
Ahren et al. in $16m round for Mogrify
A consortium of investors led by existing backer Ahren Innovation Capital has provided UK biotech business Mogrify with a $16m series-A.
Ahren is an investment fund co-founded by British scientific entrepreneurs, looking to back technology-focused science businesses. EIS growth fund manager Parkwalk, previous backer 24Haymarket and the University of Bristol Enterprise Fund III also took part in the series-A.
Mogrify launched in February 2019 with $3.7m in seed funding from Ahren, 24Haymarket and Dr Darrin Disley.
The series-A has been earmarked to support internal cell therapy programmes and the development and out-license of IP relating to cell conversions of broad therapeutic interest. Mogrify is also aiming to increase headcount to 60 staff from the current 20.
Company
Launched in 2019, Mogrify develops a proprietary direct cellular conversion technology, which makes it possible to transform any mature human cell type into any other without going through a pluripotent stem-cell- or progenitor-cell-state. The platform is designed to allow the development of new cell therapies addressing musculoskeletal, auto-immune, cancer immunotherapy, ocular and respiratory diseases.
Mogrify, based in Cambridge, is already commercialising the platform via a model that includes development and out-license of internally developed cell therapy assets; the development and license of new cell conversion IP; and the formation of joint-ventures to exploit the platform and IP in non-core areas.
People
Ahren Innovation Capital – Alice Newcombe-Ellis (founder, managing partner).
Parkwalk – Alastair Kilgour (chief investment officer).
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