Greenville-based Kiyatec Inc., an established leader in functional precision oncology, recently announced the closing of $18 million in Series C funding from new and existing investors.

Financing was led by new investor Bruker and was joined by existing investors VentureSouth, Seae Ventures and LabCorp. These funds will expedite the adoption and implementation of Kiyatec’s clinical testing and preclinical pharma services.

Founded in 2005, Kiyatec has earned national recognition for using its 3D cell culture technology platform to accurately model and predict cancer patient reactions to drug therapies before treatment. Since its establishment in Greenville, Kiyatec has garnered multiple rounds of private sector investment and over $5M of federal funding. Kiyatec has also grown its team to over 20 employees and pledged to create nearly 100 jobs.

Life sciences is the #1 fastest-growing industry in South Carolina, and Kiyatec is a huge driver of Greenville’s success in that sector. Kiyatec is making their mark in the heart of downtown Greenville as the anchor tenant of Main Street Labs, a 100,000-square-foot laboratory hub. One of the only labs in the United States with a presence in a city’s downtown, Main Street Labs provides companies at the forefront of life sciences innovation with a unique space within walking distance of over 100 restaurants, a world-class performing arts center, a minor league ballpark and more.

Johnson believes that other innovators can find success by sharing space with Kiyatec. As the City’s Innovation District continues to expand, he says that Main Street Labs would provide an established support system, guidance from ecosystem partners like SCBIO and NEXT, potential for collaboration and access to local and regional research universities.

For more information, visit kiyatec.com.