“I was really excited to meet Ross Bundy, president of CRISPR QC, and learn what they’re doing in the hot biotech space of gene editing. There is incredible promise for treating and potentially reversing genetic diseases as well as opportunities in animal science and agriculture. Enjoy this short preview and plan to join VisionTech for Ross’ pitch on Thursday, February 24.”
Ben Pidgeon, Executive Director, VisionTech
Gene therapy, the ability to alter a gene in a living cell, is considered by some to be the greatest scientific breakthrough of the last decade. And it’s easy to understand why. If a person with an inherited disease such as sickle cell anemia , a disease without a cure, could be successfully treated with gene therapy, that would be huge. Indeed, scientists are getting very close to making this a reality
There is a sticking point: gene editing, even when using a technology platform such as CRISPR, is very difficult to master. Accuracy is critical to avoided unintended consequences. Seeing an opportunity in this hot biotech space, San Diego-based CRISPR QC has set out to become the “quality control experts” with automated CRISPR QC testing tools, analytics, and knowledge to assist researchers in improving their CRISPR assay designs.
CRISPR QC is currently raising a $2-$4 million seed round. Company President Ross Bundy will be pitching VisionTech Angels at the group’s February 24 virtual pitch events at 12 noon E.T. and 6 p.m. ET.
Although it is an early-stage startup, CRISPR QC is attracting strong industry attention. Bundy reports that leaders in the CRISPR space are approaching his company and funding projects to advance tools and technology that will support greater accuracy. NIST, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, is also pushing for the development of standards for measuring and quality assuring gene editing outcomes. Also, Dr. Kiana Aran who is the inventor of CRISPR QC’s underlying technology and who serves on the board of directors, recently received a $1.6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to help establish quality control standards for CRISPR therapies.
Please join VisionTech for what promises to be a fascinating pitch from Ross Bundy of CRISPR QC and Peter Dunn of Your Money Line. Choose from two events both on Thursday, February 24. Our 12 noon ET event offers an abbreviated session. Our evening event at 6 p.m. ET includes pitches and an expanded discussion period. Find details and registration links here.
VIsionTech Angels virtual pitch events are open to VisionTech member investors and accredited investors interested in joining our group. To learn more, visit our website.