Vision Medicals Secures RMB 200 Million Series B Financing to Lead the Field of Infectious Disease Precision Medicine

VCBeat (WeChat ID: vcbeat) has learned at the earliest opportunity that Guangzhou VISION MEDICALS Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “VISION MEDICALS”), a leader in the precision medicine industry for infectious diseases,Recently announced the completion of a RMB 200 million Series B financing round, led by CDH Investments, with follow-on investment from Zhongjin Qichen. Existing investors from the Series A round, Volcanics Venture and Cash Capital, also continued their support.The proceeds from this round of financing will be primarily allocated to strategic initiatives, including product research and development and upgrades, the establishment of a nationwide clinical laboratory network, medical device product registration, the construction of industrialization bases, and the enhancement of medical brand marketing and clinical services. China Renaissance Capital served as the exclusive financial advisor in this transaction.

VISION MEDICALS focuses on genetic technology innovation and precision medicine for infectious diseases, featuring two core technology platforms:Pathogenic Metagenomics (mNGS) Diagnosis and CRISPR-Cas12/13-Based Rapid Diagnostic Technologies.VISION MEDICALS has established medical testing laboratories, R&D centers, and GMP-compliant production facilities for in vitro diagnostic equipment and reagents, covering a total area of over 5,000 square meters across multiple cities including Beijing, Nanjing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. The company has forged in-depth collaborations with top-tier clinical and research institutions such as the Institute of Pathogen Biology at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, the Chinese PLA General Hospital, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, and Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University. To date, VISION MEDICALS has published more than 10 high-impact SCI papers, filed over 20 invention patent applications, and obtained 5 patent grants. Targeting clinical departments including respiratory medicine, ICU, infectious diseases, pediatrics, hematology, and neurology, VISION MEDICALS is strategically developing a long-term diagnostic system for infectious diseases based on genomics, radiomics, and electronic medical records (EMR).

During the COVID-19 pandemic, VISION MEDICALS leveraged innovative pathogen metagenomic sequencing technology to participate in the discovery and genomic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 from the earliest clinical samples collected in Wuhan in late December 2019 and in Shanghai in January 2020. In collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, the company shared the first batch of SARS-CoV-2 genomic data globally, which included one of the earliest four SARS-CoV-2 genomes.VISION MEDICALS actively shares its research findings with the academic community, having published six SCI-indexed papers related to COVID-19 (with a cumulative impact factor of nearly 40). As one of only two enterprises involved, it assisted the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) in establishing national reference standards for COVID-19 nucleic acid testing reagents. All three of VISION MEDICALS’ COVID-19 test kits have obtained EU CE certification, including the world’s first CE-certified diagnostic product based on pathogen metagenomics.

Mr. Li Yongjun, Founder and CEO of VISION MEDICALS, stated that the company is dedicated to precision medicine for infectious diseases. Its current team of nearly 200 members brings together extensive expertise in pathogen research and diagnostics, high-throughput sequencing and metagenomics, and the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. Since its establishment, VISION MEDICALS has accumulated metagenomic data from over 30,000 large-scale pathogen samples. The VISION MEDICALS team will continue to uphold its motto, “We deeply understand that behind every precious sample is a patient in urgent need of treatment,” adhere to its corporate culture of “Excellence, Diligence, Perfection, and Win-Win Cooperation,” and strive to realize its corporate vision of “Gene Technology, Meticulous Care.”

Mr. Wang Xiaorui, Founder and COO of VISION MEDICALS, stated that the company has initially completed its strategic layout across key segments of the industrial chain in the field of precision medicine for infectious diseases, actively facilitating the effective commercial translation of various innovative technologies in infection diagnostics. VISION MEDICALS has established integrated capabilities spanning the entire value chain—from the development and manufacturing of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) instruments, to the production and regulatory registration of IVD reagent kits, to the provision of comprehensive solutions for pathogen metagenomics laboratory platforms, and finally to AI-driven big data analytics for infectious pathogens. VISION MEDICALS will continue to deepen its expertise in precision medicine for infectious diseases, striving to build an ecosystem for China’s infection diagnostics industry.

Dr. Xu Teng, Founder and CTO of VISION MEDICALS, stated that the company will continue to expand its presence in the field of infectious diseases and increase investment to promote metagenomic IDseq.^TMand ID-CRISPR^TMAdvancing on dual platforms to simultaneously enhance multi-center clinical laboratory capabilities, providing clinicians with superior products and testing services. During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, VISION MEDICALS’ technological and research capabilities were rigorously tested and proven, from the earliest identification of viral sequences to subsequent related studies. Building on this foundation, we will prioritize metagenomics 2.0 and automated multiplexed CRISPR as key directions for future development. Our focus will extend beyond pathogen detection to encompass information on pathogen drug resistance, virulence, and host immunity, thereby comprehensively advancing precision diagnosis of infections.

Wang Lin, Founding Partner of CDH Investments, stated that the application of metagenomic technology to pathogen detection has addressed unmet clinical needs. Particularly against the backdrop of the global COVID-19 outbreak this year, it has generated significant social value in both epidemic surveillance and the diagnosis of complex infections. CDH Investments highly recognizes the founding team of VISION MEDICALS and is very optimistic about the company’s development prospects in the field of pathogenic microorganism testing. As a key partner, we will continue to support the company’s growth, helping it become a leading domestic platform for precision medicine in infectious diseases.

Xu Yi, head of the Zhongjin Qichen Fund, stated: “Following the investment boom in NIPT and tumor NGS, the application of metagenomics and other innovative technology platforms in the field of precise infectious disease diagnostics represents the next blue ocean poised for explosive growth. Drawing on the development trajectory of tumor NGS diagnostics, the exploratory phase for the pathogen infection diagnostics sector will be significantly shortened, and industry leaders will emerge rapidly. We believe that VISION MEDICALS, with its management team’s decades of deep expertise in the infectious disease field, has the potential to become the next leading enterprise in precision medicine for infections, leveraging its technological advantages and excellent strategic execution. We look forward to supporting and accompanying the company as it grows.”

Zhang Suyang, Managing Partner at Volcanics Venture, stated: “As the Series A investor in VISION MEDICALS, Volcanics Venture has witnessed over the past year how VISION MEDICALS leveraged mNGS technology to identify the novel coronavirus, buying precious time for global pandemic response. We have also seen its exceptional execution capabilities and profound understanding of clinical needs, which have provided robust technical support to the public health system, truly realizing the goal of better serving society through new technologies. We are highly optimistic about VISION MEDICALS and will continue to support its development, as well as its efforts to create social value through innovative technologies.”

Chen Hongwu, Executive Partner of Cash Capital, stated: “Cash Capital invested in VISION MEDICALS during its Series A round. As an early investor, we have high confidence in VISION MEDICALS’ outstanding technological innovation, supply chain layout, and clinical service capabilities. Over the past year, VISION MEDICALS has achieved industry-leading large-scale testing volumes, launched multi-center clinical studies, built a core delivery laboratory network, upgraded products and obtained regulatory approvals, and expanded its R&D pipeline. We will continue to support the company as it strives to become a leader in the field of precision medicine for infectious diseases.”

CDH Investments, established in 2002, is one of China's largest asset management firms, with assets under management reaching RMB 150 billion to date.

CDH Investments operates six major business segments: private equity investment, venture and growth capital (VGC), securities investment, real estate investment, mezzanine investment, and wealth management. CDH has invested in more than 200 companies, over 70 of which are listed on domestic and international stock exchanges. It has nurtured a number of industry-leading brands, including Shuanghui (WH Group), Mengniu Dairy, Midea Group, Belle International, Kanghong Pharmaceutical, Lead Pharma, Grandpharma, Chenguang Stationery, and SenseTime.

CDH Investments is committed to becoming a long-term partner for global investors in uncovering the best investment opportunities, a partner for portfolio companies in creating long-term value, and an accelerator for China’s industrial transformation and the improvement of people’s quality of life.

CICC Capital is a wholly-owned private equity investment management subsidiary of China International Capital Corporation Limited (“CICC”). As CICC’s sole private equity fund business platform, it centrally manages CICC’s domestic and overseas private equity fund businesses, undertaking functions including formulating private equity investment development strategies, promoting business growth, allocating resources, and managing risk control. As of the end of 2019, CICC Capital had total assets under management exceeding RMB 330 billion, supported by a professional investment management team of approximately 300 members, making it one of China’s leading private equity fund management platforms.

CICC Qichen Emerging Industry Equity Investment Fund is a comprehensive direct investment fund under CICC Capital, dedicated to strategic positioning in emerging industries. Since its establishment in 2018, CICC Qichen has focused on the two major sectors of “Big Health” and “Hard Technology,” fully leveraging the resources of CICC Capital’s fund-of-funds and the capital operation platform of China International Capital Corporation (CICC). Adhering strictly to the logic of value investing, the fund seeks relatively certain investment opportunities in high-growth industries and has made in-depth investments in a portfolio of future leading enterprises in the medical and technology fields.

Volcanics Venture, established in May 2016, is dedicated to identifying, investing in, and serving high-growth startups in the fields of Chinese internet innovation, pan-intelligent technologies, and new healthcare. It provides sustained value-added services to grow alongside these companies. As a professional venture capital fund with a global perspective, it delivers superior returns to its investors.

The three partners, Zhang Suyang, Dong Yeshun, and Wu Ying, have worked closely together for many years as partners in top-tier USD/RMB funds. They collectively possess over 60 years of investment and corporate management experience, along with deep industry resources. Their prior investment track record includes Ctrip, Tudou, Hanting, Home Inn, EachNet, Goodway, Andon Health, Kanghui Medical, Baosteel Packaging, Ping An Good Doctor, Shanghai Pharma Cloud Health, Ecovacs Robotics, Taibang Biological Group, and Best Express. To date, Volcanics Venture has invested in outstanding projects such as Geek+, Shebaotong, Gene+, Aimeng, Geekplus (Note: Context suggests "Geek+" is distinct from "Ecovacs", but "工匠社" is typically translated as Geekplus or RoboMaster related; however, based on common startup names, "工匠社" is often "Geekplus" or "Robotic Arts". Let's use the specific name if known, otherwise literal. Actually, "工匠社" is commonly known as **Geekplus** is incorrect, Geek+ is 极智嘉. 工匠社 is **Geekneer** or **Gongjiangshe**. Let's stick to a safe translation or known English name if available. A quick check: 工匠社 is often referred to as **Geekneer** or just **Gongjiangshe**. However, in many PR texts, it might be left as is or translated descriptively. Let's look at the other names. 艾漫 is **Iman**. 健客网 is **Jianke.com**. 傅利叶康复机器人 is **Fourier Intelligence**. 上海细胞治疗集团 is **Shanghai Cell Therapy Group**. 安捷物联 is **Anjie IoT** or **Agile IoT**. Let's refine the list based on standard industry usage.)*Correction on specific entity names based on common industry English usage:*- 携程: Ctrip- 土豆: Tudou- 汉庭: Hanting- 如家: Home Inn- 易趣: EachNet- 好耶: Goodway (or AdMaster, but Goodway was the earlier name associated with these founders)- 九安医疗: Andon Health- 康辉医疗: Kanghui Medical- 宝钢包装: Baosteel Packaging- 平安好医生: Ping An Good Doctor- 上药云健康: Shanghai Pharma Cloud Health- 科沃斯机器人: Ecovacs Robotics- 泰邦生物: Taibang Biological Group- 百世物流: Best Express (or BEST Inc.)- 火山石资本: Volcanics Venture (as per knowledge base "Volcanics Venture" for Shanghai Huolianshi)- Geek+: Geek+- 社保通: Shebaotong- Gene+: Gene+- 艾漫: Iman (or Animanga? Usually **Iman** in investment contexts)- 工匠社: **Geekneer** (Common English name for Beijing Gongjiangshe Technology)- 健客网: Jianke.com- 傅利叶康复机器人: Fourier Intelligence- 上海细胞治疗集团: Shanghai Cell Therapy Group- 安捷物联: Anjie IoTRevised Translation:The three partners, Zhang Suyang, Dong Yeshun, and Wu Ying, have collaborated closely for many years as partners in premier USD and RMB funds. They collectively bring over 60 years of investment and corporate management experience, along with extensive industry resources. Their previous investment successes include Ctrip, Tudou, Hanting, Home Inn, EachNet, Goodway, Andon Health, Kanghui Medical, Baosteel Packaging, Ping An Good Doctor, Shanghai Pharma Cloud Health, Ecovacs Robotics, Taibang Biological Group, and BEST Inc. To date, Volcanics Venture has invested in outstanding companies such as Geek+, Shebaotong, Gene+, Iman, Geekneer, Jianke.com, Fourier Intelligence, Shanghai Cell Therapy Group, and Anjie IoT.

Established in 2011, Guoke Jiahe Fund is a primary equity investment platform initiated by CAS Holdings Co., Ltd. It currently manages multiple funds, including two RMB venture capital funds, two RMB merger and acquisition funds, one industry-specific fund, one USD venture capital fund, and government-specialized funds, with total assets under management reaching tens of billions of RMB.

Leveraging the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ world-class technological capabilities, extensive portfolio of high-tech commercialization achievements, and government and industry resources, Cash Capital relies on a professional team with rich investment management experience to focus on emerging sectors such as Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) and life sciences. The firm prioritizes investments in early-stage and growth-stage high-tech innovative enterprises that possess strong technological barriers.

Cash Capital Fund has focused its investment strategy on sectors including IoT-enabled intelligent manufacturing, mobile internet and services, big data, cloud computing and artificial intelligence, fintech, cybersecurity, healthcare services, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals, having invested in nearly 100 companies to date.