Tokyo-based Dioseve, a fertility biotech developing iPS cell-derived ovarian support technologies for in vitro oocyte maturation, has completed an extended Series A totaling over ¥1 billion (~$7 million). Combined with selection for Japan’s NEDO Deep Tech Startup Support Program, the company’s total funding reaches ¥2.9 billion (~$20 million).
Archetype Ventures led the round, with participation from DG Daiwa Ventures, Mirai Door, and new investors D4V, Shionogi, and Pangaea Ventures.
Dioseve’s lead program, ReproNest, is a co-culture product that uses iPS cell-derived ovarian support cells to mature eggs outside the body. Unlike cell therapies, ReproNest is used within the IVF process and is not administered directly to patients. The goal is to enable minimal stimulation IVF approaches combined with in vitro oocyte maturation – reducing the roughly 10 days of hormonal stimulation, repeated clinic visits, self-administered injections, and medication costs that conventional IVF demands.
“IVF remains physically, emotionally, and financially demanding for many patients,” said CEO Kazuma Kishida. “With this new funding and support from NEDO, we plan to accelerate the development of our iPS cell-derived co-culture technology, with the goal of making IVF treatment less burdensome and more accessible in everyday clinical practice.”
Professor Katsuhiko Hayashi of Osaka University, a globally recognized pioneer in reproductive biology (Nature’s 10 in 2023, TIME100 in 2024), has joined as scientific advisor.
Preclinical data suggest ReproNest may improve oocyte maturation compared with standard IVM culture systems. The company is focused on validating manufacturing processes and quality standards ahead of clinical translation, with longer-term applications in fertility preservation and pre-treatment cryopreservation for oncology patients.
