Colossal has raised significant funding through multiple rounds, most recently securing $200 million in January 2025, led by Mark Walter, Thomas Tull, and TWG Global, at a valuation of $10.2 billion. Founded in 2021, Colossal focuses on applying advanced genetic engineering technologies to revive extinct species and restore ecological balance.
What Is Colossal and What Does It Do?
Colossal, founded by Andrew Busey, Ben Lamm, Brian Beard, George Church, Kent Wakeford, and Peter Phillips in 2021, is a biotechnology company headquartered in Austin, Texas. The company specializes in de-extinction projects, using cutting-edge gene-editing technologies like CRISPR to bring back species such as the woolly mammoth, thylacine, and dodo.
Colossal combines rigorous genetic research with scalable operational frameworks, employing between 11-50 people. Its work intersects science and conservation, aiming to mitigate biodiversity loss, enhance ecosystems, and explore the broader applications of genetic engineering. The company’s innovative approach positions it as a pioneering force in the emerging field of de-extinction and synthetic biology.
How Much Funding Has Colossal Raised?
1. Seed Round
- Amount Raised: $15M
- Date: May 2021
- Lead Investors: Thomas Tull
- Motivation: To kickstart the company's de-extinction research and establish initial R&D operations.
2. Series A
- Amount Raised: $60M
- Date: March 2022
- Lead Investors: At One Ventures, Thomas Tull
- Motivation: To expand the team and accelerate development of gene-editing technologies.
3. Grant
- Amount Raised: Not disclosed
- Date: October 2022
- Lead Investors: In-Q-Tel (IQT)
- Motivation: To support targeted research initiatives.
4. Series B
- Amount Raised: $162.6M
- Date: January 2023
- Lead Investors: US Innovative Technology Fund
- Motivation: To scale operations and advance de-extinction programs.
5. Venture Round
- Amount Raised: $10.5M
- Date: November 2023
- Lead Investors: Not disclosed
- Motivation: To fund ongoing research and development efforts.
6. Series C
- Amount Raised: $200M
- Date: January 2025
- Lead Investors: Mark Walter, Thomas Tull, TWG Global
- Motivation: To enhance genetic engineering capabilities and expand the de-extinction species list.
Total Funding Raised: $558 Million
Current Valuation: $10.2 Billion (as of January 2025)
Latest Funding Round: January 2025
Key Investors
1. TWG Global
- Details: A diversified holding company led by Mark Walter and Thomas Tull.
- Investment Focus Areas: Technology, AI, financial services, media.
- Notable Investments: Gainbridge, Delaware Life, Andretti Global, Spire Motorsports.
2. US Innovative Technology Fund (USIT)
- Details: Venture capital firm supporting groundbreaking technology and biotech companies.
- Investment Focus Areas: Technology, biotechnology, innovation.
- Notable Investments: Anduril, Shield AI, SandboxAQ.
3. At One Ventures
- Details: Venture capital firm focused on sustainable innovation, founded by Tom Chi, a former Google X co-founder.
- Investment Focus Areas: Sustainability, technology, and environmental innovation.
- Notable Investments: Avalo, Inevitable Tech, Miraterra, Orbillion Bio, Prefer.
4. In-Q-Tel (IQT)
- Details: Non-profit strategic investor supporting U.S. intelligence through investments in advanced tech.
- Investment Focus Areas: Security, data analytics, and biotechnology.
- Notable Investments: Palantir Technologies, FireEye, Keyhole (acquired by Google).
5. Breyer Capital
- Details: Global venture capital and private equity firm founded by Jim Breyer.
- Investment Focus Areas: Technology, media, and healthcare.
- Notable Investments: Facebook, Etsy, Marvel Entertainment.
Where Is Colossal Headquarters?
Colossal is headquartered in Austin, Texas, a hub for biotechnology innovation. The location provides access to leading research institutions, talent, and a collaborative ecosystem for advanced genetic engineering projects.
What’s Next for Colossal?
Colossal is expanding its genetic engineering initiatives, with ambitions spanning de-extinction, ecosystem restoration, and biotechnology applications in healthcare. The company’s recent Series C funding will accelerate advancements in CRISPR technologies, software, and laboratory infrastructure.
As Colossal grows, it will need to address ethical considerations, regulatory hurdles, and the scientific challenges of de-extinction. With strong investor backing and a bold mission, Colossal is poised to remain a leader in synthetic biology and conservation innovation.
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