Kinled: Why MedTech Needs Patient Capital
In a time of rapid technological upheavals, an investor operates in the shadow of the big names: Kinled, the family company founded in 1924 and led by Patrick Aisher today, has developed into one of the most influential hidden champions of the global life sciences landscape. With over 175 investments in three decades and 22 successful IPOs, the company is redefining the financing of MedTech innovations.
The Strategy of Transformative Investing
Kinled’s approach differs fundamentally from classical venture capital strategies. Instead of focusing on quick exits, Patrick Aisher pursues a philosophy of patient capital: “At Kinled, we don’t just invest in innovation. We are partners of those who dare to change what is possible.”
This vision manifests itself in a global network with presence in Hong Kong, Vienna, and Zurich. In Vienna alone, Kinled supported over a dozen companies, two biotechnology incubators, and two funds. In Zurich, more than 15 companies as well as specialized deep technology funds were financed.
The secret to success lies in the combination of scientific excellence and long-term commitment. With its own research facilities at the Innovation Park of EPFL in Lausanne and the Viennese biotech company CEBINA, Kinled systematically transforms academic innovations into successful business models – currently, for example, within the framework of the new accelerator program DanubeNeuro, which focuses on the development of therapies against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
“With a strong academic and entrepreneurial network throughout Europe, Kinled provides capital, strategic consulting, and operational support for biotech entrepreneurs who develop innovative therapeutics and unlock unexplored scientific potential,” says Patrick Aisher.
Neurology Reimagined: Aleva Neurotherapeutics
The innovation lies in the directional DBS technology for patients with Parkinson’s or essential tremor. “Our mission is to work with neurologists and neurosurgeons to improve access to our innovative technology,” explains Dr. Claudio Pollo, co-founder and deputy chief physician of neurosurgery at Inselspital.
Aleva now licenses its technology for epilepsy, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and depression to globally leading brain-computer interface companies. Since its founding, the company has raised 100 million dollars – which clearly underscores Kinled’s long-term approach.
Fight Against Blindness: ReBio Pharma
The challenge with chronic eye diseases is dramatic: 25% of all adults develop such conditions, with an annual increase rate of 10%. Conventional eye drops are often unreliable – incorrect treatment can lead to blindness.
ReBio Pharma, in the Kinled portfolio since 2021, is developing a revolutionary solution: A single, long-acting intraocular injection that safely and reliably maintains therapeutically effective drug levels in the eye. The proprietary platform for sustained drug release aims to transform the treatment standard for glaucoma and eye cancer.
In collaboration with the renowned Moorfields Eye Hospital in London and globally active pharmaceutical companies, ReBio pursues an FDA-compliant, risk-minimized development strategy – a typical example of Kinled’s focus on scientific excellence and regulatory safety.
Personalized Cancer Therapy: PreComb
Co-founder & CEO, PreComb Therapeutics. © Kinled
Therapeutics Oncology is facing a paradigm shift: away from generic solutions, toward personalized treatment. reComb Therapeutics, financed by Kinled since 2021, is developing digital twins to revolutionize cancer therapy.
The 3DTwin® Profiler platform uses AI-driven drug screenings to automate precision medicine. “With our proprietary screening and automation platform, we accelerate the drug discovery process and bring innovative therapies to patients faster than ever,” explains Jens M. Kelm, co-founder and CEO.
The technology reduces manual errors and assay variability while delivering consistent results across different locations and cancer models. A digital approach that has the potential to transform all of oncology.
Expansion into Cardiology: Partnership with T45 Labs
In 2025, Kinled strategically expanded its portfolio through a partnership with T45 Labs, a Silicon Valley MedTech incubator for minimally invasive cardiovascular technologies – specifically, the partnership concerns T45’s second fund, which is in the order of 50 million dollars. The cooperation combines Kinled’s long-term perspective with T45’s fast-follower strategy.
“By investing in companies with promising clinical results and utilizing shared services, T45 Labs ensures efficient product progress while simultaneously achieving higher return potential,” explains founder Marwan Berrada-Sounni.
The T45 portfolio currently includes four promising cardio startups: Advanced NanoTherapies (drug-coated balloons), VahatiCor (cardiac care), NuevoSono (intravascular imaging), and ReCava (heart failure solutions). Potential exits are estimated between 150 and 450 million dollars per project.
The Future of MedTech Investing
Kinled’s success model demonstrates how patient capital and scientific excellence enable the next generation of life-saving technologies. From precise brain stimulation through revolutionary ophthalmology to personalized cancer therapy and cardiovascular innovation – the portfolio shows the breadth of transformative medical technologies.
Patrick Aisher summarizes the mission: “These are not just businesses, these are missions. They all share a single goal: to profoundly improve human life.” In an industry that is often characterized by short-term return expectations, Kinled proves that long-term thinking and scientific substance are the keys to the medicine of the future.
