Ex-Blackstone Investor Raises $7M for Meridian, Private Equity's New AI Operating System
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Meridian, the AI-powered deal management platform for the private markets, today announced its $7 million Series Seed fundraise. The round was led by 645 Ventures with participation from existing investor Chaac Ventures. Meridian also welcomed a group of high-impact angel investors – industry leaders from private equity, credit, and M&A law, many of whom have actively shaped Meridian as early users.
"Private equity still runs on fragmented, manual systems: clunky software, Excel trackers, and scattered third-party data subscriptions. We're building software that finally reflects how top investment teams source and diligence deals."
Founded by Alexander Sen, a former investor at Blackstone, Thoma Bravo, and CVC, Meridian is building the AI operating system for private market investors. The company combines modern CRM with deep workflow automation and proprietary AI agents to solve the core operational pain points of the world's leading investors – from deal origination to exit.
'Private equity still runs on fragmented, manual systems: clunky software, Excel trackers, and scattered third-party data subscriptions,' said Alexander Sen, founder and CEO of Meridian. 'We're building software that finally reflects how top investment teams source and diligence deals – and we've vertically integrated AI to enable workflows that were never possible before.'
Meridian brings together a team of over 25 across New York and Miami, with experience spanning enterprise software, AI infrastructure, and capital markets. The company has also hired an experienced customer team who guide firms through the most important technological shift facing private markets today.
At the heart of the platform is Scout, Meridian's AI engine. Scout powers intelligent agents that map markets, pinpoint the right companies, automate core evaluation workflows, and surface relationship signals where they matter most. It helps firms spot high-conviction deals before the market does – giving teams a decisive sourcing and diligence edge.
Meridian has to date focused on the top of the market, helping some of the world's largest private equity and credit firms run better, more intelligent deal sourcing and evaluation processes. The platform is quickly gaining share at top 100 firms and is now expanding into LPs, investment banks, and global hedge funds – reflecting a broader shift toward modern infrastructure across every layer of private company investing.
'There's a generational shift happening in private markets – more complexity, more competition, and more data,' said Nnamdi Okike, Managing Partner at 645 Ventures. 'AI is a game changer for private market deal sourcing, due diligence and deal management. Firms that do not leverage AI in this new market will be left behind. We were particularly drawn to Alex's insights into how AI will transform private markets, which were developed through his experience in private equity. Meridian is arming investors with the system they'll need to win.'
The funding will be used to expand Meridian's AI capabilities, accelerate product development, and scale go-to-market efforts globally.
'Private market firms are under pressure to move faster, operate leaner, and make sharper decisions,' said Sen. 'Software is no longer just overhead at private equity firms – it's become a source of edge. The best investors are treating technology and data as central to how they generate outsized returns.'
To request a demo or learn more, visit www.meridian-ai.com.
About Meridian
Meridian is the AI-native operating system for institutional private markets. The platform combines next-generation deal software, massive datasets, and intelligent agents into a single system that helps investors originate, evaluate, and execute with greater speed and precision.
Founded by Alexander Sen, a former investor at Blackstone, Thoma Bravo, and CVC, Meridian serves private equity, credit, and broader financial services firms engaged in M&A. The company is headquartered in New York and Miami, with a team of product builders, engineers, and customer leaders with deep experience across enterprise software and private markets. Learn more at www.meridian-ai.com.
About 645 Ventures
645 Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that partners with exceptional founders building iconic companies. The firm invests at the Seed and Series A stages and supports founders through its proprietary software platform Voyager and deep Connected Network. 645 Ventures manages over $550M in AUM across five funds. Learn more at www.645ventures.com.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Wire
41 minutes ago
- Business Wire
OrsoBio to Present Preclinical Data on Mitochondrial Protonophore Portfolio in Models of Obesity at the American Diabetes Association's 85th Scientific Sessions
MENLO PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--OrsoBio, Inc. ('OrsoBio' or 'the Company'), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing treatments for obesity and obesity-associated disorders, today announced new preclinical data being presented at the 85th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) being held June 20-23, 2025, in Chicago, Ill. The Company will present three abstracts highlighting the efficacy of its mitochondrial protonophores to induce weight loss and provide glycemic benefits while preserving lean mass in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. The studies demonstrate the potential of TLC-6740 and TLC-1180—as monotherapy and in combination with the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist semaglutide—for both the induction and maintenance of weight loss following incretin treatment. 'The mechanism of our mitochondrial protonophores to increase energy expenditure complements that of incretins to enhance and sustain weight loss and provide additive metabolic benefits,' said Mani Subramanian, MD, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of OrsoBio. 'These preclinical findings mark an important step in fulfilling our mission to develop innovative, effective, oral therapies for obesity that preserve muscle and support cardiometabolic health.' OrsoBio is advancing a pipeline of novel therapies targeting obesity through mechanistically distinct and complementary approaches. The Company's lead candidates include TLC-6740 and TLC-1180, both mitochondrial protonophores that promote weight loss by increasing energy expenditure. In addition, OrsoBio is developing TLC-3595, a selective inhibitor of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 2 (ACC2), designed to enhance fat oxidation. "GLP-1 receptor agonists have transformed obesity treatment but are limited by gastrointestinal side effects and loss of muscle mass,' said Rob Myers, MD, Chief Medical Officer of OrsoBio. 'Our preclinical data show that our mitochondrial protonophores drive sustained, fat-selective weight loss and metabolic benefits when combined with or sequenced after GLP-1 receptor agonists. These findings support our ongoing Phase 1b study of TLC-6740 in combination with tirzepatide (NCT05822544)." Poster information: Sequential Combination of the Mitochondrial Protonophore TLC-6740 With Semaglutide Normalizes Body Weight and Preserves Lean Mass in DIO Mice Abstract #1687-P Poster Session: Monday, June 23, 2025 (12:30 - 1:30 p.m. CT) This preclinical study assessed TLC-6740 alone, in combination with low-dose semaglutide (sequential combination), and as maintenance therapy following semaglutide discontinuation in DIO mice. The sequential combination of TLC-6740 with low-dose semaglutide produced superior body weight and fat mass loss, and improved glycemic parameters compared with TLC-6740 alone and high-dose semaglutide. Initiating TLC-6740 after semaglutide discontinuation maintained body weight and fat mass loss, and glycemic benefits. These findings support evaluation of TLC-6740 in combination with incretins in people living with obesity; a 24-week combination study of TLC-6740 with tirzepatide is ongoing (NCT05822544). De Novo or Sequential Combination of the Mitochondrial Protonophore TLC-1180 With Semaglutide Improves Weight Loss and Preserves Lean Mass in DIO Mice Abstract #1694-P Poster Session: Monday, June 23, 2025 (12:30 - 1:30 p.m. CT) This preclinical study evaluated the effects of TLC-1180 alone, in combination with semaglutide, and as a maintenance treatment following semaglutide discontinuation in DIO mice. As monotherapy, TLC-1180 demonstrated body weight and fat mass loss and preserved lean mass. Body weight and fat mass loss were amplified, and lean mass was preserved with TLC-1180 in combination with semaglutide. These benefits persisted when TLC-1180 was used as a maintenance treatment after semaglutide discontinuation. These data highlight the potential of TLC-1180 as monotherapy, in combination with incretins, or as maintenance therapy post incretin discontinuation in people living with obesity. Novel Combination of a Mitochondrial Protonophore and an Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase 2 (ACC2) Inhibitor Causes Weight Loss and Preserves Lean Mass in Obese Mice Abstract #1686-P Poster Session: Monday, June 23, 2025 (12:30 - 1:30 p.m. CT) This preclinical study evaluated the effects of the mitochondrial protonophore, TLC-1180, and the ACC2 inhibitor, TLC-3595—as monotherapy and in combination—and semaglutide in DIO mice. TLC-3595 dose dependently reduced body weight, fat mass, and liver biochemistry while preserving lean mass in DIO mice. A combination of TLC-3595 with TLC-1180 had similar weight loss efficacy to semaglutide, but preserved lean mass. Taken together, these data suggest that the novel, all-oral, non-incretin combination of TLC-3595 and TLC-1180 may cause similar weight loss to incretins and may afford additional advantages, including improved weight loss quality and/or tolerability (e.g., reduced incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events). About TLC-6740 TLC-6740 is a novel, oral, liver-targeted mitochondrial protonophore in development for the treatment of obesity and obesity-associated diseases, including diabetes and MASH. Based on active hepatic uptake and mitochondrial protonophore activity, TLC-6740 increases energy expenditure in hepatocytes, and is expected to have broad, systemic metabolic and cardiovascular benefits, including weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and as a treatment for MASH, and dyslipidemia. TLC-6740 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1b clinical trial, as monotherapy and in combination with tirzepatide, in patients living with obesity (NCT05822544). About TLC-1180 TLC-1180 is a novel, potent, long-acting mitochondrial protonophore that has been shown to increase energy expenditure in mice with diet-induced obesity (DIO). In preclinical studies of DIO mice, TLC-1180 induced weight loss, improved glucose control, and enhanced the efficacy of GLP-1 receptor agonists, both as a single agent and in combination with incretins. TLC-1180 is currently completing IND-enabling studies and a first-in-human study is expected to initiate in 2025. About TLC-3595 TLC-3595 is a novel and selective ACC2 inhibitor designed to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes by increasing fatty acid oxidation (FAO), reducing ectopic lipid accumulation, and improving insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle and liver. The compound may also have potential as a treatment for other conditions characterized by impaired FAO, including heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). About OrsoBio, Inc. OrsoBio, Inc. is a privately held, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing therapies to treat obesity and obesity-associated disorders, including type 2 diabetes, MASH, and severe dyslipidemias. OrsoBio currently has four programs in clinical and preclinical development with first-in-class compounds that address central pathways in energy metabolism. For more information, please visit
Business Wire
an hour ago
- Business Wire
Vertex Presents Positive Data for Zimislecel in Type 1 Diabetes at the American Diabetes Association 85th Scientific Sessions
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Nasdaq: VRTX) today announced simultaneous presentation and publication of updated data from the Phase 1/2 portion of the Phase 1/2/3 FORWARD-101 clinical trial of zimislecel (VX-880), an investigational stem cell-derived, fully differentiated islet cell therapy, in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) with impaired hypoglycemic awareness and severe hypoglycemic events (SHEs). The data were featured in an oral presentation at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) annual conference in Chicago as part of the symposium, 'Innovation and Progress in Stem Cell-Derived Islet-Cell Replacement Therapy,' from 6:15-6:30 p.m. CT (abstract 2025-A-1921) and published online by the New England Journal of Medicine. The data are from 12 patients who received the full dose of zimislecel as a single infusion and were followed for at least one year, as of October 2024. Results from the study to date continue to demonstrate the transformative potential of zimislecel with consistent and durable patient benefit with longer follow-up. All 12 participants: Demonstrated engraftment with glucose-responsive endogenous C-peptide production, which was durable through one year of follow-up. Achieved the ADA targets of HbA1c <7% and time in range of >70%. Were free of SHEs from day 90 onwards. Had a reduction in exogenous insulin use (mean reduction in daily insulin dose: 92%). 10/12 (83%) no longer required exogenous insulin at Month 12. Achieved the Phase 1/2 primary endpoint of elimination of SHEs with HbA1c <7%. Zimislecel continues to be generally well tolerated. Most adverse events (AEs) were mild or moderate, and there were no serious AEs related to zimislecel treatment. As previously reported, two patient deaths occurred, both unrelated to treatment with zimislecel. The safety profile is generally consistent with the immunosuppressive regimen used in the study, the infusion procedure, and complications from long-standing diabetes. 'These data on the first fully differentiated, stem cell-derived, off-the-shelf islet cell therapy continue to be unprecedented. The magnitude, consistency and durability of the results from all 12 patients with more than one year of follow-up reinforce the transformative potential of zimislecel for people living with T1D complicated by severe hypoglycemia,' said Carmen Bozic, M.D., Executive Vice President, Global Medicines Development and Medical Affairs, and Chief Medical Officer at Vertex. 'We are excited to complete enrollment and dosing in the Phase 1/2/3 Program and look forward to potential regulatory submissions next year.' 'It's remarkable to see 12 out of 12 patients with baseline HbA1c above 7% and multiple severe hypoglycemic events reach consensus targets for glycemic control by both HbA1c and time in range as well as elimination of severe hypoglycemic events,' said Michael R. Rickels, M.D., M.S., Medical Director, Pancreatic Islet Cell Transplant Program, Willard and Rhoda Ware Professor in Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Presenting Author and Steering Committee Co-Chair for the zimislecel clinical program, and author on the New England Journal of Medicine paper. 'As I think about my patients and the unmet need in the type 1 diabetes community, the results we've seen so far for restoring endogenous insulin secretion with a stem cell-derived islet therapy bring me hope and confidence for a transformative treatment option for individuals with type 1 diabetes in the not-so-distant future.' About Type 1 Diabetes T1D results from the autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in pancreatic islets. Insulin deficiency results in hyperglycemia and can lead to acute life-threatening complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis. People with T1D are reliant on lifelong treatment with exogenous insulin that requires careful monitoring of blood glucose levels. Even with the availability of advanced exogenous insulin delivery and glucose monitoring systems, people with T1D can have periods of very low and very high blood sugar levels. Exogenous insulin has a narrow therapeutic range and carries an inherent risk of causing low blood sugar levels or hypoglycemic events, which can potentially result in arrhythmias, seizures, coma and even death. Due to the limitations and complexities of exogenous insulin treatment, it can be difficult for people with T1D to achieve and maintain good glucose control. Exposure to prolonged periods of high blood glucose levels, or hyperglycemia, can lead to long-term complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease/failure, eye disease (including vision loss), cardiovascular disease, stroke and even death. HbA1c is a measure of average blood glucose over the most recent ~2-3 months, and the consensus guidance is to maintain an HbA1c of <7% to reduce the risk of long-term complications; only ~1 in 4 people with T1D globally meet this clinical target. Current standards of care do not address the underlying cause of the disease and leave people with T1D susceptible to both hypo- and hyperglycemia and their associated morbidity and mortality. There is no cure for T1D. About Zimislecel Zimislecel (VX-880) is an investigational allogeneic stem cell-derived, fully differentiated, insulin-producing islet cell therapy manufactured using proprietary technology. Zimislecel is being evaluated for patients who have T1D with impaired hypoglycemic awareness and severe hypoglycemia. Zimislecel has the potential to restore the body's ability to regulate glucose levels by restoring pancreatic islet cell function, including glucose-responsive insulin production. Zimislecel is delivered by an infusion into the hepatic portal vein and requires chronic immunosuppressive therapy to protect the islet cells from immune rejection. The zimislecel trial has expanded to additional sites that are currently active and enrolling in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Zimislecel has been granted Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) and Fast Track designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Priority Medicines (PRIME) designation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and has secured an Innovation Passport under the Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP) from the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Zimislecel is investigational and has not been approved by health authorities globally. About Vertex Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases and conditions. The company has approved therapies for cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia and acute pain, and it continues to advance clinical and research programs in these areas. Vertex also has a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including neuropathic pain, APOL1-mediated kidney disease, IgA nephropathy, primary membranous nephropathy, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, type 1 diabetes and myotonic dystrophy type 1. Vertex was founded in 1989 and has its global headquarters in Boston, with international headquarters in London. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry's top places to work, including 15 consecutive years on Science magazine's Top Employers list and one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For. For company updates and to learn more about Vertex's history of innovation, visit or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X. Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including, without limitation, (i) statements by Carmen Bozic, M.D., and Michael R. Rickels, M.D., M.S., in this press release, (ii) plans, expectations for, and the potential benefits of zimislecel, (iii) expectations for the Phase 1/2/3 clinical trial for zimislecel, including expectations for the trial to complete enrollment and dosing, and (iv) plans for potential regulatory submissions next year. While Vertex believes the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are accurate, these forward-looking statements represent the company's beliefs only as of the date of this press release and there are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Those risks and uncertainties include, among other things, that data from a limited number of patients may not be indicative of final clinical trial results, that data from the company's research and development programs may not support registration or further development of its potential medicines in a timely manner, or at all, due to safety, efficacy, that timelines for regulatory submissions may be longer than anticipated, and other risks listed under the heading 'Risk Factors' in Vertex's most recent annual report and subsequent quarterly reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission at and available through the company's website at You should not place undue reliance on these statements, or the scientific data presented. Vertex disclaims any obligation to update the information contained in this press release as new information becomes available. (VRTX-GEN) Vertex will host an investor event on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 7:15 p.m. CT/8:15 p.m. ET, in Chicago, to discuss the positive zimislecel data in type 1 diabetes. A live webcast of the presentation and Q&A portions can be accessed through the Investor Relations section of Vertex's website at An archived webcast will be available on the company's website.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Ex-Blackstone Investor Raises $7M for Meridian, Private Equity's New AI Operating System
NEW YORK, June 20, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Meridian, the AI-powered deal management platform for the private markets, today announced its $7 million Series Seed fundraise. The round was led by 645 Ventures with participation from existing investor Chaac Ventures. Meridian also welcomed a group of high-impact angel investors – industry leaders from private equity, credit, and M&A law, many of whom have actively shaped Meridian as early users. Founded by Alexander Sen, a former investor at Blackstone, Thoma Bravo, and CVC, Meridian is building the AI operating system for private market investors. The company combines modern CRM with deep workflow automation and proprietary AI agents to solve the core operational pain points of the world's leading investors – from deal origination to exit. "Private equity still runs on fragmented, manual systems: clunky software, Excel trackers, and scattered third-party data subscriptions," said Alexander Sen, founder and CEO of Meridian. "We're building software that finally reflects how top investment teams source and diligence deals – and we've vertically integrated AI to enable workflows that were never possible before." Meridian brings together a team of over 25 across New York and Miami, with experience spanning enterprise software, AI infrastructure, and capital markets. The company has also hired an experienced customer team who guide firms through the most important technological shift facing private markets today. At the heart of the platform is Scout, Meridian's AI engine. Scout powers intelligent agents that map markets, pinpoint the right companies, automate core evaluation workflows, and surface relationship signals where they matter most. It helps firms spot high-conviction deals before the market does – giving teams a decisive sourcing and diligence edge. Meridian has to date focused on the top of the market, helping some of the world's largest private equity and credit firms run better, more intelligent deal sourcing and evaluation processes. The platform is quickly gaining share at top 100 firms and is now expanding into LPs, investment banks, and global hedge funds – reflecting a broader shift toward modern infrastructure across every layer of private company investing. "There's a generational shift happening in private markets – more complexity, more competition, and more data," said Nnamdi Okike, Managing Partner at 645 Ventures. "AI is a game changer for private market deal sourcing, due diligence and deal management. Firms that do not leverage AI in this new market will be left behind. We were particularly drawn to Alex's insights into how AI will transform private markets, which were developed through his experience in private equity. Meridian is arming investors with the system they'll need to win." The funding will be used to expand Meridian's AI capabilities, accelerate product development, and scale go-to-market efforts globally. "Private market firms are under pressure to move faster, operate leaner, and make sharper decisions," said Sen. "Software is no longer just overhead at private equity firms – it's become a source of edge. The best investors are treating technology and data as central to how they generate outsized returns." To request a demo or learn more, visit About Meridian Meridian is the AI-native operating system for institutional private markets. The platform combines next-generation deal software, massive datasets, and intelligent agents into a single system that helps investors originate, evaluate, and execute with greater speed and precision. Founded by Alexander Sen, a former investor at Blackstone, Thoma Bravo, and CVC, Meridian serves private equity, credit, and broader financial services firms engaged in M&A. The company is headquartered in New York and Miami, with a team of product builders, engineers, and customer leaders with deep experience across enterprise software and private markets. Learn more at About 645 Ventures 645 Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that partners with exceptional founders building iconic companies. The firm invests at the Seed and Series A stages and supports founders through its proprietary software platform Voyager and deep Connected Network. 645 Ventures manages over $550M in AUM across five funds. Learn more at View source version on Contacts Media Contact Kelsey Cullen, KCPR650.438.1063kelsey@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
