January 19, 2023

By Lynda Kiernan-Stone, Global AgInvesting Media

CRISPR QC, a startup working to empower the scientists, researchers, and doctors working to advance genetic engineering, announced it has closed on $1.6 million in Seed funding led by Serra Ventures. 

Concurrently, the company has appointed George Bonaros to its Board of Directors to drive commercial growth of its CRISPR Analytics Platform. 

Bonaros played a key role in making this Seed round a reality through his firm CaerusX Ventures. After earning his Masters of Science in Drug Development and Product Management from the University of California San Diego, Bonaros helped accelerate the success of life science companies, including through his leadership of Biocom, for more than 20 years.

“I am honored to join CRISPR QC’s Board,” said Bonaros. “Their CRISPR Analytics Platform and its proprietary CRISPR Chip technology are set to revolutionize the level of precision in genome engineering.”

CRISPR is recognized as having the potential to be the defining technological advancement of the 21st century – demonstrating the promise of curing formerly incurable diseases, securing the world’s food supply, and much more.

However, CRISPR QC concedes that these advancements are not without risks. With every success, every advancement of gene editing, there is a greater need for quality control and insight.

Powered by the CRISPR-Chip™, which was invented by company co-founder Dr. Kiana Aran, CRISPR QC’s CRISPR Analytics Platform is uniquely able to directly measure CRISPR activity, and therefore, de-risk gene editing outcomes, while providing new dimensions of data and analytics that allow their partners to accelerate gene-edited product development. 

“This will undoubtedly lead to faster and better outcomes for customers of CRISPR QC – setting them up for a unique competitive advantage,” said Bonaros. “I look forward to contributing to CRISPR QC’s success and the promise of accelerating the delivery of breakthrough CRISPR-based therapies and non-GMO crops.”

The company stated that the capital gained through this round will be invested to further the commercial development of its Analytics Platform, and to enhance its data analytics capabilities. 

Ross Bundy, CEO, CRISPR QC, commented, “CRISPR QC has been proving with our early customers that our CRISPR Analytics Platform brings new dimensions of data that allows them to advance their CRISPR product development and that we are a valuable partner throughout the editing process.”

“Driven by this momentum, we are intensely focused on continuing to accelerate our commercial adoption bringing our insights to new customers.”

~ Lynda Kiernan-Stone is editor in chief with GAI Media, and is managing editor and daily contributor for Global AgInvesting’s AgInvesting Weekly News and  Agtech Intel News, as well as HighQuest Group’s Unconventional Ag. She can be reached at lkiernan-stone@globalaginvesting.com.

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