Cancer-focused startups see $100 Mn funding surge in 12 months

[[{“value”:”

India’s cancer-focused startup ecosystem is rapidly evolving, addressing critical gaps in detection, treatment, and care delivery. With over 1.4 million new cancer cases recorded in 2023—and the number projected to rise significantly by 2030—the need for scalable and accessible cancer care has never been more urgent. And VCs are alive to the issue clearly.

Cancer-focused startups have collectively raised nearly $100 million over the past 12 months, according to data compiled by Entrackr. Notably, the majority of this funding has been secured in 2025 alone. This trend is part of a broader boom in the healthtech sector, which attracted a record $1.13 billion in investments in 2024, and has already seen $775 million raised in 2025 to date.

Among the most prominent deals is MOC Cancer Care & Research Centre, a network of community cancer centers, which raised $18 million, the highest single amount in the segment. This was followed by OneCell Diagnostics with $16 million, and Complement1, a US-headquartered startup founded by Karan Bajaj (former co-founder of WhiteHat Jr), which also raised $16 million. Complement1, backed by Blume Ventures and Owl Ventures, offers a model of “CoActive Coaching”—daily one-on-one support for cancer patients, survivors, and those at high risk.

Other significant funding rounds include Immuneel Therapeutics (led by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw) and Avammune Therapeutics, each raising $12 million. Several other startups have secured investments in the past year, including Everhope Oncology, 4baseCare, ErlySign, OnCare, and Exsure.

Startups in cancer diagnostics are leveraging technologies such as AI, genomics, and thermal imaging for early and non-invasive detection. Notable players include NIRAMAI, OncoStem, and PredOmix. Meanwhile, in therapeutics, companies like Avammune, Immuneel, and Zumutor Biologics are developing next-generation immunotherapies and targeted treatments.

The rise of cell and gene therapy is also evident, with companies such as ImmunoACT and NexCar19 making strides in offering affordable CAR-T cell therapies in India.

In cancer care delivery, startups like Everhope Oncology and Karkinos Healthcare are setting up tech-enabled clinics to improve access and patient experience. On the care navigation front, platforms like Onco.com and ZenOnco.io are helping patients explore treatment options through a blend of medical and integrative care.

Additionally, genomics-driven startups such as MedGenome and 4baseCare are pioneering the field of precision oncology, using DNA-based diagnostics to enable personalized cancer treatment.

With the Indian cancer diagnostics market projected to grow from $7.3 billion in 2024 to $14.2 billion by 2033 (IMARC Group), and ongoing innovation across diagnostics, therapeutics, and care models, the ecosystem is poised for continued growth and impact.

It is a little ironic that one of the highest funding rounds have been linked to Complement1, perhaps the startup with the shakiest premise of one looks at just the science and proven methods. Other than that, there remains massive potential for more funding as cancer care and facilities linked to it are seen as essential in more and more regions beyond just the major cities for instance. Expect big moves from the government soon.

As some therapies and pathways show promise and results, they are bound to attract more attention as well. We believe this is an area that has barely scratched the surface, and the big deals are yet to happen. Hopefully, we will see them soon enough. God knows people need it.

“}]]