Colossal BioSciences Secures $200 Million to Revive Extinct Species
Colossal BioSciences has successfully raised an impressive $200 million in its latest funding round aimed at resurrecting extinct species, including the woolly mammoth.
Innovating De-Extinction Science
Based in Dallas and Boston, Colossal is making significant advancements toward “de-extinction,” a groundbreaking venture that seeks to restore vanished species such as the woolly mammoth, thylacine, and dodo. This endeavor might remind many of Michael Crichton’s classic novel *Jurassic Park*, in which scientists extracted DNA from amber-preserved mosquitoes to resurrect dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus Rex. While this blurs the line between science fiction and reality, it’s important to recognize the extraordinary potential behind these scientific initiatives—something that has caught the attention of notable investors like game developer Richard Garriott.
Key Investment Leadership and Valuation Growth
This funding round was led by TWG Global, a diversified holding company with interests across technology/AI sectors, finance, private lending, as well as sports and media. The leadership duo Mark Walter and Thomas Tull play pivotal roles at TWG Global.
Since its inception in September 2021, Colossal has amassed a total of $435 million in funding. This recent financial boost elevates its valuation to an astonishing $10.2 billion. The new capital will be instrumental for Colossal as it continues to enhance its genetic engineering tools while developing innovative software solutions with applications extending beyond de-extinction; these innovations also encompass species preservation efforts and advancements in human health care.
A Vision for a Future without Extinction
“Our strides towards creating a comprehensive toolkit for de-extinction have sparked immense interest within the investment community,” stated CEO Ben Lamm of Colossal BioSciences. “With augmented support from TWG Global and our other partners, we are poised for rapid scaling.” He emphasized that this influx of funding would also aid in expanding their team size while broadening their list of targeted species for revival—all while remaining committed to reversing extinction trends globally.
A Team Committed to Scientific Excellence
The organization employs over 170 scientists across labs located in Boston, Dallas, and Melbourne Australia while sponsoring over 40 full-time postdoctoral scholars engaged in reputable research programs affiliated with 16 partner universities internationally.
The scientific advisory board now includes more than 95 leading experts specializing across various fields such as genomics and ecology—units tackling some complex biological puzzles involving genotype-trait associations along with understanding phenotypic developments related to traits like craniofacial structures or coat colors.
A Commitment Towards Conservation Innovation
“Colossal stands at the forefront where AI meets computational biology fused with genetic engineering focused not just on de-extinction but also aiding conservation efforts,” remarked Mark Walter during his statement reflecting on TWG Global’s endorsement.”
Pioneering Genetic Restoration Efforts
“We are pioneering unparalleled initiatives transforming speculative narratives into tangible scientific realities,” highlighted George Church co-founder at Colossal alongside his role as professor at Harvard Medical School which underscores how vital investor backing remains for such significant undertakings.”
The Formation of The Colossal Foundation
This past October saw the inception of The Colossal Foundation—a dedicated non-profit organization designed specifically for supervising application methodologies linked directly back tracing roots into work developed by Colossal itself which now encompasses collaboration partnerships primed towards conservation endeavors worldwide.
Currently serving 48 global partners including organizations like Re:wild or Save The Elephants among others—the approach taken focuses especially around emergent tech implementations benefiting wildlife restoration practices underpinning overall objective against biodiversity depletion crises faced today globally!
Paving New Paths through Genomic Studies
Advancements in De-extinction: The Mammoth, Thylacine, and Dodo Projects
Recent breakthroughs in de-extinction science have marked significant progress for several species previously thought to be lost forever. Notably, researchers have successfully derived pluripotent stem cells from Asian elephants—a crucial step for in-vitro embryogenesis and gametogenesis. This is just one of the many milestones being achieved in the ongoing projects aimed at reviving extinct animals.
Progress Indicators for the Thylacine Revival
The Colossal team has shared promising updates regarding their efforts to bring back the thylacine, also known as the Tasmanian tiger. Over the last two years, combining expertise from teams based in Australia and Texas, they managed to sequence an ancient thylacine genome with an unprecedented completeness of 99.9%. This genomic map serves as a foundational tool for future de-extinction efforts.
Through this project, they have sequenced ancient genomes from 11 different thylacines that existed prior to their extinction. This research helps illuminate differences between fixed genetic variations and population-level changes among these marsupials before they vanished from our planet.
The researchers have also compiled complete genomic sequences of all dasyurid species—close relatives of thylacines—which bolsters both their understanding of thylacine evolution and enhances conservation strategies for endangered marsupials. Numerous other advancements are underway as well.
“These achievements position us ahead on several critical technological fronts essential for de-extinction,” remarked Andrew Pask, Ph.D., emphasizing how these developments not only contribute to resurrecting the thylacine but also significantly advance reproductive technologies within marsupial sciences.”
Diving into Dodo Restoration Efforts
The Colossal Avian Genomics Group is diligently advancing its work on restoring the dodo bird alongside crafting a suite specialized tools designed specifically for avian genome engineering distinct from mammalian methodologies. Among their key successes involves generating comprehensive high-coverage genomes not only for dodos but also their close relatives—the solitaire—and critically endangered manumea (commonly called tooth-billed pigeon).
Additionally, a detailed chromosome-scale assembly has been developed regarding Nicobar pigeons (the dodo’s nearest surviving cousin), complemented by population-level datasets aimed at pinpointing specific traits unique to dodos through computational methods.
The team employs advanced machine learning techniques that connect gene expressions related to craniofacial structure in birds—targeting genetic editing endeavors intended to recreate distinctive features found in dodos’ bill morphology. They are currently processing over 10,000 eggs while optimizing growth conditions necessary for primordial germ cell cultivation across four avian species—indicative of outstanding progress made thus far.
A Commitment Towards Global Conservation Initiatives
Predictive models warn that by 2050 more than half of all animal species could face extinction unless immediate action is taken. The current extinction rate is approximately 27 thousand species lost annually—a stark contrast when compared with historical natural rates which range between just ten and one hundred per year. Furthermore, global wildlife populations have dwindled dramatically; data collected over five decades shows an average decline of around 73% among monitored groups between 1970-2020.
This alarming crisis threatens human health through diminishing water sources while fostering greater land degradation and food scarcity concerns around the globe—it demands innovative conservation approaches that effectively adapt amid rapid environmental transformations caused by humanity’s actions.
Additions made recently include new technologies adopted under programs led by Colossal designed specifically targeting this looming biodiversity catastrophe via enhanced software capabilities alongside resourceful biological solutions geared towards mitigating ecological adversities ahead on our planet’s horizon.”
Innovations in Conservation: Colossal’s Impact on Biodiversity
Colossal’s significant advancements are generating positive outcomes in the realm of species preservation. Each species project undertaken by Colossal is intricately linked to broader conservation initiatives that protect other endangered and threatened relatives within the same taxonomic families.
The organization’s effort to revive mammoths has led to substantial progress in reproductive and genetic methodologies that may also safeguard at-risk elephant populations. Similarly, the dodo restoration initiative is breaking ground with new avian genetic technologies intended to aid endangered bird species globally. Through collaborations with top conservation entities via the Colossal Foundation, these scientific improvements are being shaped into effective strategies for preserving vulnerable wildlife across various groups.
Key Initiatives Fostering Biodiversity Resilience
Colossal actively engages in numerous initiatives such as contributing $7.5 million towards ancient DNA research encompassing a wide array of species. Another notable focus includes devising gene-editing techniques aimed at enabling Northern Quolls—the marsupials native to Australia—to resist cane toad toxins, thereby enhancing their chances of survival. In partnership with Re:wild, a prominent international conservation organization, they are executing multiple projects tailored towards safeguarding critically endangered species.
This alliance has forged a comprehensive ten-year plan focused on rescuing some of Earth’s most vulnerable wildlife by leveraging Colossal’s innovative genetic tools alongside Re:wild’s extensive expertise and collaborative network for global conservation efforts.
A Rapidly Evolving Landscape for Genetic Conservation
“Colossal is significantly propelling the evolution of genetic solutions aimed at biodiversity conservation,” expressed Dr. Barney Long, senior director of conservation strategies at Re:wild. “Their state-of-the-art approaches are revolutionizing what’s achievable in wildlife preservation and allowing us to visualize a future where numerous Critically Endangered species not just survive but flourish.”
A Diverse Group of Strategic Investors
The company has attracted key strategic investors including USIT, Animal Capital, Breyer Capital, At One Ventures, In-Q-Tel, BOLD Capital Partners among others—complemented by influential private investors such as Robert Nelsen and Peter Jackson. These financial backers play a crucial role in supporting Colossal’s ambitious endeavors within animal genetics and environmental protection.
The Bigger Picture: A Commitment to Biodiversity
The fusion of advanced genetic tools with dedicated efforts from committed organizations illustrates how innovative approaches can create tangible benefits for biodiversity around the globe. By continually pushing boundaries through technology and collaboration, Colossal exemplifies how modern science can work hand-in-hand with nature’s intricate web during this era of heightened ecological challenges.