The biotechnology industry is evolving rapidly, with groundbreaking innovations shaping the future of healthcare, agriculture, and sustainability. In recent years, a wave of promising biotech startups has emerged, pushing the boundaries of science and technology.
Despite the challenges of launching in a post-pandemic world, several biotech companies founded after 2020 have successfully secured funding between $1 million and $5 million, proving that investors are eager to support cutting-edge research and innovation.
In this blog, we highlight 10 biotech startups that have recently secured funding in this range. These companies are not only making waves in the industry but are also poised to drive significant advancements in medicine, therapeutics, diagnostics, and beyond. Let’s dive into the future of biotech and explore the innovators shaping the industry.
10 Biotech Startups That Recently Raised $1M–$5M
Below is a list of 10 promising biotechnology companies founded after 2020 that have successfully secured funding between $1 million and $5 million. These startups are pioneering innovations across various biotech sectors, from healthcare and drug discovery to synthetic biology and sustainability.
| Company Name | Founded | Location | Number of Employees | Last Funding | Last Funding Date | Total Funding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telomir Pharmaceuticals | 2022 | Baltimore, MD, USA | 1-10 | $1M | Dec 12, 2024 | $1M |
| Rybodyn | 2022 | San Diego, CA, USA | 1-10 | $4M | Jan 9, 2025 | $4M |
| Biostate AI | 2023 | Palo Alto, CA, USA | 11-50 | Non-Disclosed | Dec 16, 2024 | $4M |
| Apollon | 2021 | Cambridge, MA, USA | 11-50 | $1.8M | Apr 8, 2024 | $2.8M |
| Anthrogen | 2024 | San Francisco, CA, USA | 1-10 | $4M | Nov 12, 2024 | $4.5M |
| FORAY bioscience | 2022 | Cambridge, MA, USA | 1-10 | Non-Disclosed | Dec 11, 2024 | $3.41M |
| ZipBio | 2022 | Seattle, WA, USA | 1-10 | $4M | Sep 5, 2024 | $4M |
| De Novo Foodlabs | 2021 | Raleigh, NC, USA | 11-50 | $1.5M | Aug 19, 2024 | $4M |
| VisiRose | 2024 | Knoxville, TN, USA | 1-10 | $3M | Jan 14, 2025 | $3M |
| HistAI | 2023 | San Francisco, CA, USA | 11-50 | $1M | May 9, 2024 | $1M |
1. Telomir Pharmaceuticals
- Founded: 2022
- Location: Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Industry: Biotechnology, Health Care, Medical
- Number of Employees: 1-10
- Last Funding Amount: $1M (Latest Round: Dec 12, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $1M
Telomir Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company developing a novel treatment that binds critical metals to interrupt enzyme function and restore cellular metal balance, including iron, copper, and zinc. Their lead candidate, Telomir 1, is a small molecule designed to regulate telomere length and enhance genomic stability.
By targeting fundamental biological processes, Telomir Pharmaceuticals aims to advance innovative therapies for age-related diseases and cellular dysfunction. Their groundbreaking approach has the potential to reshape treatment strategies for various medical conditions linked to telomere biology and metal homeostasis.
2. Rybodyn
- Founded: 2022
- Location: San Diego, California, USA
- Industry: Biotechnology, Medical, Pharmaceutical
- Number of Employees: 1-10
- Last Funding Amount: $4M (Latest Round: Jan 9, 2025)
- Total Funding Amount: $4M
Rybodyn is a biotechnology research company focused on developing cutting-edge therapeutics that train the immune system to detect and eradicate cancer from within. By leveraging advanced immunotherapy approaches, Rybodyn aims to revolutionize cancer treatment, offering more precise and effective solutions.
Through its innovative research, the company is working to harness the body’s natural defenses to fight cancer at a cellular level. Rybodyn’s mission is to create groundbreaking therapies that improve patient outcomes and redefine the future of oncology.
3. Biostate AI
- Founded: 2023
- Location: Palo Alto, California, USA
- Industry: Biotechnology, Health Care
- Number of Employees: 11-50
- Last Funding Amount: Non Disclosure (Latest Round: Dec 16, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $4M
Biostate AI is an innovative biotechnology company specializing in generative AI solutions designed to enhance human health. By integrating artificial intelligence with biomedical research, Biostate AI aims to revolutionize healthcare through data-driven insights, predictive modeling, and personalized treatment strategies.
The company’s cutting-edge technology is focused on unlocking new possibilities in drug discovery, diagnostics, and disease prevention. Biostate AI is working towards AI-powered solutions that streamline clinical decision-making, optimize patient outcomes, and accelerate medical research.
With a team of experts in AI, bioinformatics, and healthcare, Biostate AI collaborates with research institutions and pharmaceutical companies to drive innovation in precision medicine. Their mission is to bridge the gap between artificial intelligence and real-world healthcare applications, ensuring a future where technology empowers better health for all.
4. Apollon
- Founded: 2021
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Industry: Biotechnology, Diabetes, Health Care
- Number of Employees: 11-50
- Last Funding Amount: $1.8M (Latest Round: Apr 8, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $2.8M
Apollon is a biotechnology company pioneering noninvasive continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems for individuals with diabetes. By leveraging cutting-edge sensor technology and AI-driven analytics, Apollon aims to provide real-time, accurate glucose readings without the need for painful finger pricks or implantable devices.
The company’s mission is to enhance diabetes management by offering seamless, user-friendly monitoring solutions that improve patient adherence and overall health outcomes. Apollon’s technology integrates with digital health platforms, allowing users and healthcare providers to track and analyze glucose levels effortlessly.
With a focus on innovation and accessibility, Apollon is dedicated to transforming diabetes care and empowering millions of people worldwide with smarter, more efficient health solutions. Their advancements in noninvasive glucose monitoring have the potential to revolutionize how chronic conditions are managed in the future.
5. Anthrogen
- Founded: 2024
- Location: San Francisco, California, USA
- Industry: Biotechnology, Carbon Capture
- Number of Employees: 1-10
- Last Funding Amount: $4M (Latest Round: Nov 12, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $4.5M
Anthrogen is a biotechnology research firm developing innovative solutions to reduce atmospheric carbon using bacteria and enzyme-based processes. By harnessing bioengineering, Anthrogen transforms captured carbon into valuable chemicals, creating a sustainable pathway for carbon utilization.
The company’s groundbreaking approach merges synthetic biology with environmental sustainability, offering a scalable and cost-effective alternative to traditional carbon capture technologies. Their research focuses on leveraging microbial metabolism to convert greenhouse gases into useful industrial and consumer products.
With climate change at the forefront of global challenges, Anthrogen aims to revolutionize carbon mitigation efforts by providing nature-inspired solutions. Their mission is to develop practical, biology-driven methods to reduce emissions, helping industries transition to a greener and more sustainable future.
6. FORAY bioscience
- Founded: 2022
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Industry: Biotechnology, Manufacturing
- Number of Employees: 1-10
- Last Funding Amount: Non Disclosure (Latest Round: Dec 11, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $3.41M
FORAY bioscience is a pioneering biotechnology company that leverages biomanufacturing techniques to produce sustainable wood products. By integrating synthetic biology and advanced fermentation processes, FORAY aims to create eco-friendly alternatives to traditional timber, reducing deforestation and environmental impact.
The company’s innovative approach involves using engineered microbes to convert raw materials into high-performance wood-like materials. This breakthrough technology has the potential to transform industries such as construction, furniture, and packaging by offering durable and sustainable bio-based solutions.
FORAY bioscience is committed to advancing biomaterial innovation to address climate challenges and resource scarcity. By merging biotechnology with material science, the company is shaping a future where sustainable alternatives replace environmentally damaging manufacturing processes.
7. ZipBio
- Founded: September 2022
- Location: Seattle, Washington, USA
- Industry: Biotechnology
- Number of Employees: 1-10
- Last Funding Amount: $4M (Latest Round: Sep 5, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $4M
ZipBio is a biotechnology company focused on compressing biology to develop the next generation of gene therapies. By leveraging machine learning, protein engineering, and molecular materials, ZipBio creates innovative therapeutic solutions that push the boundaries of synthetic biology and self-assembly techniques.
The company’s pioneering approach allows for the precise design and optimization of genetic interventions, aiming to tackle some of the most complex medical challenges. With advancements in molecular biology and AI-driven drug discovery, ZipBio is working toward more effective and personalized treatment options for genetic disorders and other diseases.
By integrating computational and biological sciences, ZipBio is at the forefront of therapeutic innovation. Their mission is to transform the future of medicine by making gene therapies more accessible, scalable, and efficient for patients worldwide.
8. De Novo Foodlabs
- Founded: Jun 22, 2021
- Location: Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Industry: Biotechnology, Food Innovation
- Number of Employees: 11-50
- Last Funding Amount: $1.5M (Latest Round: Aug 19, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $4M
De Novo Foodlabs is a pioneering biotech startup revolutionizing the field of nutrition through microbial fermentation. The company’s protein innovation platform enables food companies to take a phased approach to developing healthier and more sustainable products for consumers.
By combining bioinformatics with advanced biotechnology, De Novo Foodlabs modifies the functionality of proteins and essential nutrients, creating ingredients that are not only healthier but also environmentally friendly and easy to produce. Their proprietary fermentation techniques allow for the scalable production of alternative proteins, reducing reliance on traditional animal-based food sources.
De Novo Foodlabs is at the forefront of the future food movement, partnering with industry leaders to bring next-generation nutrition to market. Their mission is to transform global food systems by providing sustainable, high-quality, and scientifically optimized ingredients that benefit both human health and the planet.
9. VisiRose
- Founded: 2024
- Location: Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
- Industry: Biotechnology
- Number of Employees: 1-10
- Last Funding Amount: $3M (Latest Round: Jan 14, 2025)
- Total Funding Amount: $3M
VisiRose is a biotechnology company that offers an innovative approach to treating infectious keratitis and other eye diseases. The company is focused on developing cutting-edge treatments for conditions that affect the cornea and overall ocular health, utilizing novel therapies to address unmet medical needs in ophthalmology.
By combining advanced biomedical technologies with a deep understanding of eye diseases, VisiRose aims to improve treatment outcomes for patients suffering from infections and other vision-threatening conditions. The company’s therapies are designed to enhance healing and reduce complications, providing more effective alternatives to traditional treatments.
VisiRose is committed to transforming the field of ophthalmic care, with a focus on improving quality of life through scientific innovation and targeted therapeutic solutions.
10. HistAI
- Founded: Mar 21, 2023
- Location: San Francisco, California, USA
- Industry: Biotechnology, Foundational Pathology
- Number of Employees: 11-50
- Last Funding Amount: $1M (Latest Round: May 9, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $1M
HistAI is a biotechnology company focused on revolutionizing foundational pathology through artificial intelligence. The company leverages AI-powered platforms to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of pathological analysis, particularly in the field of tissue-based diagnostics.
HistAI is developing innovative tools to streamline and automate the interpretation of histopathology data, improving diagnostic workflows and supporting faster, more precise decision-making in healthcare. By harnessing the power of machine learning and computer vision, HistAI aims to redefine how pathology is practiced, enabling more accurate disease detection and personalized treatment strategies.
With the potential to reshape clinical practices, HistAI is advancing the future of pathology and its critical role in early disease detection and treatment.
Conclusion
The biotechnology industry is undergoing a transformative era, with startups playing a pivotal role in driving innovation. The ten companies highlighted in this blog are just a glimpse of the groundbreaking work happening in biotech today. From revolutionizing healthcare and drug discovery to advancing sustainability and food technology, these startups are shaping the future with cutting-edge solutions.
Despite the challenges of launching in a competitive landscape, their ability to secure funding between $1 million and $5 million demonstrates investor confidence in their potential. As these companies continue to grow and develop their technologies, they have the power to redefine industries and improve lives worldwide.
The future of biotech is bright, and with ongoing advancements in AI, synthetic biology, and medical research, we can expect even more breakthroughs in the years to come. Stay tuned to see how these startups evolve and contribute to the next wave of scientific and technological progress.
FAQs
Q. How do biotech startups use AI in their research and development?
Answer: AI plays a significant role in biotech startups by enhancing data analysis, speeding up drug discovery, and personalizing treatment plans. Companies like Biostate AI and HistAI are integrating AI with biomedical research to improve patient outcomes, optimize clinical decision-making, and automate diagnostic processes.
Q. How do these biotech innovations change healthcare and everyday life?
Answer: The innovations highlighted in this blog have the potential to revolutionize healthcare by providing more personalized, efficient, and accessible treatments. For example, Apollon’s noninvasive glucose monitoring systems could transform diabetes management, while Rybodyn’s immunotherapies could redefine cancer treatment.
Q. What impact do these startups have on sustainability?
Answer: Several of the highlighted startups, such as Anthrogen and FORAY Bioscience, are actively contributing to sustainability efforts by developing bio-based solutions for carbon capture, waste reduction, and sustainable material production. Their innovative technologies are critical to combating climate change and creating a more sustainable future.