How founder Christian Sigl made the leap from the lab to the startup world with CPTx

What happens when a research idea becomes a successful biotech startup that raises 26 million euros in funding? Christian Sigl, co-founder of CPTx, reached exactly that point. His startup is developing DNA nanotechnology to combat viruses—an idea that emerged from his doctoral thesis.

As a former gate startup, Christian Sigl welcomed us to Planegg and gave us insight into his founding journey. He showed us why CPTx, a spin-off from the Technical University of Munich, is a true success story from the Garching research campus.

Let’s take a look at what happened between 2022 and 2025:

“IN THE BEGINNING, I JUST WANTED TO DO RESEARCH”

The story of gate alumnus CPTx didn’t begin with a business plan but with a scientific discovery.

“During my doctoral thesis, founding a startup wasn’t the main focus at first. However, it was always important to me that my research didn’t just create basic knowledge but also had practical value. When we saw that our capsids actually worked and could potentially be used as antiviral agents, it became clear to me that this was more than just a university project.”

In November 2021, Christian Sigl founded CPTx (formerly capsitec) together with Prof. Hendrik Dietz. A key success factor was their close collaboration—Dietz not only played a major role in the scientific success of the startup, but also remains actively involved as CEO:

“Many professors initially support spin-offs but quickly step back and leave the founding team on its own. It was different with Hendrik because he is still heavily involved today and manages the company as CEO.”

During their doctoral studies, they worked together on the foundations of the technology that would later lead to CPTx. So the decision to start a company together was an obvious one:

“We already knew each other well, had done intensive research on the topic, and knew we worked well as a team. So we didn’t have to look for co-founders, the expertise was already there.”

LABORATORY SPACE FOR BIOTECH STARTUPS IN MUNICH

CPTx started out in an office at the gate Garching before moving to Martinsried in the south of Munich. Then, an unexpected challenge arose. Shortly after their new lab was converted and furnished, the team was informed they would have to vacate the space within a few months.

“We had invested a lot in the renovations, and the space was perfectly suited to our research. Then we suddenly found out that we only had two to three months left and that was a real challenge.”

In retrospect, the forced relocation proved to be a stroke of luck for CPTx. Initially, the search for new laboratory space seemed challenging, as many options were either too expensive, too small, or not suitably equipped. However, the network presented an ideal opportunity:

“In Munich, there are always companies downsizing their premises or moving to new locations. This enabled us to take over a laboratory that was perfectly tailored to our needs.”

CPTx was also able to benefit from such an opportunity: “The company that was here before downsized and no longer needed as much space. This allowed us to take over some of the laboratories. These new premises not only offered state-of-the-art equipment, but also sufficient space for our growth.”

Today, CPTx has an impressive 3,000 square meters of space, as we were able to see with our own eyes during a visit:

“STARTING A BUSINESS MEANS CONSTANTLY DEALING WITH PROBLEMS – RESILIENCE IS EVERYTHING.”

Challenges are part and parcel of any startup—be it experiments that don’t deliver the desired results or studies that are delayed. But with perseverance and a strong team, such hurdles can be overcome.

The most important lesson learned during this time is that perseverance and flexibility are crucial to the success of a startup.

“There were always situations where we had to ask ourselves: How do we solve this problem? But with the right team and a clear focus, we always found a way.”

What he advises founders:

• Don’t panic—there’s a solution to every problem.
• Build a strong team—challenges are easier to overcome together.
• Make decisions before it’s too late.

BUILDING ENTREPRENEURIAL KNOWLEDGE

As Christian came from a technical background, he had to first build up his entrepreneurial skills. During this phase, he moved into the gate Garching.

“To be honest, in my first year at the gate, I mostly learned by doing. Of course, there was support for example, from the gate Academy, where I gained valuable insights. Above all, our experienced founding team was a great help. Still, I had to learn a lot and familiarize myself with many new topics.”

LOCATION AND NETWORK ARE CRUCIAL FOR GROWTH

Christian had already worked as a research assistant at a former gate startup, so he was familiar with the gate.

Why did he choose the gate as a startup incubator?

A strong network is just as important:

“The exchange with other founders at the gate was extremely valuable. It was exciting to see that many startups face similar challenges, whether in the lab, with IP, or elsewhere. This direct networking helped us a lot.”

His conclusion? Talking to other founders helps overcome the challenges of entrepreneurship.

Interested in support for your startup?  The gate offers the perfect environment for research-based startups. Learn more and get started!

CPTX SECURES €26 MILLION IN FUNDING

CPTx develops innovative therapies based on DNA nanotechnology, including antiviral agents. The company has also built its own DNA production platform to manufacture DNA in large quantities and with high precision.

“We realized that hardly any suppliers could produce large amounts of DNA with the precision we needed. So we decided to do it ourselves.”

CPTx raised a total of €26 million to advance the development of its antiviral platform technology. Investors such as Blueyard Capital, SPRIND, and Bayern Kapital see enormous potential in CPTx’s approach—especially for antiviral therapies and vaccine development. The funding will allow the company to complete preclinical development and explore additional applications. The goal: to become a leading company in the field of DNA nanotechnology.

With a strong founding team, around 3,000 square meters of office and lab space in Planegg, and around 40 employees, CPTx is well on its way to reaching that goal.

WHAT OTHER FOUNDERS CAN LEARN FROM CHRISTIAN SIGL

• Big successes often start with small coincidences.
• Setbacks are part of the journey, what matters is how you respond.
• A strong team and network are the best safety net for any startup.

Christian Sigl has shown that it’s worth taking risks and how valuable the right support can be, especially at a research campus.

Do you have a vision for your own startup? At the gate, we support your growth with office space, coaching, and a strong community, just like we did for Christian Sigl and CPTx. Apply now and become part of our network. We look forward to meeting you!

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