# Syntax Bio

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/syntax-bio

- Industry: Biotechnology
- Headquarters: Chicago, US
- Website: www.syntax-bio.com
- Total disclosed funding: $20M
- Latest round: Series A (Jun 21, 2026)
- Investors on record: 17

## About

Based in Illinois, US, and founded in 2021 by co-founders Brad Merrill, Niko Balanis (CTO), and Ryan Clarke, Syntax Bio, Inc. develops and manufactures stem cell-based treatments. As of June 2026, the company is led by CEO John Craighead. In June 2026, Syntax Bio, Inc. raised USD 14.4 million in series A funding from Mansueto Office, Draper, Allegis Capital, LongGame Ventures, Mayo Clinic Ventures, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Illinois Ventures, ExitFund, Sigma Group, Astellas Venture Management, Illumina Ventures, DCVC, Civilization Ventures, EGB Capital Ventures and Walder Ventures.

The core technology of Syntax Bio, the Cellgorithm platform, is designed to provide precise control over the differentiation of stem cells into specific cell types. Cellgorithms program cellular differentiation by providing epigenetic instructions that allow for the precise activation of genes sequentially. The technology also employs CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing techniques to activate and deactivate specific genes as cells develop. The platform caters for a wide range of therapeutic areas, including immunology, neurology, and regenerative medicine.


The company plans to use the June 2026 funding to advance its Cellgorithm platform and develop pancreatic beta cell therapy for type 1 diabetes through early-stage testing.

## Funding rounds

- Series A, Jun 21, 2026, $14M — Mayo Clinic Ventures, Astellas Venture Management, Illinois Ventures, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, DCVC, Draper, Sigma Group, Illumina Ventures, Civilization Ventures, Portal Innovations, Walder Ventures, Allegis Capital, ExitFund, Mansueto Office, EGB Capital Ventures, LongGame Ventures
- Series A, Sep 17, 2024, $6M — Astellas Pharma Inc., Illumina Ventures

## Investors

- Astellas Pharma Inc. — Series A
- Illumina Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/illumina-ventures) — Series A
- Mayo Clinic Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/mayo-clinic-ventures) — Series A
- Astellas Venture Management (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/astellas-venture-management) — Series A
- Illinois Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/illinois-ventures) — Series A
- Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity — Series A
- DCVC (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/dcvc) — Series A
- Draper (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/draper) — Series A
- Sigma Group — Series A
- Civilization Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/civilization-ventures) — Series A
- Portal Innovations (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/portal-innovations) — Series A
- Walder Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/walder-ventures) — Series A
- Allegis Capital — Series A
- ExitFund (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/exitfund) — Series A
- Mansueto Office — Series A
- EGB Capital Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/egb-capital-ventures) — Series A
- LongGame Ventures — Series A