bit.bio secures $50 million Series C funding to scale its human cell programming technology
- Jun 28
- 2 min read
09 January 2026
Cambridge-based bit.bio has successfully closed a $50 million Series C funding round led by M&G Investments. This capital infusion will allow the company to accelerate the development and delivery of its core product pipeline. While bit.bio's current commercial footprint is primarily in human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) for disease modeling, drug screening and drug discovery, the company ambitions to expend into the toxicology market.
Central to bit.bio hiPSCs product offer are its ioCells™ - deterministically programmed hiPSC‑derived cells produced with the company’s opti‑ox™ technology. opti‑ox™ functions as a precise gene‑switch system in which cell‑identity transcription factors are inserted into defined genomic safe‑harbour sites and placed under the control of an inducible synthetic promoter, enabling highly consistent, precise and reproducible conversions of hiPSCs into target cell types.
Cornel Chiriac, Investment Director of Crossover, M&G Investments, said:
“The investment of patient capital into a fast-growing private UK company, spun out from the University of Cambridge, marks a major vote of confidence in innovation and the future of drug development in the UK. bit.bio’s platform makes cell programming reliable, scalable, and commercially ready in a rapidly evolving field. As a long-term investor, M&G is committed to backing the next generation of UK businesses and driving economic progress. With a growing global footprint, bit.bio is a UK success story poised for international growth.”
Lord David Prior, newly appointed independent director and Board Chair at bit.bio, concluded: “bit.bio’s technology is world class and the opportunity is now converting that advantage into sustained commercial performance. I look forward to supporting the team as it expands its customer reach and becomes a key partner for pharmaceutical, biotech and research organisations worldwide.”
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