Virica
Ottawa, CA · Founded 2018 · 2 known investors
Find your way into Virica
280 people in our graph share verified history with the Virica team — schools, employers, funds. One of them is your warm intro.
Graham Careyunlockedknows Ella Korets-Smith · together at Dalhousie University (overlapped)
×5knows the team · via University of Toronto
knows the team · via University of Waterloo
×4knows the team · via Dalhousie University
knows the team · via Institute of Corporate Directors
Virica is a biotech company that develops small-molecule "Viral Sensitizers" which temporarily reduce host cell defenses during viral vector production to increase yield, quality, and scalability. Its technology serves cell and gene therapy and vaccine manufacturers seeking to improve manufacturing productivity and reduce costs.
Founders & leadership
Virica was founded in 2018 by Jean-Simon Diallo.
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Jean-Simon DialloinFounderJean-Simon Diallo holds a Ph.D. and has worked as a senior scientist at the Ottawa Hospital and assistant professor of biochemistry, microbiology, and immunology at the University of Ottawa, with research experience in viral immunology and oncolytic virotherapy. He is co-founder and CEO of Virica, a biotech company developing viral sensitizers for cell and gene therapy manufacturing.
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Ken NewportinExecutive Chairman2018–2026Ken Newport is a life sciences executive with experience in entrepreneurship who now serves as Executive Officer at Virica, a biotech company developing manufacturing technologies for cell and gene therapy.
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Ella Korets-SmithinCo-Founder/InvestorElla Korets-Smith is an Executive Officer at Virica with 18+ years of experience in biotechnology business development, having worked across cell and gene therapy, biologics, immunotherapy, vaccines, and related sectors. She has led sales and marketing teams, negotiated licensing and partnership agreements, and served in board and advisory roles across life sciences companies.
Investors · 2
Reported raises · per SEC filings
Form D private placements$7.1M disclosed across 4 rounds · 2021–2024
▶$60KraisedMay 2024 · 2 investors · BiotechnologyRule 506(c)
▶$60KraisedMay 2024 · 2 investors · Biotechnology
Rule 506(c)Officers, directors & promoters on the filing
- Daniella KranjacDirector
- Susan DexterDirector
- Jean-Simon Dr. DialloDirector, Executive Officer
- Ella Korets-SmithExecutive Officer
- Ken NewportDirector, Executive Officer
- Amount sold
- $60K
- First sale
- Apr 2024
- Incorporated
- Corporation, Ontario, Canada
- Federal exemptions
- 06c
▶$3MraisedJan 2024 · 2 investors · BiotechnologyRule 506(c)
▶$3MraisedJan 2024 · 2 investors · Biotechnology
Rule 506(c)Officers, directors & promoters on the filing
- Susan DexterDirector
- Jean-Simon Dr. DialloDirector, Executive Officer
- Daniella KranjacDirector
- Ella Korets-SmithExecutive Officer
- Ken NewportDirector, Executive Officer
- Offering amount
- $3M
- Amount sold
- $3M
- First sale
- Jan 2024
- Incorporated
- Corporation, Ontario, Canada
- Federal exemptions
- 06c
▶$500KraisedJun 2022 · 1 investors · BiotechnologyRule 506(c)
▶$500KraisedJun 2022 · 1 investors · Biotechnology
Rule 506(c)Officers, directors & promoters on the filing
- Ken NewportExecutive Officer
- Jean-Simon Dr. DialloExecutive Officer
- Ella Korets-SmithExecutive Officer
- Offering amount
- $500K
- Amount sold
- $500K
- First sale
- Apr 2022
- Incorporated
- Corporation, Ontario, Canada, 2018
- Federal exemptions
- 06c
▶$3.5MraisedNov 2021 · 1 investors · BiotechnologyRule 506(c)
▶$3.5MraisedNov 2021 · 1 investors · Biotechnology
Rule 506(c)Officers, directors & promoters on the filing
- Ken NewportExecutive Officer
- Jean-Simon Dr. DialloExecutive Officer
- Ella Korets-SmithExecutive Officer
- Offering amount
- $3.5M
- Amount sold
- $3.5M
- First sale
- Sep 2021
- Incorporated
- Corporation, Ontario, Canada, 2018
- Federal exemptions
- 06c
Source: SEC EDGAR Form D. Amounts as filed; amended filings shown once at their latest values.
In the news
Frequently asked questions
- What does Virica do?
- Virica is a biotech company that develops small-molecule "Viral Sensitizers" which temporarily reduce host cell defenses during viral vector production to increase yield, quality, and scalability. Its technology serves cell and gene therapy and vaccine manufacturers seeking to improve manufacturing productivity and reduce costs.
- Who founded Virica?
- Virica was founded by Jean-Simon Diallo in 2018.
- Who are Virica's investors?
- Virica's investors include Dynamk Capital, Avant Bio.
- How much funding has Virica raised?
- Virica has disclosed $7.1M raised across 4 rounds.
- Where is Virica headquartered?
- Virica is headquartered in Ottawa, CA.