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Pencil Biosciences is a technology company.
Pencil Biosciences develops a novel gene editing platform designed to surpass current technological limitations. Its core product is a fully synthetic, modular system offering precision and flexibility. This non-CRISPR approach enables editing without inducing DNA breaks or nicks, expanding genomic manipulation for therapeutics and cell line engineering.
Dr. Rajik Ibrahim founded Pencil Biosciences in 2018, based on the insight that existing gene editing methods had significant shortcomings. He envisioned creating smarter, safer genetic tools. As founder and advisor, Dr. Ibrahim brought the expertise to re-engineer gene modulation from first principles.
The company's technology benefits various applications, particularly in therapeutics and advanced cell line engineering. Pencil Biosciences targets novel therapeutic options for patients with oncology and genetic diseases. Its long-term vision centers on redefining gene editing possibilities, building superior tools for future therapies through synthetic biology.
Pencil Biosciences has raised $7.7M across 2 funding rounds.
Pencil Biosciences has raised $7.7M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Pencil Biosciences is a seed-stage biotechnology company developing a fully synthetic, RNA-guided gene editing platform that overcomes limitations of existing technologies like CRISPR by enabling edits without DNA breaks or nicks[1][2][3]. The platform targets therapeutics and cell line engineering, serving researchers and developers in biotech with a modular, small, flexible, non-CRISPR system for precision genome modulation[1][2]. With $6.8 million in total seed funding and under 25 employees, the company operates from Alderley Park's BioHub in Cheshire, UK, showing early momentum in synthetic biology innovation[3].
Pencil Biosciences Limited was incorporated on November 5, 2018, as a private limited company focused on biotechnology research and experimental development (SIC code 72110)[4]. Headquartered at 21g1 Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire (previously listed as 3f38 Mereside), it emerged in the UK's biotech hub, leveraging an experienced board and management team without publicly detailed founders[3][4]. Early traction includes securing $6.8 million in seed funding through one round, establishing it as a promising player in genome modulation shortly after founding[3].
Pencil Biosciences rides the synthetic biology wave, addressing CRISPR's off-target effects and delivery challenges amid surging demand for safer gene therapies in a market projected to grow with rising genetic disease treatments[1][2]. Its timing aligns with post-2020 advances in RNA tech and regulatory pushes for precise editing tools, fueled by market forces like aging populations and personalized medicine[1][2]. By innovating from the UK biotech cluster, it influences the ecosystem through potential licensing and partnerships, accelerating safer tools for global therapeutics[3].
Pencil Biosciences is poised to advance its platform toward clinical validation, with upcoming accounts to August 2025 signaling sustained operations and potential Series A funding[4]. Trends like AI-optimized editing and expanded RNA modalities will shape its path, potentially amplifying influence via therapeutic breakthroughs or acquisitions by larger biopharma players[1][2]. As a next-gen gene editing pioneer, it could redefine biotech precision, building on its synthetic edge to impact tomorrow's therapies[2].
Pencil Biosciences has raised $7.7M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Pencil Biosciences's investors include Business Growth Fund, Hummingbird Ventures, Octopus Ventures, Jonathan Milner, GM&C Life Sciences Fund, Martlet Capital, Duncan Johnson, o2h Ventures, Syndicate Room, UKI2S.
Pencil Biosciences has raised $7.7M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $7.0M Seed in September 2023.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 1, 2023 | $7.0M Seed | Business Growth Fund, Hummingbird Ventures, Octopus Ventures, Jonathan Milner, GM&C Life Sciences Fund, Martlet Capital, Duncan Johnson, o2h Ventures, Syndicate Room, UKI2S | |
| Dec 1, 2019 | $670K Seed | Business Growth Fund, Hummingbird Ventures, Octopus Ventures |