Prolific Machines raises US$55M to revolutionize protein production with light

USA – Prolific Machines, California based biotech startup, has secured US$55M in the initial close of its Series B funding round to advance its photomolecular platform.

This innovative platform is the product of a pioneering technology that leverages light to synthesize novel proteins at reduced costs.

The company’s technology draws inspiration from optogenetics, a field that combines genetic and optical methods to control cellular activities with light.

This funding round was spearheaded by Fonterra’s venture capital arm, The Ki Tua Fund, with participation from Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Mayfield, SOSV, Shorewind Capital, Darco Capital, Conti Ventures, In-Q-Tel (IQT), and several other investors.

With this recent influx, Prolific Machines has accumulated US$86.5M in total funding, progressing towards its goal of raising a full Series B round of US$170M.

Notably, the company’s previous funding round in 2022 saw investments from high-profile individuals like Shark Tank’s Mark Cuban and model-actress Emily Ratajkowski.

Established in 2020, Prolific Machines has developed a unique photomolecular biology platform that uses light to grow and manipulate cells, aiming to revolutionize production in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

The company plans to use the Series B1 funds to commercialize its technology through strategic industry partnerships.

“Photomolecular biology utilizes light and artificial intelligence to precisely control and optimize cellular functions, enabling more efficient production of superior bioproducts for diverse applications ranging from food to pharmaceuticals,” explained co-founder and CEO Deniz Kent to Green Queen.

Kent emphasized the company’s vision to harness light, an abundant resource, to achieve superior control over biological processes.

This control, he asserts, is essential for producing higher quality products at lower costs. 

“Prolific Machines employs light to produce everyday essentials more efficiently, including food, lifesaving medications, and innovative biosolutions,” Kent elaborated.

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