: pafin Inc.
Date Founded: January 2018
Rep. Directors: Amin Azmoudeh, Co-CEO / Gaku Saito, Co-CEO
Equity: 1,364M JPY (Including reserve)
Location: Kojimachi HF Building 5F, Kojimachi 3-2-4, Chiyoda City, Tokyo, Japan 102-0083
Contact for public relations and media/press coverage-related inquiries
[email protected]
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/japans-leading-crypto-tax-service-cryptact-now-available-in-canada–trusted-reports-from-us22-50–302375360.html
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