In the dynamic world of synthetic biology, Cradle Bio is carving out a distinct path with its innovative approach to protein engineering. The company recently announced a $73 million Series B funding round led by IVP, raising its total funding to over $100 million. This milestone reflects the confidence investors have in the strides Cradle has made in transforming how proteins are developed across industries such as therapeutics, agriculture, and diagnostics.
At the core of Cradle’s mission is its generative AI platform, designed to significantly accelerate the traditionally slow and expensive process of protein engineering. During a conversation with Stef van Grieken, Cradle’s CEO and co-founder, the depth of the company’s ambition became clear. Cradle is not just speeding up research and development; it is redefining how industries approach the creation of protein-based solutions.
Accelerating Research and Development
One of Cradle’s most significant contributions to synthetic biology is the efficiency it brings to R&D. “Across the major markets we operate in—therapeutics, diagnostics, agriculture, chemicals, and food—we’re seeing between 1.2x to 12x speedups in R&D,” van Grieken shared. These improvements are achieved by reducing the number of experimental cycles typically required to commercialize a protein. By leveraging AI, Cradle’s platform slashes both time and costs, making the process more efficient and accessible.
Protein engineering, a field once limited by slow, trial-and-error methodologies, now benefits from the precision and predictive power of Cradle’s technology. The AI platform reduces the reliance on countless experimental rounds, allowing researchers to focus on innovation rather than logistical hurdles.
Building a Client Base From Scratch
The growth Cradle has achieved in a short time is nothing short of remarkable. At the time of its Series A funding, the company had only two paying customers. Today, it serves 21 clients, with 31 molecules under development on its platform. Among its notable partnerships are collaborations with industry giants like Johnson & Johnson and Novo Nordisk.
This traction isn’t just a result of clever marketing—it stems from tangible results. In the Align to Innovate competition, Cradle’s AI models demonstrated their prowess by outperforming or ranking among the top two in solving complex enzyme problems. These results underscore the platform’s capability to deliver real-world solutions, all achieved through automated processes that eliminate the need for constant human intervention.
Strategic Investments in Infrastructure and Talent
A pivotal aspect of Cradle’s success lies in its early investment in wet lab facilities. “From day one, we started building our own labs,” van Grieken explained. This decision reflects a key insight: biology cannot rely purely on computational models. Just as a self-driving car company needs cars, a synthetic biology company must have access to robust, hands-on experimentation capabilities.
These labs allow Cradle to generate proprietary datasets, a critical resource for training its AI models. According to van Grieken, “The big problem in our space isn’t foundational models; it’s foundational datasets.” By investing in the infrastructure needed to create and refine these datasets, Cradle has positioned itself to stay ahead of competitors reliant on third-party or publicly available data.
To further cement its leadership position, Cradle has brought on seasoned executives, such as Sam Partovi, a veteran of life sciences companies like Benchling and Veeva Systems. Partovi’s expertise will guide the company’s expansion into global markets, particularly in scaling its commercial operations in the United States.
Balancing Innovation and Responsibility
Cradle’s success comes with the responsibility of managing data and intellectual property securely. The company has implemented stringent measures to ensure that customer data remains protected. “We train a base model that works quite well out of the box, but customers can improve it with data from their own experimental cycles,” van Grieken explained. Importantly, this customization is conducted in isolation for each client, ensuring intellectual property remains firmly in their hands.
In addition to safeguarding data, Cradle is mindful of the environmental concerns surrounding AI. While large-scale AI models often raise questions about energy consumption, van Grieken emphasized that Cradle’s workloads are far smaller than those of popular language models. More importantly, the company’s contributions to sustainable industries—such as helping clients develop alternatives to hydrocarbons—offer a compelling environmental offset.
A Vision for the Future
Despite a challenging investment climate for many startups, Cradle’s latest funding round signals a bright future. The company plans to use the new capital to expand its wet lab capabilities, enhance its AI models, and scale its operations. By bringing its software to more scientists, Cradle aims to foster a new era of innovation in protein-based products.
Van Grieken remains optimistic about what lies ahead. “Long term, I’m very bullish on protein-based products,” he said. The potential to drastically reduce development cycles and costs is not just a technological feat but also a catalyst for broader scientific progress. Whether it’s creating enzymes to combat climate change or developing new therapeutics, Cradle’s platform is unlocking possibilities that were once out of reach.
As Cradle moves into its next phase of growth, it stands at the intersection of biology and artificial intelligence—a vantage point that promises to redefine what’s possible in science and industry. With its cutting-edge technology, strategic vision, and commitment to sustainability, Cradle Bio is a company poised to leave a lasting impact on the world.
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