Encelta: The Venture Leader Biotech revolutionizing cell therapy

19.05.2025 11:41, Rita Longobardi

Meet Edo Kapetanovic, Co-Founder of Encelta. The biotech startup has developed an innovative platform for cell therapy that addresses critical challenges in treating various diseases. In June, Edo will join nine other Biotech innovators on a business development and investor roadshow in Boston.

Name: Edo Kapetanovic MD PhD
Location:  Basel, Switzerland
Nationality: Croatian
Graduated from: ETH Zürich
Job title: CSO
Number of employees: 7  
Money raised: USD 1.7 Million (non-dilutive)

 

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Can you tell us who your product or solution helps, and how?
Our product is designed to boost patients’ immunity by delivering healthy, effective and safe “off-the-shelf” T cells that are ready for immediate use.

What market are you addressing and what is the potential of your startup in that market?
Our product targets the rapidly expanding cancer market. Encelta’s versatile T cells are engineered to effectively target and eliminate both blood cancers and solid tumors when combined with bispecific antibodies. With eight bispecifics already approved and over 100 in clinical development, we are well-positioned to become a leader in cell therapy.

How and where did you come up with the idea for your startup?
The startup emerged naturally from my commitment to transforming cancer care. While deeply involved in cell therapy research, we identified a critical need for healthy T cells in patients and developed a scalable, cost-effective solution. Now, we have a responsibility to bring this innovation to the clinic.

What do you expect from the Venture Leaders roadshow, and how do you think it will help you achieve your vision?
My goals are to share Encelta’s story and connect with US investors who are driven to deliver breakthrough medicines to patients. Additionally, engaging with peers and immersing in the Boston biotech ecosystem will be invaluable as we lay the groundwork for our future US operations.
 

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What are your team’s key achievements to date?

• Top 5 Finalist, ETH Innovation Award
• Awarded USD 1.5M from the Swiss Innovation Agency
• Pioneered first-in-class T-cell technology
• Featured on the cover of Nature Biomedical Engineering (Dec 2024)
• Achieved < USD 1,000 COGS per patient in cell therapy manufacturing
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Is there a key principle or value that guides you as you build your company?
Our guiding principle is patient impact through innovation. We are committed to developing innovative, scalable, and accessible T-cell therapies that overcome the limitations of current treatments. Every decision we make is driven by the goal of bringing safe, effective, and affordable immunotherapies to those who need them most.

What is the most important lesson you have learned as a founder?
The most important lesson I’ve learned as a founder is that building a company is about building the right team. Success comes from attracting top talent, fostering strong collaborations, and continuously expanding our network. Engaging with the right people early and often is essential to driving innovation and growth.