Future Tech Ventures (FTV) has invested in ProteoGuide, a Groningen-based biotech start-up developing a platform to translate biomarker discoveries into diagnostic tests. By combining advanced proteomics technology, access to biobanks and extensive experience in diagnostics, the company aims to accelerate the path from scientific research to clinical application.

ProteoGuide was founded in 2026 by Thomas Cremers, Arnoud Huisman and Joost Schuitemaker. The three founders bring complementary expertise in biomarker discovery, life sciences, diagnostics, and the development and certification of diagnostic tests.

“ProteoGuide shows how strong scientific knowledge, innovative technology and entrepreneurship can come together in a concrete product,” says Arjan Koop of Future Tech Ventures. “With their unique combination of advanced proteomics, access to high-quality biobanks and extensive experience in diagnostics, they have a strong foundation for translating promising biomarker discoveries into applications that can ultimately help patients. That kind of valorisation is exactly what we find interesting at FTV.”

Measuring 7,500 proteins from a single drop of blood

A single blood sample contains a wealth of biological information. ProteoGuide uses advanced mass spectrometry to measure thousands of proteins in a blood sample. By linking changes in protein levels to disease development, the company aims to identify new biomarkers—measurable biological characteristics that could help predict or detect disease.

“With our technology, we can measure around 7,500 different proteins in a single drop of blood,” says Thomas Cremers, co-founder of ProteoGuide. “We have spent years optimising the technology and making it as reliable as possible. This allows us to search for biomarkers on a very different scale and identify signals that may provide information about disease development.”

ProteoGuide’s ambition extends beyond biomarker discovery. The company aims to translate promising scientific findings into diagnostic products that can ultimately be used in healthcare.

“A lot of research remains in publications. We want to take it further and develop an actual product. From science to value—that is what it is all about,” says CEO Arnoud Huisman.

From Groningen research to international diagnostics

ProteoGuide is working with, among others, the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) and plans to make use of the extensive biomaterial available through biobanks. The company aims to build an integrated pathway from scientific discovery to a diagnostic product that can be used in healthcare.

“What is special is that much of the expertise and infrastructure we need come together in Groningen,” Huisman says. “There is cutting-edge technology, access to large amounts of biomaterial and decades of experience in developing and bringing diagnostics to market.”

The investment from Future Tech Ventures will enable ProteoGuide to conduct its first analyses, further build the organisation and recruit a project manager.

Over the coming year, the company plans to conduct up to 15 studies and select the most promising projects for further development. The longer-term ambition is to develop diagnostic kits that can be certified and used internationally.

For ProteoGuide, the investment marks the first step in turning its biomarker discovery capabilities into a pipeline of diagnostic applications.

“Future Tech Ventures is really the investor that made this start possible,” says Huisman. “We are very grateful for that support.”

Source: FutureTech Venturs