Startup News: Colossal Biosciences brings back extinct species
Colossal Biosciences, a private biotechnology company based in Dallas, Texas, specializes in the de-extinction of various worldwide animal species. In early April, Colossal announced its first animal brought back from its disappearance over 10,000 years ago, the dire wolf. The new pups — Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi — have the traits of the extinct wolves, with heavy white fur, large, rounded eyes and a high-pitched distinguishable bark.1
Colossal claims it edited 14 genes of the North American gray wolf to birth the pups and to mirror the dire’s characteristics in what it calls “functional de-extinction.”2
Scientists at Colossal used a dire wolf’s tooth from nearly 13,000 years ago from Ohio and a 72,000-year-old skull exhumed from Idaho to guide this development.
Along with this new litter, Colossal also birthed four red wolves, one of the most critically endangered wolf species in the world. Both litters of wolves are roaming and thriving in a 2,000+ acre ecological preserve owned by Colossal.
Founded in 2021, Colossal Biosciences employs teams of researchers aiming to uncover methods of rebuilding DNA systems using CRISPR and genetic engineering to reawaken prehistoric life and biology according to its website.3 It is most notable for its ongoing research into bringing back the woolly mammoth, the long-tusked animal that roamed the earth until about 4,000 years ago.4
The introduction of these baby dire wolves follows Colossal’s Series C funding haul of $200 million in January. This latest round put the company’s post-money valuation at $10.2 billion and a price-per-share of $24.89.
Notable investors of the firm include At One Ventures, Jazz Venture Partners, TWG Global and Westriver Capital.
Other biotech companies listed on Forge Global
Altos Labs – A biotechnology company that researches and develops treatments for various age-related diseases and age-reversal therapies. Founded in 2021, Altos Labs’ price per share is $25.02 as of its last funding round in February of 2024.
Mammoth Biosciences – A biotechnology and pharma company that through the discovery and development of novel CRISPR systems creates human therapies to improve lives. Founded in 2017, Mammoth’s price per share is $13.45 as of its last funding round in April 2024.
BillionToOne – A biotechnology and pharma company on a mission to detect disorders such as cystic fibrosis and sickle-cell disease through DNA molecular testing. Founded in 2016, BillionToOne’s price per share is $28.02 as of its last funding round in June 2024.
$10.2B
$6.33B
$1.25B
