Aerska: $21M Seed to Unlock RNAi Delivery to the Brain
Today, Aerska announced a $21M seed round to develop RNA interference (RNAi) therapies with a novel delivery platform designed to cross the blood–brain barrier — one of the biggest bottlenecks in treating neurological disease. We’re proud to back the team, alongside Backed VC, Age1, Lingotto, Kerna Ventures, Norrsken, and Speedinvest.
Using natural transport receptors on endothelial cells, Aerska’s platform delivers advanced medicines directly to the brain. This enables precise silencing of disease-causing genes while reducing side effects — a breakthrough for conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, which are rising by 30% every decade. By 2040, the cost of care is projected to exceed $1.1 trillion annually, outpacing almost every other disease.
Our Thesis
Drawing on co-founder Jack O’Meara’s extensive experience with RNAi at his prior startup, Ochre Bio, we believe Aerska has the potential to fast-track breakthrough therapies for several defining neurological conditions of our generation, starting with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
If Aerska’s RNAi delivery platform for medicines to the brain is successful in these categories, we believe that it could become the fabric for how all neurological diseases are treated in the future.
We’re excited to be backing Jack and the entire Aerska team on their mission. Read more about Aerska’s $21M seed round in this Endpoints article.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article has been prepared solely for informational purposes and is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase an interest in any entity managed by BlueYard Capital (“BlueYard”). Any reference to a specific company or security does not constitute a recommendation to buy, sell, hold, or directly invest in the company or its securities. It may not be modified, reproduced, or redistributed in whole or in part without the prior written consent of BlueYard. Portfolio company information presented herein is for informational purposes only and not intended to be a guarantee of certain investment results. BlueYard does not represent that the information herein is accurate, true, or complete, makes no warranty, express or implied, regarding the information herein and shall not be liable for any losses, damages, costs, or expenses relating to its adequacy, accuracy, truth, completeness, or use. All other company, product and service names or service marks of others and their use does not imply their endorsement of, or an association with this program.
