Venture Concept
Founding CEO sought
Pre-incorporation spin-out · Utrecht University

Promising Antifungal Biotech Spin-off in search of a CEO

We are seeking an entrepreneurial CEO to commercialize a novel class of fungicidal molecules (TRL 2). Inspired by nature, this technology tackles life-threatening and azole-resistant fungal infections with high efficacy and minimal toxicity

01 — Problem
description

Fungi cause over 1 billion human infections annually, including 6.5 million invasive infections in immunocompromised patients. Current first-line treatments often fail due to rising azole resistance—driven by agricultural fungicide use—while alternatives like Amphotericin B cause severe toxicity and kidney failure. The WHO urgently demands new, safe antifungal treatments.

>1 billion
Human fungal infections per year
3 million
Deaths per year
$15 billion
Global market
02 — The
technology

Our spin-off introduces highly potent, fungicidal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that bacteria naturally use to fight fungi. They specifically target the fungal cell wall without harming human cells. Crucially, they prevent breakthrough resistance; Aspergillus remains fully sensitive even after 10 generations in evolution trials. The molecules comply with Lipinski's Rule of Five, enabling versatile delivery (IV, oral, topical, and inhalation), and can be manufactured synthetically at low costs.

03 — The
current team
Dr. Robert-Jan Bleichrodt
Scientific Lead & Inventor Utrecht University
Prof. dr. Han A.B. Wösten
Utrecht University
Dr. Pieter-Jan Haas
Medical microbiologist UMC Utrecht
04 — We are
looking for…
Entrepreneurial experience in founding and scaling biotech or pharma spin-offs.
Expertise in clinical trial preparation and execution (ideally in infectious diseases), as this expertise is currently missing in our team.
Commercial insight to validate the beachhead market (respiratory fungal diseases in the US and EU) and secure licensing deals.
A proven track record in raising Venture Capital for early-stage (pre-clinical) life sciences.
The ability to develop a comprehensive business plan, IP strategy, and a regulatory roadmap for the FDA/EMA
05 — Contact
info
Sara Blanken, Business Developer
secretariaat@utrechtholdings.nl
Request the full brief →
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