Cambridge-based biotechnology company bit.bio has raised $25 million in Series D funding to expand its portfolio of human cell models and increase access to its technology for pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology businesses and research organisations.
The funding round includes participation from existing investor M&G Investments and Dr Jonathan Milner, founder and former chief executive of life sciences company Abcam. The company has not disclosed its valuation or identified a lead investor for the round.
The investment follows bit.bio’s $50 million Series C funding round in January 2026, also backed by M&G Investments. Since becoming an independent company in 2016, bit.bio has raised more than $225 million.
Founded by Cambridge neuroscientist Dr Mark Kotter, bit.bio develops technology that enables scientists to produce specific types of human cells consistently and at scale. Its proprietary opti-ox platform converts stem cells into defined human cell types, supporting research into diseases, drug discovery and safety testing.
Its ioCells portfolio now includes more than 50 human cell types, including models of the heart, liver and central nervous system. These models are used by researchers to investigate diseases, evaluate potential medicines and assess drug toxicity.
The latest funding comes as advances in artificial intelligence accelerate the identification of potential drug candidates, increasing demand for reliable human cell models to test and validate research findings. The technology also offers researchers an alternative to certain animal-based testing methods, where biological differences between species can limit the relevance of results to human health.
Chief Executive Officer Dr Emma Pepperell said the company would use the investment to broaden its portfolio and make its products more accessible to researchers worldwide. She noted that demand for consistent human cell models was growing alongside developments in AI-driven drug discovery and the move towards alternatives to animal testing.
The company reported that paid vial volumes increased by 76 per cent in 2026, while orders rose by 34 per cent and its active customer base grew by 40 per cent. Its academic customer base also recorded growth of 63 per cent.
With its manufacturing infrastructure already established, bit.bio plans to focus on expanding the range of cell types it can supply and strengthening access for customers across the global life sciences sector.
The latest investment reflects continued investor interest in biotechnology platforms supporting drug development, disease research and more human-relevant testing methods.
