Dynegene Technologies Secures Nearly RMB 1 Billion Series A Funding to Advance Next-Generation DNA Synthesis and Break Foreign Monopoly

Recently, synthetic biology company Shanghai Dynasty Gene Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (“Dynasty Gene”) announced that it had secured nearly RMB 100 million in Series A financing. The round was led by MSA Capital, with continued participation from existing shareholders Volcanic Stone Capital and Nest BioVentures.The funds will be used to further strengthen the company’s new-generation ultra-high-throughput DNA synthesis technology, increase the synthesis throughput of the currently commercialized DYHOW next-generation DNA synthesis platform to the million-scale level, optimize the company’s product pipeline layout, and expand new R&D and production bases.

As an emerging discipline in the field of 21st-century biology, synthetic biology is the product of interdisciplinary convergence among molecular and cellular biology, evolutionary systematics, biochemistry, informatics, mathematics, computer science, and engineering. It holds broad application prospects in numerous areas, including high-throughput sequencing, artificial genome synthesis, DNA-based data storage, antibody optimization, personalized cancer vaccines, and drug discovery.

In recent years, the field of synthetic biology has garnered significant attention, with investment enthusiasm steadily rising. In April 2021, Synbiobeta released its Q1 2021 Synthetic Biology Market Report. The report revealed that investment in synthetic biology during the first quarter of 2021 alone surpassed the total amount invested over the 11-year period from 2009 to 2019, and was only slightly lower than the full-year investment total for 2020.2021 is poised to become a record-breaking year for synthetic biology investment, with projected funding reaching as high as $36 billion.

Dynasty Gene is composed of top scientists and seasoned industry professionals in the fields of synthetic biology and genomics,Specializing in ultra-high-throughput next-generation DNA synthesis, a foundational technology in synthetic biology, the company is one of the few in China with ultra-high-throughput DNA synthesis capabilities.Previously, the company completed an angel financing round of tens of millions of yuan invested by Volcano Stone Capital.

Currently, Dynasty Gene possesses its own proprietary intellectual property rights for the DYHOW1A, 2A, and 3A synthesis platforms, based on which it has expandedHigh-Throughput Oligonucleotide Pool Synthesis, High-Throughput Whole-Gene Sequence Synthesis Platform, High-Throughput NGS Probe Synthesis, Fully Synthetic Antibody Libraries and Antibody OptimizationFour production lines have launched multiple high-quality, proprietary products.Following this financing round, the company will expand its product pipelines in high-throughput RNA synthesis and DNA data storage.

Zhang Mancang, Co-founder and CTO of Dynasty Gene, stated, “Second-generation DNA synthesis is a core foundational technology in synthetic biology. Just as Illumina’s second-generation sequencers have impacted the NGS industry, DNA synthesis technology is also profoundly influencing the development of mid- and downstream application enterprises.”

Next-generation DNA synthesis, also known as second-generation DNA synthesis, generally refers to high-throughput parallel DNA synthesis technology based on microarray chips, which is distinct from first-generation synthesis technologies that rely on solid-phase columns in 96- or 384-well plates. Compared with traditional DNA synthesis, which has a throughput of only a few to hundreds of strands per run, second-generation DNA synthesis takes place on the surface of microarray chips and enables the parallel synthesis of tens of thousands to even millions of unique DNA sequences. Application scenarios include molecular diagnostics, biopharmaceutical R&D, and novel bio-manufacturing, significantly advancing research in the field of synthetic biology.

Dr. Zhang Mancang, the company’s CTO, previously served as a technology executive at leading multinational corporations such as Agilent, Twist, and ABI, and has extensive experience in next-generation DNA synthesis and next-generation sequencing.Dynasty Gene has independently developed 3D inkjet printing technology by leveraging semiconductor industry processes,Breakthroughs in key core technologies, including micron-scale chip surface patterning, high-density picoliter droplet control, proprietary ink formulations, parallel maskless etching technology, second-generation synthesis chemistry optimization, and Flowcell control.Successfully developed a proprietary 3D inkjet printing-based ultra-high-throughput in situ DNA synthesis platform, enabling longer synthesis lengths at lower costs,Lower error rate. The synthesis length can reach up to 300 nt, with the cost per base being more than three orders of magnitude lower than that of traditional synthesis, and an error rate below 1/1000.

Leveraging its ultra-high-throughput in situ DNA synthesis platform based on 3D inkjet printing technology, the company currently operates four major production lines: high-throughput oligonucleotide pool synthesis, high-throughput full-gene sequence synthesis, high-throughput NGS probe synthesis, and fully synthetic antibody library construction with antibody optimization. It has launched a range of products, including full-gene synthesis services, NGS targeted capture kits, NGS automated workstations, antibody and antigen library synthesis, and customized ultra-high-throughput DNA synthesis.

Notably,Dynasty Gene is currently the only company in China capable of commercially delivering ultra-high-throughput next-generation DNA synthesis.It has earned the favor and recognition of numerous IVD companies, new drug R&D clients, and novel biomanufacturing customers.

Professor Shi Yongyong, Co-founder, Chairman, and Chief Scientist of Dynasty Gene, stated, “As the cost of DNA synthesis continues to decline, and given the increasingly prominent constraints imposed by resources and the environment on global economic development, the field of synthetic biology is poised for robust growth in the future. Through independent innovation, Dynasty Gene has mastered ultra-high-throughput next-generation DNA synthesis technology. This achievement not only places us on par with international peers technologically but also equips us with the capacity for pioneering approaches, cross-disciplinary innovation, and sustainable development. On one hand, Dynasty Gene provides domestic and international customers with high-quality, cost-effective nucleic acid synthesis products, working alongside downstream partners to enhance China’s global competitiveness in the field of synthetic biology. On the other hand, it will provide substantial support for research endeavors involving large-scale, high-throughput, and high-precision genome synthesis. The team at Dynasty Gene is committed to writing a new chapter in the journey toward ‘synthesizing life and decoding health.’”

Zeng Yu, Founding Partner of Heyu Capitalstated: “Genomics and synthetic biology are areas of sustained focus for Heyu Capital. As a core component, DNA synthesis and assembly technology serves as a critical foundation for industry development. Over the past two years, Dynasty Gene has achieved significant breakthroughs in high-throughput DNA synthesis, delivering high-quality products to customers with greater cost-effectiveness and speed. Currently, high-throughput DNA synthesis remains monopolized by a few international giants. As one of the few domestic companies possessing high-throughput DNA synthesis capabilities, we are optimistic about Dynasty Gene’s continuous optimization and breakthroughs in foundational technologies, enabling large-scale, low-cost gene synthesis. As a core technology provider, we also look forward to the company further accelerating the rapid development of China’s synthetic biology and related industries. Heyu Capital will support the company in actively promoting the expansion and market launch of new products.”

Dr. Zhou Yuexin, Nest.Bio Venturesstated: “We continue to closely monitor the field of synthetic biology. DNA synthesis serves as the upstream segment and foundational raw material supply within the industry chain, and with technological iterations, its application scenarios and domains have been continuously expanding in recent years. Through years of accumulation and exploration, the Dynasty Gene team has optimized inkjet printing technology and has now established a domestically scarce high-density oligo synthesis and high-throughput whole-gene synthesis platform. We are honored to collaborate with the company and look forward to seeing its platform deployed in a broader range of application scenarios.”

Zhang Suyang, Founding Partner of Volcanic Stone Capital“Dynasty Gene is a leading and fast-growing synthetic biology company. More accurate and faster DNA synthesis serves as the foundation for driving innovation in biotechnology and fundamental biological research. Led by top-tier scientists and supported by a multidisciplinary talent team, Dynasty Gene has strategically positioned itself in advance within the high-throughput DNA synthesis industry. As an early investor, Volcanic Stone Capital is delighted to witness the company’s rapid growth and will continue to support its development. We are confident that Dynasty Gene will become a great enterprise amidst the broad prospects of the digital evolution of life.”

MSA Capital is a private equity investment firm deeply rooted in China with a global perspective, specializing in early- and growth-stage investments in key sectors such as healthcare, frontier technologies, the internet, and consumer industries. Headquartered in Beijing, MSA Capital maintains on-the-ground teams in the United States, the Middle East, and Africa. Leveraging its broad global vision and profound insights into international markets, the firm not only identifies high-quality investment opportunities but also helps portfolio companies rapidly expand into overseas markets by leveraging local resources.

Currently, Matrix Partners China manages assets exceeding $1.5 billion. Its investment portfolio includes Meituan Dianping (SEHK: 3690), NIO (NYSE: NIO), BGI Genomics (SZ: 300676), Uber (NYSE: UBER), Airbnb (NASDAQ: ABNB), Yidu Cloud (SEHK: 2158), BOSS Zhipin, SpeedBot Robotics, Zhaogang.com, Xiaozhu, Feibu Technology, Fordeal, T11 Fresh Food Supermarket, Suikun Intelligence, Yanming Biologics, Zhiyun Health, Black Sesame Technologies, and Biren Technology.

Nest.Bio is a venture capital and innovation incubation fund focused on the life sciences sector. Dedicated to identifying revolutionary life science technologies, Nest.Bio leverages its keen sensitivity to scientific breakthroughs to transform these innovations into globally impactful biotechnology companies through an incubation model. Adhering to a hands-on investment philosophy, Nest.Bio serves as a close partner to entrepreneurs, providing support to startup teams at various stages of growth. As an early-stage investor, Nest.Bio has participated in the incubation and investment of numerous biotechnology enterprises, including HiFiBio Therapeutics, Rootpath, UbiGene, Senti Bio, Paq Therapeutics, and Bota Bio. Its portfolio spans cutting-edge areas of biotechnological innovation, such as single-cell technologies, protein degradation, and synthetic biology.

Volcanic Stone Investment, established in 2017, is dedicated to identifying, investing in, and serving high-growth-potential startups in China’s pan-intelligent technology and healthcare sectors, providing sustained value-added services to grow alongside them.

Volcanic Rock Investment currently manages assets exceeding RMB 3 billion, operating dual-currency funds in both RMB and USD. The fund managers have collaborated closely for many years, accumulating over 60 years of combined experience in investment and corporate management, along with deep industry resources. Volcanic Rock Investment is committed to harnessing explosive growth potential and serving as the cornerstone of entrepreneurial success.