Cowellnex Invests in Civilization Ventures III, L.P. to Accelerate Innovation in Advanced Healthcare

TOKYO, April 28, 2026 - Cowellnex Co., Ltd. (Cowellnex)—jointly established by Kirin Holdings Company, Limited (Kirin Holdings) and Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd. (Kyowa Kirin)—has entered into a limited partnership investment agreement as a limited partner with Civilization Ventures III, L.P.a 10‑year fund managed by Civilization Ventures (Founder: Shahram Seyedin‑Noor; Headquarters: San Francisco, USA).

Civilization Ventures’ strengths include deep expertise in genomics, diagnostics, digital health, and synthetic biology (including gene and cell therapies), as well as a global network of specialized professionals in these fields. Based on the strong alignment between these capabilities and its vision for innovation creation, Cowellnex decided to make this investment.
Under its unique model of close collaboration across corporate venture capital (CVC), research and development, and business development, Cowellnex is advancing collaboration with Civilization Ventures to build relationships with promising startups possessing cutting‑edge knowledge and technologies. Through these efforts, Cowellnex aims to create new solutions in the healthcare domain and contribute to its mission of “enriching customers’ lives with well‑being.”

Comments from Each Company

Junko Nishimae, President and Representative Director, Cowellnex

Civilization Ventures possesses distinctive strengths that support next‑generation innovation, including deep expertise in frontier healthcare, a broad network spanning academia, entrepreneurs, and investors, as well as fellowship programs that nurture entrepreneurs. Based on its excellent investment track record, we believe the firm has the capability to identify promising technologies and entrepreneurs and support their growth. These strengths are highly aligned with Cowellnex’s challenge to rapidly incorporate cutting‑edge knowledge and technologies and create unprecedented health experiences. Through this partnership, we will expand opportunities for collaboration with promising startups and accelerate innovation creation.

Shahram Seyedin‑Noor, Founder, Civilization Ventures

Our key partnership with Cowellnex is part of a broader strategy to expand our international reach through collaboration with global leaders and to provide added value to our portfolio companies beyond the United States. We believe the Cowellnex team possesses exceptional breadth and depth of expertise in the healthcare field. Going forward, we aim to work together with Cowellnex to accelerate innovations that will shape human health over the next century in the United States, Japan, and around the world.

Company Overview

About Cowellnex

Cowellnex Corporation was established in September 2024 as a joint venture between Kirin Holdings (50%) and Kyowa Kirin (50%).
Cowellnex creates innovation through mutual collaboration in research and development, venture investment, as well as business development, and dedicated to supporting consumers achieve fulfilling lives by solving social issues related to health.
Cowellnex Co., Ltd. | Group Companies | KIRIN - Kirin Holdings Company, Limited

About Civilization Ventures

Civilization Ventures is a U.S.‑based venture capital firm specializing in investments in health tech, biotechnology, synthetic biology, diagnostics, genome editing, AI, and digital health. The firm currently manages over USD 200 million in assets and has invested in more than 77 companies, achieving 17 exits, including three Nasdaq listings, as of March 2026. In addition, Civilization Ventures operates PhD Fellowship programs at leading university campuses worldwide, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting startups and nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Civilization Ventures

About Kirin Holdings

Kirin Holdings Company, Limited is a global company operating across three core business domains spanning Alcoholic Beverages, Non‑alcoholic Beverages & Health Science, and Pharmaceuticals. The company traces its roots to Japan Brewery, established in 1885, which later became Kirin Brewery in 1907. Since then, Kirin has expanded its business operations by leveraging fermentation and biotechnology as core strengths. The company entered the pharmaceutical field in the 1980s, which has since grown into a global business. In 2007, the company transitioned to a pure holding company structure as Kirin Holdings, and it is now strengthening its Non‑alcoholic Beverages & Health Science domain.

Under its long‑term vision “Innovate2035!”, the Kirin Group is focused on creating value that encourage behavioral change among consumers and patients, creating new lifestyle habits in the areas of food and health. With a unique business portfolio spanning Alcoholic Beverages, Non‑alcoholic Beverages & Health Science, and Pharmaceuticals, the Group will further expand group‑wide initiatives that support both mental and physical well‑being.

The Kirin Group will continue to advance innovation through the combined strength of its people and technology, creating both social and economic value as a global leader in CSV*, while pursuing sustainable, long‑term growth in corporate value.

* “Creating Shared Value”: combined added value for consumers and society at large.