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Umoja Biopharma develops next-generation in vivo chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell immunotherapies designed to treat solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. The company’s core approach utilizes its proprietary VivoVec platform, which aims to reprogram a patient's T cells directly inside the body, enabling the in situ creation of CAR T cells. This method seeks to overcome the complexities and limitations associated with ex vivo cell therapy manufacturing and delivery.
The company was founded in 2019 by Andrew Scharenberg, Philip Low, and Ryan Crisman. Andrew Scharenberg serves as Co-founder and CEO, with Ryan Crisman as Co-founder and CTO. Their foundational insight stemmed from the critical need to make potent CAR T-cell therapies more broadly accessible, effective, and affordable for a wider population of cancer patients.
Umoja Biopharma's therapies are intended for patients suffering from various forms of cancer. The company’s long-term vision centers on transforming cancer treatment by delivering efficacious and convenient in vivo cell therapies. They aim to empower the immune system’s inherent ability to combat disease, ultimately improving the therapeutic landscape and outcomes for patients worldwide.
Umoja has raised $365.0M across 4 funding rounds.
Umoja has raised $365.0M in total across 4 funding rounds.
Umoja has raised $365.0M across 4 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $100.0M Umoja Biopharma - Series C in January 2025.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2025 | $100M Series C | Double Point Ventures | Longwood Fund, MPM Capital | Announced |
| Jan 1, 2024 | $2M Seed | — | Blockchain Founders Fund, Hustle Fund, Math Venture Partners, Daniel KAN | Announced |
| Jun 20, 2021 | $210M Series B | — | — | Announced |
| Nov 1, 2020 | $53M Series A | — | Longwood Fund, MPM Capital | Announced |
Umoja Group is a South African holding company that invests in and nurtures ventures across Information Technology (IT), Alternative Renewable Energy, and Rural Development Projects. It acts as a catalyst for sustainable progress by focusing on innovation, community empowerment, and environmental stewardship, particularly in underserved rural areas.[1] In IT, it pioneers advancements in software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data analytics to solve complex challenges and improve efficiency.[1] Complementing this, Umoja Technology (PTY) Ltd provides award-winning IT solutions and consulting services to small and midsize organizations in South Africa, spanning management consulting, computer systems design, and technical services.[2][5]
Umoja Group was registered in South Africa with Reg No: 2020/215617/07 and VAT No: 4210312536, positioning it as a relatively recent entrant founded around 2020.[1] Specific founders or key partners are not detailed in available sources, but the company's evolution centers on expanding from IT innovation to a diversified portfolio integrating renewable energy and rural initiatives, driven by a vision to bridge urban-rural divides through technology and sustainability.[1] Umoja Technology, likely affiliated or related, operates as an established provider of IT solutions tailored to South African SMBs, earning awards for its contributions without specified founding details.[2][5]
Umoja rides the wave of digital transformation in emerging markets, particularly South Africa's push for IT adoption amid rural-urban disparities and renewable energy transitions.[1] Timing aligns with global trends in sustainable tech and ESG investing, where IT enables efficient energy solutions and community development in underserved regions.[1] Market forces like South Africa's growing SMB sector and government priorities for rural infrastructure favor its model, amplifying its influence by nurturing ventures that enhance efficiency and access.[1][2][5] It contributes to the ecosystem by bridging tech with social impact, potentially scaling models for other African contexts.
Umoja Group is poised to expand its IT-driven portfolio amid rising demand for integrated tech-energy solutions in Africa, with potential growth in AI and cybersecurity applications for rural scalability.[1] Trends like renewable energy adoption and digital inclusion will shape its trajectory, possibly attracting partnerships or larger investments. Its influence may evolve from regional pioneer to a broader African impact player, reinforcing its role as a sustainable tech catalyst—echoing its founding promise to intertwine technology, energy, and community for lasting change.[1]
Umoja has raised $365.0M in total across 4 funding rounds.
Umoja's investors include Double Point Ventures, Longwood Fund, MPM Capital, Blockchain Founders Fund, Hustle Fund, MATH Venture Partners, Daniel Kan.
