# OriCiro Genomics

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/oriciro-genomics

- Industry: Biotechnology
- Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
- Website: www.oriciro.com
- Total disclosed funding: $11M
- Latest round: Series B (Jul 21, 2021)
- Investors on record: 2

## About

Based in Japan, established in 2018, OriCiro Genomics operates as a life science company aiming to realize a better bioeconomy through the provision of innovative DNA technology. OriCiro® Cell, the first research reagent kit for cell-free long-chain DNA amplification, is based on an epoch-making original technology that can amplify large-sized DNA without using cells. OriCiro launched the Free Cloning System in the summer of 2020. In July 2021, the company received JPY 800 million in Series B funding from UTEC - The University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners and ITOCHU Technology Ventures.

OriCiro® Cell-Free Cloning System is an innovative tool enabling cell-free assembly and amplification of circular DNA molecules without E.coli transformation and culture. This product can not only streamline your workflow dramatically but also widen the scope of your genetic engineering techniques. This product is composed of OriCiro® Assembly Kit and OriCiro® Amp Kit and is designed to produce the maximum effect when used in combination although each kit can be used independently.

In the OriCiro® Assembly Kit, DNA fragments are assembled via overlapping ends having homologous sequences. First, each end of the fragments is digested by exonucleases to expose a single-stranded homologous sequence. Then, corresponding fragments having the homologous sequence are annealed by enzymes. The kit assembles up to 50 DNA fragments simultaneously in a single isothermal enzymatic reaction. The assembly products are subjected directly to OriCiro® Amp Kit for selective amplification of your target circular DNA.

The OriCiro® Amp Kit contains 26 kinds of purified enzymes that are essential for the E. coli chromosome replication cycle. This Kit enables amplifying exponentially circular DNA having oriC (E. coli chromosomal origin) in an isothermal condition even from a single template molecule. Up to 1 µg of circular DNA can be yielded as supercoiled form per 10 µl reaction.

OriCiro Genomics Inc. will use the July 2021 funding to expand manufacturing capabilities, advance R&D further, establish a US subsidiary aimed at business growth in the US, accelerate patent filing, and recruit talents required for the above activities.

## Funding rounds

- Series B, Jul 21, 2021, $7.2M — University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners, ITOCHU Technology Ventures
- Series A, Apr 8, 2019, $3.6M — University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners

## Investors

- University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/university-of-tokyo-edge-capital-partners) — Series A, Series B
- ITOCHU Technology Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/itochu-technology-ventures) — Series B