Colossal Biosciences: A De-Extinction Revolution Fueled by Venture Capital

Colossal Biosciences, founded by Ben Lamm and renowned geneticist George Church, is making waves in the world of biotechnology with its ambitious goal of bringing back extinct species. While the company's primary focus is de-extinction, its technology also has applications in healthcare, national security, and data analysis, making it a highly attractive proposition for venture capitalists.

• Colossal's first de-extinction target is the woolly mammoth, which could help restore the biodiversity of the Arctic region impacted by climate change.
• The company uses advanced genetic technologies, including CRISPR editing, to reconstruct extinct species' genomes.
• Colossal has already spun off a subsidiary, Form Bio, that provides AI-driven computational biology platform for drug discovery and development.

Securing Venture Capital for a Moonshot Idea

Colossal's unique mission required a different approach to securing venture capital. Unlike traditional startups seeking quick returns, Colossal's goals are long-term and require patient investors who believe in the potential of its technology. Ben Lamm, the company's founder, focused on identifying investors who had a history of supporting groundbreaking ventures, including:

• Thomas Tull
• Jim Breyer
• Tim Draper
• Tom Chi (co-founder of Google X)

Instead of focusing solely on pitch decks, Lamm emphasized thoughtful conversations with potential investors, explaining the urgency of addressing climate change and the importance of biodiversity preservation. Colossal has raised over $225 million across three funding rounds, demonstrating the strong belief investors have in its long-term vision.

Venture Capital for a World-Changing Solution

Colossal's technology has garnered interest from various sectors, including the government and the defense industry. In-Q-Tel, the Central Intelligence Agency's investment arm, has taken notice of Colossal's potential. The company's ability to engineer life in different ways, such as developing disease-resistant crops or cleaning up pollution, makes it a valuable player in addressing global challenges.

While Colossal has secured significant venture capital, the company's ambitious goals require ongoing funding. Its workforce includes over 140 employees, including researchers, scientists, and policy experts, who are working on various aspects of de-extinction and related technologies.

Venture Capital in Conservation: A Unique Approach

Colossal faces criticism that its de-extinction efforts could divert funds away from traditional conservation organizations that are already struggling to address biodiversity loss. In response, Lamm emphasizes that Colossal's focus is on bringing in new money for conservation efforts by targeting a different pool of investors, such as those in the technology sector. The company also aims to leverage its expertise in genetic engineering and computational biology to support existing conservation efforts.

Colossal is working with conservation organizations to protect endangered species, including elephants. By incorporating its technology into conservation efforts, Colossal can contribute to both preserving existing ecosystems and potentially restoring extinct species.

The Future of Venture Capital in Deep Tech

Ben Lamm's experience founding and fundraising for multiple companies prior to Colossal Biosciences has taught him the importance of pursuing "moonshot" endeavors. He believes that focusing on deep tech, even if it requires significant investment and involves complex scientific challenges, is more fulfilling and can lead to transformative advancements. Colossal Biosciences is a prime example of how venture capital can be used to support bold, visionary projects that address global challenges.

The potential for de-extinction, along with the company's growing portfolio of conservation partnerships and its innovative use of genetic engineering, positions Colossal Biosciences as a leader in the future of biotechnology and a major player in the world of venture capital.

Colossal's Impact on the Venture Capital Landscape

• Demonstrated the potential of deep tech for attracting venture capital.
• Opened new avenues for investors interested in tackling global challenges.
• Paved the way for a new era of conservation that combines technological innovation with traditional methods.

Key Takeaways:

Colossal Biosciences is a game-changer in the world of venture capital. The company's bold approach to de-extinction, coupled with its focus on innovation in genetic engineering and computational biology, is attracting significant investment from both traditional and non-traditional venture capital sources. Colossal's success in securing funding for such a groundbreaking endeavor is a testament to the power of venture capital to support ambitious projects that have the potential to transform the world.

Colossal's story highlights the evolving role of venture capital in addressing global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. While traditional venture capital models often focus on quick returns and short-term gains, Colossal's success shows that long-term, impactful ventures can also be financially viable and attract significant investor interest.

As venture capital continues to evolve, companies like Colossal Biosciences are leading the way in demonstrating the potential of investing in bold, ambitious projects that have the potential to change the world.