$200 Million Pledge: Colossal Biosciences' Bold Quest to Revive Extinct Species
Major Funding Boost for Colossal Biosciences
Colossal Biosciences has successfully secured $200 million in their Series C funding round. This latest investment doubles the company’s total funding to $435 million since its launch in 2021. The substantial funding elevates the company's valuation to an impressive $10.2 billion, highlighting investor confidence in their groundbreaking mission.
Pioneering the De-Extinction Movement
As the world's first company dedicated to bringing back extinct animals, Colossal Biosciences has set ambitious goals. Their projects include reviving the woolly mammoth, the Tasmanian tiger, and the dodo bird. By leveraging advanced gene-editing technology, the company aims to recreate species that have been lost to history.
Advanced Gene-Editing Technology at Work
Colossal Biosciences employs cutting-edge gene-editing techniques to develop organisms genetically similar to extinct species. With a team of 170 scientists and state-of-the-art laboratories in Boston, Dallas, and Melbourne, the company is at the forefront of genetic engineering. Their innovative approach could revolutionize conservation efforts and biodiversity preservation.
Significant Scientific Achievements
Last year, Colossal made headlines by assembling the most complete Tasmanian tiger genome from a century-old specimen. Additionally, their scientists were the first to generate elephant induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs) in a lab. These breakthroughs demonstrate the company’s capability to push the boundaries of science and technology.
Strategic Investment from TWG Global
The new $200 million funding comes from TWG Global, a diversified holding company with interests in technology, AI, financial services, and more. Mark Walter, CEO of TWG Global, praised Colossal as a leader in AI, computational biology, and genetic engineering. This partnership will help Colossal scale its mission to combat animal extinction effectively.
Looking Ahead: Future Goals and Expansion
With the additional capital, Colossal plans to accelerate its research and potentially expand its list of species for de-extinction. CEO Ben Lamm expressed ambitions to birth the first revived small mammal by 2026, marking a significant milestone in their mission. This vision underscores the company’s commitment to making impactful strides in conservation and genetic science.
Conclusion
Colossal Biosciences is poised to transform the field of conservation through its innovative approach to de-extinction. The recent funding boost not only enhances their financial standing but also empowers them to achieve groundbreaking scientific advancements. As they continue to push the limits of genetic engineering, Colossal offers a promising future for restoring lost species and preserving biodiversity.
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qz.com