GV led the genome sequencing spinout's series B round, which followed a $5.5m series A in late 2014.
Cambridge Epigenetix, a UK-based life sciences spinout from Cambridge University, yesterday completed a $21m series B round led by GV, the subsidiary of internet group Alphabet formerly known as Google Ventures.
The round also included Cambridge University, New Science Ventures, Syncona Partners and a “significant” investment by Sequoia Capital. Tom Hulme, general partner at GV, will join the company’s board of directors in conjunction with the round.
Cambridge Epigenetix is developing epigenetic sequencing technologies that allow users to discriminate between changes in the DNA base to an extent not possible with traditional bisulfite genome sequencing techniques.
Tom Hulme said: “We have seen how the commercialisation of genome sequencing has created incredible opportunities to improve human health, and now the epigenome holds similar potential.
“Cambridge Epigenetix is one of the few teams on the planet with the skills and experience to break new ground here, and we look forward to supporting them on that journey.”
Founded in 2012, the company raised $5.5m from New Science Ventures, Syncona Partners and Cambridge Enterprise, the commercialisation arm of Cambridge University, in late 2014.
– This article first appeared on our sister site Global Corporate Venturing.
