Bengaluru-based biotech startup Cellogen Therapeutics has raised ₹20 Cr from Kotak Alternate Asset Managers Limited (Kotak Alts), the alternative investments arm of Kotak Mahindra Group. The funding round was disclosed on May 14, 2025, and marks a significant step for the company’s cell and gene therapy research initiatives in India. This infusion will support its efforts to develop innovative therapies targeting critical medical needs 1.
Cellogen Therapeutics, founded in 2020, focuses on developing advanced cell and gene therapies to address unmet medical needs in oncology and rare genetic disorders. The startup operates out of Bengaluru, a hub for India’s biotech and healthtech innovation. The ₹20 Cr funding from Kotak Alts will be utilized to expand its research and development (R&D) capabilities and advance its pipeline of therapeutic candidates 1.
Kotak Alternate Asset Managers Limited (Kotak Alts) is the alternative investments platform of Kotak Mahindra Group, one of India’s leading financial services conglomerates. The firm manages over $10 billion in assets across private equity, real estate, and infrastructure. This investment in Cellogen Therapeutics aligns with Kotak Alts’ strategy to support high-growth sectors such as biotechnology and healthcare in India 1.
The biotech sector in India has seen a surge in funding activity in recent years, driven by increasing demand for innovative healthcare solutions. According to Inc42’s HealthTech Report 2024, Indian healthtech startups raised over $2.3 billion in 2023, with biotech and genomics startups accounting for a significant share. Cellogen Therapeutics’ latest funding round reflects this broader trend of investor interest in cutting-edge medical research 1.
Cellogen Therapeutics’ leadership team includes industry veterans with expertise in cell biology, gene therapy, and clinical development. The startup’s mission is to leverage India’s scientific talent pool to develop affordable and scalable therapies for global markets. The ₹20 Cr infusion will enable the company to accelerate preclinical studies and move closer to clinical trials for its lead candidates 1.
The funding round comes at a time when India’s biotech ecosystem is gaining recognition for its cost-effective R&D capabilities. Startups like Cellogen Therapeutics are positioning themselves as key players in the global biopharma landscape by focusing on niche areas such as cell and gene therapy. The sector’s growth is further supported by government initiatives like the National Biopharma Mission, which aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in biotechnology 1.
Kotak Alts’ investment in Cellogen Therapeutics underscores the growing appetite among Indian institutional investors for high-risk, high-reward opportunities in deep tech and life sciences. The firm has previously backed startups in sectors such as fintech, SaaS, and electric vehicles, but its foray into biotech signals a strategic shift toward supporting India’s emerging biopharma sector 1.
Cellogen Therapeutics plans to use the fresh capital to strengthen its intellectual property portfolio and expand its collaborations with academic institutions and research organizations. The startup is also exploring partnerships with global biopharma companies to co-develop therapies and access international markets. The ₹20 Cr funding is expected to provide a runway for the next 18-24 months as the company advances its R&D programs 1.