Canopy Biosciences Acquires Zellkraftwerk to Form Integrated Multi-Omics Company Combining Multiplexed Cellular Assays and Gene Editing Technologies

VCBeat (WeChat ID: vcbeat) has learned that biotechnology company Canopy Biosciences recently announced the acquisition of Zellkraftwerk GmbH (hereinafter referred to as “Zellkraftwerk”), a leader in the field of multicellular assays. Concurrent with the completion of the acquisition, Canopy Biosciences also secured strategic investment from Ampersand Capital Partners. However, neither the acquisition amount nor the financing amount was disclosed.

It is understood that Canopy Biosciences has created a unique “multi-genome” company by integrating Zellkraftwerk’s multicellular assay technology with its gene-editing capabilities, enabling it to provide enhanced services to clients in drug development and biomarker research.

Canopy Biosciences, a biotechnology company headquartered in Missouri, USA, was founded in 2016 with investment from the venture capital firm BioGenerator. The company specializes in the field of gene editing and is dedicated to developing gene-editing technologies and gene expression products. Its gene-editing portfolio includes user-friendly CRISPR kits, ready-to-use cell lines, and custom cell line engineering services.

Canopy Biosciences has established a comprehensive platform featuring capabilities in gene editing, gene expression analysis and regulation, and bioprocessing, designed to serve researchers at universities, research institutions, biotechnology companies, and pharmaceutical companies worldwide. The platform has incorporated additional functionalities, including ultra-sensitive DNA sequencing, RNA-seq and NanoString gene expression profiling, and multiplex protein detection.

Since its inception, Canopy Biosciences has completed three rounds of financing. In May 2018, the company closed a $2.4 million Series A round led by Kingdom Capital and BioGenerator.

Headquartered in Saxony, Germany, Zellkraftwerk is a leader in the field of multi-cellular analysis. Its flagship product, the ZellScanner ONE, is the first device to leverage chip-based cell technology for analyzing cellular biomarkers, designed to provide a complete workflow solution for cell detection. The system enables in-depth analysis of cell subpopulations and their activation states, while its microfluidic chips also serve as sample storage units, ensuring biomarker stability for up to 24 months.

Edward Weinstein, Co-founder and CEO of Canopy Biosciences, stated, “We are striving to develop a broader product portfolio, and the capital and expertise provided by Ampersand Capital Partners will enable us to sustain product development and serve our customers. Jan Detmers and Christian Hennig, founders of Zellkraftwerk, have established a truly differentiated offering in the cell and tissue analysis market. We will integrate Zellkraftwerk’s unique expertise and technology platform into the company’s product lineup.”

Jan Detmers, co-founder of Zellkraftwerk, stated, “As scientists gain a deeper understanding of the relationships between genes, phenotypes, and the environment, a multi-omics approach is required for the study of biomarkers and functional biology. Through collaboration with Canopy Biosciences and Ampersand Capital Partners, we can enhance the company’s R&D capabilities, expand product coverage across the United States, Europe, and Asia, and provide optimal services to meet customers’ growing demands.”

Ampersand Capital Partners, headquartered in Massachusetts, USA, is a private equity firm with core investment focuses in the healthcare and industrial sectors.

(Compiled by Jiao Yanli)