# Ascend Gene & Cell Therapies

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/ascend-gene-cell-therapies

- Industry: Biotechnology
- Headquarters: Cheshire, UK
- Website: www.ascend-gctx.com
- Total disclosed funding: $67M
- Latest round: Series A (Feb 7, 2023)
- Investors on record: 8

## About

Based in London, UK, and founded by Tim Funnell (Executive Director) in 2021, Ascend Gene & Cell Therapies Ltd. operates as a gene and cell therapy developer for biotech companies. In February 2023, the firm raised USD 66.6 million in series A funding co-led by investors Abingworth and Petrichor Healthcare Capital Management, with participation from other investors 4BIO Capital Partners, Ajinomoto, Cathay Capital, etc. The firm as of May 2023, has offices in the UK, Germany, and the US, and is led by its CEO, Mike Stella. 
 
The company serves as a fully integrated partner for gene therapy development and manufacturing including material, process and formulation development, clinical manufacturing, and analytical and regulatory support. The company's core offering is centered around the field of adeno-associated virus (AAV) platform technologies including CMC development capabilities, end-to-end service including cassette optimization, screening, and starting material to process, formulation, and analytical development, and analytical toolkit with 60 assays across process and product characterization, In-Process Control (IPC), quality control (QC) and stability. Ascend's expertise also extends to regulatory matters, including EMA or FDA filing requirements, providing support to clients throughout the regulatory process. 
  
The company plans to utilize its February 2023, funding to support its technological advancement and product tools acquisition.

## Funding rounds

- Series A, Feb 7, 2023, $67M — Abingworth, Cathay Capital, DCVC, Deerfield Management, 4BIO Capital Partners, Digitalis Ventures, Petrichor, Ajinomoto

## Investors

- Abingworth (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/abingworth) — Series A
- Cathay Capital — Series A
- DCVC (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/dcvc) — Series A
- Deerfield Management (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/deerfield-management) — Series A
- 4BIO Capital Partners (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/4bio-capital-partners) — Series A
- Digitalis Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/digitalis-ventures) — Series A
- Petrichor (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/petrichor) — Series A
- Ajinomoto — Series A