Arthur Kuan always loved the idea of applying engineering concepts to biology despite its rep as “messy science.”
The chief executive of CG Oncology, who recently turned 30, completed his master’s of science in biotechnology at Johns Hopkins University. Upon graduation, he began his career in finance, with a focus on the healthcare sector. He was a founding member of Hong Kong-based venture firm Ally Bridge Group.
Ally Bridge started in Hong Kong because the founders believed it would find access to capital in the region, but it always saw the U.S. as “the heartland for innovation,” he said.
In seeking companies, Ally Bridge stumbled upon CG, which was known as Cold Genesys and located in Newport Beach at the time. The venture firm invested in CG Oncology’s Series A round in 2014.
Kuan ended up leaving Ally Bridge—though he still serves as a member of the investment committee—to join CG as its vice president of research and clinical project management.
When its founder Alex Yeung retired in 2016, Kuan became CEO.
“I was drawn to the idea of engineering a virus—think of it like modifying a virus’ software. It grabbed my attention and fueled my scientific curiosity,” he said.
—Jessie Yount
