Overview
Founded as a spin-off from VIB, the Flemish Institute for Biotechnology, Confo Therapeutics is based in Ghent and focuses on GPCRs (G protein-coupled receptors), a class of targets implicated in a wide range of diseases. GPCRs are notoriously difficult to work with in drug discovery because they are unstable outside their natural membrane environment.
Confo's proprietary conformational antibody technology stabilizes GPCRs in their biologically relevant shapes, enabling structural studies and drug screening that would otherwise be impossible. This platform has the potential to unlock new drug targets across cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, and oncological diseases.
The EUR 60M Series B was led by Ackermans and van Haaren in July 2024, an unusual direct lead from a Belgian industrial holding company into a biotech drug discovery platform. The round validates both the scientific approach and the commercial potential of the Confo technology.
Media & appearances
- De TijdYouTube22/07 | Uitstekend halfjaar voor Belgische groeibedrijven | Vlaanderen gaat met camera's jagen op...Biotech company ('Cultureel Biofarma' in auto-captions) topping the H1 ranking with €107 million raised to fund research into a new medicine against autoimmune diseases.
Funding & milestones
8 events found for Confo Therapeutics · 2016–2024
SeedVenture / equity1 sourceEUR 6.7M
Reported amount EUR 6,700,000
Company completed first financing round of €6.7m, incorporating initial investor syndicate and new investors.
Grant1 sourceEUR 1.6M
Reported amount EUR 1,600,000
Individual €1.6m VLAIO grant announced; headline combines it with a distinct €0.97m Innoviris award granted previous month.
ParticipantsVLAIOGrant1 sourceEUR 1M
Reported amount EUR 1,000,000
Company announces €1m grant supporting screening capability over sixteen months.
ParticipantsVLAIOSeries AVenture / equity1 sourceEUR 30M
Reported amount EUR 30,000,000
€30m Series A completion confirmed by company.
InvestorsQBIC
V-Bio VenturesBioGeneration VenturesWellington PartnersFund+Perceptive AdvisorsCapricorn Health-Tech FundPMVMINTSVIB
Grant1 sourceEUR 1.7M
Reported amount EUR 1,700,000
Two-year €1.7m grant for a neurological orphan indication.
ParticipantsVLAIOGrant1 sourceEUR 1M
Reported amount EUR 1,000,000
Company announces €1m grant for CFTX-1554 preclinical development.
ParticipantsVLAIOGrant1 sourceEUR 1.7M
Reported amount EUR 1,700,000
Company announces a separate €1.7m rare-disease research grant.
ParticipantsVLAIOSeries BVenture / equity1 sourceEUR 60M
Reported amount EUR 60,000,000
Company dated July 26 release confirms €60m close led by AvH.
Investors
Recorded history so far. Original currencies are preserved; amounts in different currencies are not added together. Debt, grants, acquisitions and listings are separate event types. Undated events appear last.
Profile narrative
- Series B: EUR 60M (July 2024), led by Ackermans and van Haaren. See Confo Therapeutics Series B 2024.
Key people
In the news
- Know what? Your research won't turn itself into a company. 🤯 That's why Biovia is joining VIB and Wintercircus Ghent for 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗟𝗮𝗯 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁, a free, hands-on session built for PhDs, postdocs, masters, #entrepreneurs and early #spinoffs ready to take the step from research to company. Lessons straight from the horse's mouth 🐴 🎤 Jorn Vanysacker (100IN) 🎤 Carlo Boutton (Biotalys) 🎤 Christel Menet (Confo Therapeutics) 🎤 Wim Van Criekinge (Ghent University) 🎤 Annick Verween (VIB) 🪩 And if you want to keep the
- New data presented at ENDO 2026 demonstrate the potential of CFTX-2034, Confo Therapeutics’ SSTR5 agonistic antibody, as a first-in-class treatment for post-bariatric hypoglycemia (PBH). The preclinical results support the program’s progression towards clinical development and underscore our commitment to advancing innovative therapies for endocrine and metabolic diseases. Read the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/eTEm_zJx
- We're proud to see our Chief Scientific Officer, Christel Menet, featured in BiotechNews' "Leading Ladies in Life Sciences" series. In this interview, Christel reflects on her journey from medicinal chemistry and drug discovery to helping build Confo Therapeutics from the ground up. She shares valuable insights on leadership, resilience, company culture, and the importance of believing in your own capabilities. Her story is a testament to the impact of scientific excellence, perseverance, and authentic leadership in advancing
Alumni
- PStephane Van RooijenChief Executive Officer→Mentor - volunteering at Termeer Institute
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