Stem Cell Innovator Xueji Bio Secures Additional Investment to Advance Platelet and Specialty Pipeline Development

VCBeat (WeChat ID: vcbeat) has learned that Suzhou HemaCell Therapeutics Co., Ltd. (“HemaCell”), an emerging stem cell company, recently announced the completion of another round of financing. The round was jointly invested by Luxin Venture Capital, Founder Hesheng Investment, Langyu Capital, and Tairong Venture Capital, with existing shareholders including Weidu Venture Capital, Guanbang Capital, Northern Light Venture Capital, and Country Garden Ventures continuing to support the company. Notably, this marks HemaCell’s second institutional capital increase within two months of completing its Pre-A round, representing the third round of financing rapidly secured within just a few months of the company’s commencement of operations. This development serves as a reassurance to startups amid the current capital winter, demonstrating that companies with distinctive strengths can still stand out.

HemaCell was established with a noble vision and a profound sense of social responsibility, proclaiming from its inception the mission to “bring about the second blood transfusion revolution in China.” Dr. Zhu Fangfang, the founder, explained that HemaCell’s top-priority pipeline is the ex vivo regeneration of platelets. As the first company in China and the third globally—following Japan and the United States—to specialize in this technology, HemaCell is committed to its motto, “Coagulating Care for Hemostasis, Bringing Clarity and Health,” aiming to address the critical clinical demand for platelets. Meanwhile, the company also aspires to fulfill its national duty by meeting potential strategic reserve needs for national defense.

Platelets are the only cells in the body responsible for blood coagulation. Their deficiency can lead to systemic bleeding, with visceral and intracranial hemorrhages often causing irreversible damage or even life-threatening conditions. Clinical demand for platelets spans nearly all hospital departments, making them the most tightly supplied and frequently transfused blood component. However, global platelet supply relies entirely on blood donations, which is not only constrained by donation rates but also poses a risk of transmitting infectious diseases. During public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, platelet supplies were severely disrupted, resulting in significant harm. Dr. Zhu told this media outlet that she had received numerous inquiries from parties seeking platelets, who genuinely hoped that HemaCell would bring new hope. This has further motivated Dr. Zhu and her team to press forward with unwavering dedication.

(Electron micrograph of platelets, provided by HemaCell)

Beyond the critical clinical need for hemostatic transfusions, platelets play pivotal roles in thrombosis, cancer surveillance, and tissue repair, offering unique solutions across diverse fields such as thrombotic diseases, oncology, sports medicine, anti-aging therapies, and medical aesthetics. HemaCell will remain focused on the core potential of platelets, leveraging stem cell-based in vitro regeneration technology to secure raw material supply, extend applications into related sectors, actively pursue original R&D and patent portfolio development, and transition toward commercial-scale production.

Platelets are one of only two anucleated cell types in the human body. Due to their biocompatibility and tropism, they have emerged as a preferred cellular vehicle for drug delivery, paving the way for novel platform-based delivery technologies. Platelet-mediated drug delivery represents a cutting-edge frontier in global science and technology. HemaCell is actively building this platform, selecting priority development pipelines with an international perspective, and striving to propel stem cell-derived platelet drug delivery technology to the forefront, engaging in R&D competition on a global scale.

Meanwhile, HemaCell possesses profound expertise in iPSC reprogramming, gene editing, and differentiation technologies. The company has successfully filed patents for iPSC line establishment and the differentiation of stem cells into NK cells, macrophages, and other hematopoietic lineages, paving the way for boundless future growth. Additionally, HemaCell is actively pursuing collaborations with immune cell therapy companies and related biopharmaceutical firms with an open and collaborative mindset.

Since its inception, HemaCell has been highly favored by investors. From the seed round onward, HemaCell has consistently attracted the attention of investment institutions with its clear positioning, distinct characteristics, steady business operations, and pragmatic team. Dr. Zhu Fangfang told VCBeat that HemaCell’s valuation has remained within a reasonable range, avoiding an excessive pursuit of high valuations, and fostering synergistic development with investors through fair and neutral agreements. Before this round of financing was officially announced, the company secured funding within a month and a half, driven by the strong requests and active promotion of various institutions. She stated that she and her team are deeply encouraged and feel a profound sense of responsibility; they will continue to advance steadily, brave the challenges, and strive for their shared mission.

Jiang Yue, General Manager of Luxin Venture Capital, stated: “The healthcare sector is a key focus area for Luxin Venture Capital. Regenerative medicine, represented by stem cell therapy and related technologies, aligns closely with national strategies for scientific and technological development, making it an area we have long monitored. We have known and collaborated with Dr. Zhu Fangfang for many years, establishing a solid foundation of business cooperation and mutual trust. HemaCell has assembled a world-class entrepreneurial team with global vision and profound technical expertise. The company demonstrates a deep understanding of industry dynamics and has a clear strategic roadmap for future development, positioning it as an outstanding enterprise that masters foundational platform technologies. Adhering to Luxin Venture Capital’s philosophy of ‘growing together with our portfolio companies,’ we will work alongside other shareholders to support the growth of HemaCell Therapeutics, and we look forward to seeing HemaCell become a great company in the field of regenerative medicine.”

Langyu Capital’s investment team stated: “Dr. Zhu Fangfang and her team have a solid research foundation in the fields of cellular reprogramming and stem cell differentiation. The large-scale in vitro production of platelets holds promise for addressing the current clinical shortage of platelets, while the novel platelet-based drug-loading platform offers extensive application potential in the field of drug delivery. We look forward to seeing the company emerge as a leading enterprise in this sector through the joint efforts of the team.”

Existing shareholder Weidu Venture Capital stated that stem cell technology has demonstrated immense potential in the medical field. Leveraging a globally advanced system for directed stem cell differentiation, HemaCell is dedicated to innovating the clinical application of next-generation stem cell technologies, with the promise of delivering novel therapeutic products. Its development trajectory aligns perfectly with the recently issued “14th Five-Year Plan for Bioeconomy Development,” representing one of Weidu’s key investment focuses and a significant early-stage incubation endeavor. It is particularly worth emphasizing that the HemaCell team, led by Dr. Zhu Fangfang, has exhibited exceptional growth potential and execution capability. Despite adverse conditions, the team has overcome challenges and achieved rapid development, proving itself to be an outstanding partner worthy of long-term support.

Lü Yun of Guanbang Capital stated: “As human understanding of genetics, stem cells, and regenerative medicine deepens, directed differentiation of stem cells has become one of the most cutting-edge fields in medicine with commercial viability. HemaCell, led by Dr. Zhu Fangfang, boasts a solid scientific foundation and extensive technical expertise in the hematopoietic system, making it a standout enterprise in the field of regenerative medicine. HemaCell’s lead product, ex vivo regenerated platelets, holds promise for addressing the shortage of platelets for transfusion and positioning the company as the sole supplier of ‘artificial platelets’ in China at a scale valued at tens of billions of RMB. We look forward to HemaCell making continuous progress in platelets and related derivative products, ultimately becoming a global leader in platelet regeneration.”

Luxin Venture Capital is one of the “Double Hundred Enterprises” for state-owned enterprise reform under the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, and serves as a co-chair unit of the Venture Capital Professional Committee of the China Investment Association. It is the largest listed venture capital firm in Shandong Province and holds significant influence nationwide (Stock Code: 600783.SH). The company actively leverages the demonstrative and leading role of state-owned capital, adheres to a dual-drive strategy of industry development and investment, and focuses primarily on information technology, biopharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, new energy, energy conservation and environmental protection, and large-scale logistics. It is vigorously building a “specialized, market-oriented, empowerment-driven, and internationalized” system to achieve shared growth with its portfolio companies.

Langyu Capital is an early-stage innovative pharmaceutical investment firm dedicated to advancing the development of breakthrough life science technologies. Committed to integrity, openness, and inclusivity, the company strives to continuously identify the world’s most cutting-edge scientific technologies and exceptional partners, accelerate the global commercialization of breakthrough therapies, and address unmet clinical needs. Langyu Capital looks forward to fostering deep collaborations with scientists, research institutions, and startups in the global innovative drug sector.