Colossal Biosciences, the trailblazing biotech company aiming to resurrect extinct species like the woolly mammoth, dodo, and thylacine, has announced a monumental achievement: securing $200 million in Series C funding. The funding round was led by TWG Global, spearheaded by Mark Walter, CEO of Guggenheim Partners and co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chelsea FC, alongside Thomas Tull, former CEO of Legendary Entertainment.
A Vision for De-Extinction and Conservation
“Colossal is at the forefront of AI, computational biology, and genetic engineering, leading groundbreaking work in de-extinction and species preservation,” said Mark Walter. “The company’s achievements in advancing conservation align with TWG Global’s core values.”
This significant funding propels Colossal’s valuation to $10.2 billion, with its total funding now reaching $435 million. The company has already made notable advances in de-extinction science and the preservation of endangered species, including its efforts to save the critically endangered northern white rhinoceros.
Breakthroughs in Biotechnology
The fresh funding will accelerate the development of cutting-edge genetic engineering technologies. These advancements span software, wetware, and hardware, with potential applications in both wildlife conservation and human healthcare.
CEO and co-founder Ben Lamm expressed excitement about the opportunities this investment brings:
“This funding allows us to expand our team, enhance our technology, and broaden our de-extinction species list as we work towards making extinction a thing of the past.”
Colossal operates at the nexus of innovation, collaborating with labs at 16 universities worldwide while managing state-of-the-art facilities in Dallas, Boston, and Melbourne.
High-Profile Investors Backing the Mission
Colossal’s groundbreaking work has attracted an impressive lineup of investors, including:
- Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, acclaimed filmmakers of The Lord of the Rings.
- Richard Garriott, pioneering tech entrepreneur.
- Jeff Wilke, former Amazon executive.
The company also enjoys the backing of USIT, Animal Capital, Breyer Capital, and Draper Associates.
Conservation Beyond De-Extinction
While de-extinction captures headlines, Colossal’s mission extends beyond resurrecting lost species. The company actively supports conservation efforts, including the preservation of endangered Australian bird species and initiatives to ensure the survival of the northern white rhinoceros.
By combining advanced genetic technology with a commitment to biodiversity, Colossal is not only reshaping the future of conservation but also demonstrating how biotechnology can tackle some of the most pressing challenges in ecology and healthcare.
A Future Where Extinction is Optional
Colossal’s bold vision has sparked excitement in both the scientific community and the general public. As the company continues to push the boundaries of biotechnology, it reinforces the possibility of a future where extinction is no longer irreversible—a world where cutting-edge science safeguards our planet’s biodiversity for generations to come.