US-based gene editing technology developer Caribou Biosciences closed a $30m series B round yesterday that included pharmaceutical firm Novartis.
The round also featured F-Prime Capital Partners, which is part of the Fidelity financial services group, Anterra Capital, Heritage Group, Maverick Capital Ventures, Mission Bay Capital, 5 Prime Ventures and Pontifax AgTech.
Founded by scientists from the University of California, Berkeley, Caribou is working on cellular analysis and engineering technology based on the Crispr gene editing system that will be used in pharmaceuticals as well as biological research, and industrial and agricultural biotechnology.
Novartis also contributed to the $11m series A round completed by Caribou in April 2015, investing together with Fidelity subsidiary Fidelity Biosciences, Mission Bay Capital and 5 Prime Ventures.
Rachel Haurwitz, co-founder and CEO of Caribou, said: “The proceeds from this financing will enable us to continue to expand our industry-leading Crispr gene editing technology platform and accelerate our efforts in highly promising application areas in agriculture, therapeutics, biological research, and industrial biotechnology.
“We look forward to working with this outstanding group of investors, and bringing their deep expertise and guidance to bear as we deliver on the promise of our technology platform.”