StemSight, a Finnish biotech company focused on stem cell therapies for vision restoration, secured €2.3 million in funding from Voima Ventures, Finnish family offices (Stephen Industries Inc. & Biothom Oy), private investors, and Business Finland. The investment supports advancement toward clinical trials for limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), a specific form of corneal blindness. Key preclinical studies, R&D expansion, and manufacturing pilots will be funded to accelerate progress in regenerative medicine.
According to Laura Koivusalo, CEO and Founder at StemSight: “We are grateful for the continued support of Voima Ventures in leading the round and very happy to welcome new investors on our journey to cure blindness. This funding shows that they believe in our vision for StemSight and the world-class team we have put together to bring that vision to life. We are working on the cutting edge of regenerative medicine, and we are eager to push science to new frontiers.”
Stina Wallmark, Life Sciences Investment Director at Voima Ventures, adds: “StemSight’s innovative approach to regenerative medicine stands out for us in the biotech space. By addressing severe corneal blindness through the use of emerging stem cell therapies, they are bringing hope to patients who have no existing treatment options. StemSight’s work on LSCD is just the start — this technology has the potential to transform vision care globally. We are proud to continue supporting their journey in pioneering solutions for patients worldwide.”
Corneal blindness remains a significant global challenge, affecting over 12 million individuals. StemSight’s lead product, an off-the-shelf therapy, targets LSCD using functional cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells). This innovative approach offers a scalable, one-time solution for individuals with no existing treatment options.
LSCD impacts approximately 23,000 individuals in Europe and the US, often resulting from chemical burns or firework-related injuries that damage regenerative cells on the corneal surface. Half of those affected currently lack access to effective treatment, underscoring the urgent need for new therapeutic solutions.
Beyond LSCD, StemSight aims to address the global donor cornea shortage, with 12.7 million individuals waiting for transplants. By developing scalable, off-the-shelf cell therapies, the company seeks to provide vision-restoring treatments for millions worldwide who lack access to traditional transplantation options.
Image credit: StemSight