Success Story: ReBlood RX

ReBlood Rx Reels in Big Investment and Top Grant Prize 

Location: Southern California | San Diego County | La Jolla

Business Type: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Small Business Center: The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC)

Assistance Received: Business advising and access to capital

Visit ReBlood Rx online

When Dr. Carlos Munoz and former Army Captain, Christopher Caballero, founded ReBlood Rx they had a bold vision: to develop hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers that could save lives in medical emergencies where traditional blood transfusions weren’t possible. Their innovative approach to creating safe and efficient oxygen delivery solutions represented a breakthrough in emergency medicine, but like many startups in the highly regulated medical field, they faced significant challenges in securing funding and navigating market skepticism.  

That’s when ReBlood Rx reached out to the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) for help. The EDC offered much more than generic business advice by providing real, hands-on support, connecting ReBlood Rx with military organizations that could benefit from their technology and pointing them toward resources designed specifically for medical startups like theirs.  

The EDC’s support and the ReBlood RX teams hard work paid off––they secured the Accelerate California: Inclusive Innovation Hub Tier 2 $100,000 grant from the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA); and they landed a big investment of $100,000 from RPV Global. These infusions of capital will go toward continued work on their product and their growing business.   

Dr. Munoz said, “the support from the EDC has been invaluable. Their guidance and resources have been crucial in helping us secure funding and expand our network. We are grateful for their commitment to our success.”   

ReBlood Rx’s story shows what can happen when a good business meets the right support network. The EDC didn’t just give advice – they opened funding doors, made connections, and provided non-dilutive capital with the Accelerate CA grant. Now the ReBlood team is actively pursuing additional funding opportunities, preparing for a presubmission meeting with the FDA, and exploring partnerships with contract manufacturers to meet preclinical demand.  They have also applied to the Defense Innovation Unit’s accelerator program. Learn more about ReBlood Rx and follow them on their entrepreneurial journey at: rebloodrx.com.   

And, if you are an innovator interested in learning more about the resources offered in Southern California and the Central Coast, connect with The EDC today. The EDC is dedicated to creating an inclusive innovation ecosystem where all founders and business owners receive high-quality personalized assistance. Whether you have an idea, have just started your company or have been in business for years, they can guide you to the help you need. Access advising, workshops, testing assistance, capital resources and connections to EDC’s vast network of partners across the Central Coast.  

8/4/2025