Nutide Ventures Participates in Sift Biosciences’ Oversubscribed $3.7M Pre-Seed Financing to Advance Next-Generation T-Cell Immunotherapy Platform
Redwood City, CA, February 18, 2026 – Nutide Ventures today announced its participation in the recently closed $3.7 million oversubscribed Pre-Seed financing of Sift Biosciences, a UC Berkeley spin-out developing a next-generation peptide immunotherapy platform that integrates AI, metagenomics, and high-throughput immune profiling for cancer and immune diseases.
Sift is building a new class of peptide-based immunotherapies designed to engage pre-existing memory T cells and overcome the lack of immunogenicity that limits many current cancer treatments. The company’s initial focus is on immunologically “cold” solid tumors, including colorectal and ovarian cancers, with future applications in autoimmunity.
Nutide’s participation reflects its strategy of backing early-stage platforms with the potential to redefine therapeutic categories across oncology, inflammation and immunology as well as metabolic diseases.
“The Sift team is advancing a differentiated approach to immune activation by harnessing pre-existing T-cell memory, a strategy with the potential to unlock meaningful responses in cancers that remain resistant to current immunotherapies.” Said Thomas Butler, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Nutide. “We are excited to support Sift Biosciences at this important stage. We believe this platform has broad applicability and are thrilled to partner with Clare and the team as they move toward in vivo Proof of Concept.” Said Thanaa Makdsi, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Nutide.
Proceeds from the pre-seed round will support in-vivo efficacy studies, expansion of Sift’s AI-enabled peptide discovery platform, and advancement of its lead oncology programs.
About Sift Biosciences
Sift Biosciences is a preclinical immunotherapy company developing “T-cell booster” peptides designed to amplify immune responses in cancers and other immune diseases where current therapies fail. Founded in 2024 as a UC Berkeley spin-out, Sift combines AI, metagenomics, and high-throughput immune profiling to identify peptides capable of harnessing pre-existing immune memory for faster, safer, and more effective treatments. The company’s initial focus is on gastrointestinal and gynecologic cancers, with an expanding pipeline in autoimmunity.
About Nutide Ventures:
Nutide Ventures is a forward-thinking venture firm dedicated to creating and investing in the next generation of biotech and healthtech companies with the power to meaningfully transform patient lives. At the intersection of science and technology, we partner with visionary entrepreneurs and pioneering researchers to accelerate breakthrough innovations in healthcare and healthtech. With a deep focus on human-centered outcomes, we support companies across the full spectrum of development — from cutting-edge biotech platforms and novel therapeutics to AI-driven diagnostics and patient engagement tools. Our mission is to catalyze bold solutions that address some of the most pressing and unmet medical needs of our time. Our team not only provides capital but also strategic guidance, operational support, and a powerful network across industry and academia. We believe the future of healthcare lies in smart, scalable, and compassionate innovation — and we are here to build it.
Contacts:
info@nutideventures.com