Kitsune Biotherapeutics
Using structural chemistry to create cyclic peptides that cross into cells, adapt to environments and bind dynamic targets. Visit the Kitsune Website
The University of Colorado Connection

Kitsune Bio is a Boulder-based biotechnology startup developing shape-shifting cyclic peptides (SSCPs) that adapt their structure to access and modulate challenging intracellular targets. The company was founded through the CU Boulder Embark Deep Tech Startup Creator, pairing entrepreneurs Makenna Morck and Alec Santiago with technology developed by Michael Stowell (CU Boulder Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology). Kitsune’s platform enables peptides to cycle through over 1,000 structural isomers, enhancing their ability to penetrate cells and bind to dynamic, previously “undruggable” proteins. The company is currently focused on internal asset optimization and is open to collaborations, licensing and strategic partnerships in the cyclic peptide space.
Funding Status and Investment Opportunities
- Industry Applications: Health and Wellness, Biotech, Therapeutics
- Funding Stage: Seed Round
- Contact for Investment Inquiries: Makenna Morck , makenna@kitsunebio.com and Alec Santiago , alec@kitsunebio.com
In the News
- University of Colorado's Ascent Deep Tech Accelerator to showcase 2025 cohort in June (2025)
- Congratulations to our NVC Specialty Competition winners! (2025)
- CU Boulder hosts showcases highlighting breakthrough innovations and investment-ready ventures (2025)
- 2024 cohort of CU Boulder’s Embark Deep Tech Startup Creator launches new startups (2024)
- $1.25M awarded to University of Colorado innovators to advance their discoveries (2024)
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This page was last updated on May 19, 2025. Please email vpnews@colorado.edu for corrections or updates
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