Biotech innovation is evolving rapidly with the integration of artificial intelligence, and Amsterdam-based Cradle is leading the charge in protein design. The startup has secured $73 million in Series B funding to expand its laboratory capabilities and team, aiming to make its AI tools accessible to scientists worldwide.
Launched in 2022, Cradle leverages AI models to optimize the design of proteins—complex biomolecules essential for medical and industrial applications. By analyzing the "alien programming language" of amino acids, Cradle’s tools accelerate the process of improving protein qualities, such as enhancing heat resistance or optimizing performance, while reducing experimental trial-and-error.
This approach significantly lowers costs and time for biotech and pharmaceutical companies, enabling faster development of products like antibody therapeutics and industrial enzymes.
Unlike competitors that focus on co-developing drugs or treatments, Cradle operates on a straightforward SaaS model, providing software services without entangling clients in royalties or intellectual property issues. This flexibility has made it a popular choice among researchers and developers.
The $73 million round was led by IVP, with participation from Index Ventures and Kindred Capital. The funds will fuel:
Cradle represents a broader trend in biotech where AI tools are transforming research processes, offering cost-effective solutions and accelerating breakthroughs. CEO Stef van Grieken emphasized the importance of democratizing access to AI tools, believing that "AI in drug discovery and development will ultimately be a commodity."
With this new funding, Cradle is poised to redefine how proteins are designed and optimized, empowering researchers and industries to innovate more efficiently. As biotech and AI continue to converge, Cradle's platform could play a pivotal role in advancing scientific discoveries.
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