Colossal Biosciences is a de-extinction company focused on leveraging advances in genetic engineering and reproductive technologies to bring back extinct species, with a current focus on the Dodo and the Moa. Its mission also extends to advancing biodiversity conservation for currently endangered species through the tools and knowledge developed for de-extinction projects. The company’s work involves cutting-edge avian cellular science and genomics.
Colossal Biosciences has announced an additional $120 million in funding, placing company’s valuation at $10.32 billion. This capital, with participation from USIT, Bob Nelsen, and Peter Jackson, adds to its existing $200 million Series C, bringing the total for this funding round to $320 million. Since launching in September 2021, Colossal has now raised just over $555 million in total funding.
Colossal Biosciences, headquartered in Austin, Texas, United States, was founded in 2021 by Ben Lamm, Andrew Busey, Brian Beard, George Church, Kent Wakeford, and Peter Phillips. In 2023, the company joined the unicorn club. “Our avian team’s breakthrough in deriving culture conditions that allow pigeon primordial germ cells to survive long-term is a significant advancement for dodo de-extinction,” said Colossal co-founder and CEO Ben Lamm. “This progress highlights how Colossal’s investment in de-extinction technology is driving discovery and developing tools for both our de-extinction and conservation efforts. Following the global excitement around our recent moa announcement, this new infusion of capital will help us expand our infrastructure and grow our avian genomics team to accelerate not only the new moa de-extinction project, but also continue to track progress on the dodo.”
