Craif Inc., a molecular diagnostics company specializing in early cancer detection, announced the completion of the second close of its Series C round, raising a total of $22 million.
The round was led by returning investor X&KSK, with new participation from Colorado-based Unreasonable Syndicate, TAUNS Laboratories, Daiwa House Industry, Aozora Bank Group, and others. Including grants and debt financing, Craif’s cumulative funding now stands at approximately $57 million.
The latest funding mix includes $12 million in equity and $2 million in debt.
New backers such as MR Co. Ltd. and individual investors also joined this round. Existing investors from the Series C first close included Toyoda Gosei and Toyota Boshoku Corporation.
Craif operates at the intersection of molecular diagnostics and AI, targeting one of the most challenging aspects of healthcare: early cancer detection.
Through its miRNA-based testing platform, the company focuses on hard-to-detect cancers like pancreatic and lung cancers at early stages, when treatment is most effective.
“At Craif, our vision is to build a world where no one fears cancer and everyone can live a long, fulfilling life," said Ryuichi Onose, CEO and Co-Founder of Craif.
The newly secured funds will support Craif’s rapid expansion in both Japan and the United States.
In the U.S., Craif has set up an R&D lab in Irvine, California, and plans to establish a business office in San Diego. Collaborations are already underway with 30 medical institutions across 15 states to collect pancreatic cancer samples, advancing efforts toward FDA approval and insurance reimbursement.
The company is also accelerating its research, development, and commercialization initiatives stateside.
Strengthening its U.S. footprint is a key part of Craif’s strategy to bring its innovative diagnostic technology to a global audience.
Founded in 2018 as a spinout from Nagoya University, Craif is dedicated to extending healthy human lifespans through early disease detection and personalized treatment strategies.
Its flagship test, miSignal, launched in 2022, analyzes urinary microRNA to detect multiple types of cancer early and non-invasively.
In Japan, miSignal is now available in over 1,000 medical institutions and 500 pharmacies, as well as through corporate wellness programs and online platforms.
Craif has amassed more than 42,000 biospecimens, with research published in around 60 scientific papers and conference presentations. A recent study on early pancreatic cancer detection appeared in eClinicalMedicine, part of The Lancet family.
Joining Craif’s investor lineup are Aozora Corporate Investment, Unreasonable Syndicate, Daiwa House Industry, MR Co., and TAUNS Laboratories, alongside individual investors.
These partners are committed to supporting Craif’s vision of creating a new standard in cancer prevention and detection.
Unreasonable Group, one of the new investors, focuses on backing companies addressing major global challenges. Through its Unreasonable Syndicate, it has funded 20 ventures worldwide that prioritize bold, scalable impact.
