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§ Private Profile · Cambridge, United Kingdom
Genomics company developing INDUCE-seq for DNA break mapping in gene editing, focused on safer cell and gene therapies.
Broken String Biosciences is a Cambridge, United Kingdom-based genomics company developing a next-generation sequencing platform to map DNA breaks and assess off-target effects in gene editing. The organization operates a platform-as-a-service model centered on its INDUCE-seq technology, which provides actionable insights to improve the safety of cell and gene therapies during preclinical and clinical development. The enterprise has raised approximately $20 million in total venture funding, which includes a $15 million Series A round completed in 2023 with backing from prominent investors such as Illumina Ventures, Mérieux Equity Partners, and Tencent. To commercialize its proprietary technology, the firm collaborates with major pharmaceutical developers and academic institutions, including a notable industrial research partnership with AstraZeneca. Broken String Biosciences was originally spun out of Cardiff University and formally founded in 2020 by chief executive officer Felix Dobbs.
Broken String Biosciences has raised $15.0M across 1 funding round.
Broken String Biosciences has raised $15.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Broken String Biosciences is a biotechnology company specializing in genomic technology to improve the safety and efficacy of gene editing therapies, particularly cell and gene therapies. Their core product is INDUCE-seq®, a proprietary DNA break-mapping platform that enables precise assessment of genome editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9, focusing on detecting and characterizing off-target DNA breaks. This technology helps drug developers ensure safer and more effective gene therapies by revealing how genome editors interact with DNA, thereby unlocking new therapeutic targets. The company primarily serves pharmaceutical and biotech developers working on next-generation gene and cell therapies aiming to cure genetic diseases with unprecedented precision and safety. Since its founding in 2020, Broken String has demonstrated growth momentum through strategic collaborations, including partnerships with the Francis Crick Institute and participation in the NIST Genome Editing Consortium, positioning itself as a leader in gene editing safety technology[1][2][4][5].
Broken String Biosciences was founded in January 2020 and is headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom, at the Wellcome Genome Campus. The company was established by a team with expertise at the intersection of biology, bioinformatics, and data science, driven by the vision to revolutionize healthcare through safer gene editing. The idea emerged from the need to address the critical challenge of off-target effects in genome editing, which can cause unintended and potentially harmful genetic changes during therapies. Early traction came from the development of INDUCE-seq®, which quickly gained recognition for its ability to map DNA breaks with high sensitivity, enabling safer therapeutic development. The company has since expanded its research collaborations and industry partnerships, including with AstraZeneca and the Francis Crick Institute, to further validate and extend its technology applications[1][2][3][4][6].
Broken String Biosciences is riding the wave of rapid advances in gene editing technologies, particularly CRISPR-Cas9, which hold transformative potential for treating genetic diseases. The timing is critical as the gene therapy field moves from experimental to clinical and commercial stages, where safety concerns about off-target effects are paramount. Market forces such as increasing investment in precision medicine, regulatory scrutiny on gene editing safety, and the growing demand for effective therapies for genetic disorders favor Broken String’s technology. By enabling safer genome editing, Broken String influences the broader ecosystem by accelerating the development and approval of next-generation cell and gene therapies, thereby helping to unlock the full therapeutic potential of genome editing[1][2][4][5].
Looking ahead, Broken String Biosciences is poised to expand its impact by broadening the applications of INDUCE-seq® beyond current gene editing tools and diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders like ALS. Continued collaborations with top research institutions and pharmaceutical companies will likely drive innovation and adoption. Trends such as increasing regulatory demands for safety data, advances in genome editing technologies, and the rise of personalized medicine will shape their journey. Broken String’s influence is expected to grow as it helps establish safety standards and enables the development of safer, more effective gene therapies, ultimately transforming patient outcomes and healthcare paradigms[4][5].
Broken String Biosciences stands at the forefront of a critical juncture in biotechnology, where precision and safety in gene editing will determine the success of transformative therapies. Their technology and vision position them as a key enabler in this evolving landscape.
Broken String Biosciences has raised $15.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Broken String Biosciences's investors include Arnaud Autret, Yoann Bonnamour, Dieter von Holtzbrinck Ventures, Raf Roelands, Tencent.
Broken String Biosciences has raised $15.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $15.0M Series A in September 2023.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 18, 2023 | $15M Series A | Arnaud Autret, Yoann Bonnamour | Dieter VON Holtzbrinck Ventures, RAF Roelands, Tencent Holdings | Announced |