NEW YORK – Gene editing company Metagenomi emerged from stealth mode on Thursday, announcing that it has completed a $65 million Series A financing round.
The round was led by Leaps by Bayer and Humboldt Fund. Other investors included Sozo Ventures, Agent Capital, InCube Ventures, and HOF Capital.
Metagenomi was launched by scientists at the University of California, Berkeley in 2018 to build a proprietary suite of CRISPR-based gene editing systems by applying computational algorithms to screen thousands of genomes from microorganisms around the world. The approach uses metagenomics technology to quickly identify novel gene editing systems with properties such as the capability to precisely edit genomes via single base changes, knockouts, or integrations, and with lower potential for off-target effects.
The company has already developed a portfolio of these gene editing systems and said it aims to improve patient access to gene editing technologies by providing safe, accurate modalities for therapeutic development.
The firm plans to use the financing from the Series A round to accelerate the expansion of its gene editing systems for potential therapeutic use. In addition, it will advance research and preclinical validation for its own therapeutic pipeline.
"Metagenomi is accelerating innovation in gene editing technology to help patients with genetic diseases that are incurable today. This means developing a vast database of gene editing capabilities to enable unprecedented therapeutic approaches," Metagenomi Cofounder and CEO Brian Thomas said in a statement. "Working with visionary investors, such as Leaps by Bayer and Humboldt Fund, will allow us to deliver on our promise to partners and fuel the development of our own pipeline of innovative curative medicines."