Cambridge Epigenetix, a UK-based life sciences spinout from University of Cambridge, yesterday completed a $21m series B round led by GV, the subsidiary of internet group Alphabet formerly known as Google Ventures.
The round also included New Science Ventures, Syncona Partners, Cambridge University and a “significant” investment by Sequoia Capital. Tom Hulme, general partner at GV, will join the company’s board of directors in conjunction with the round.
Cambridge Epigenetix is developing epigenetic sequencing technologies that allow users to discriminate between changes in the DNA base to an extent not possible with traditional bisulfite genome sequencing techniques.
Tom Hulme said: “We have seen how the commercialisation of genome sequencing has created incredible opportunities to improve human health, and now the epigenome holds similar potential.
“Cambridge Epigenetix is one of the few teams on the planet with the skills and experience to break new ground here, and we look forward to supporting them on that journey.”
Founded in 2012, the company raised $5.5m from New Science Ventures, Syncona Partners and Cambridge Enterprise, the commercialisation arm of the University of Cambridge, in late 2014.
– Photo courtesy of Cambridge Epigenetix Ltd.