[Funding alert] Edinburgh-based Wobble Genomics Secures €9.9 Million in Funding

Wobble Genomics has discovered a method to identify "full length" RNA, which was previously undetectable. Wobble Genomics is presently running in stealth mode. The technology may find extensive use in fields as diverse as agriculture, ecology, and medicine development and research.

Dr Kuo, the company’s CEO, said: “Genetic sequencing has come a long way since its inception in the 1970’s. The industry is now moving past short-read towards long-read sequencing, with long-read RNA sequencing being one of the most exciting new developments in biotechnology. We believe our solution could accelerate a new wave of biotechnology innovations. We are pleased to receive backing from some of the UK’s leading life science investors, which highlights its potential. The funding will help us to pursue our mission to reveal the unseen world of RNA and unlock exciting new applications.”

Cell behavior can be understood by genetic sequencing. The majority of current methods concentrate on DNA, however in the end, the behavior of the molecules is determined by the RNA molecules. Consequently, RNA sequencing can help us determine how cells will respond to various circumstances.

Historically, the intrinsic instability of RNA, its intricate molecular structure, and its quantity of molecules have made it challenging to apply RNA sequencing for many applications.

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Furthermore, the "short-read sequencing" methods currently in use are limited to measuring small RNA fragments, which misses crucial information. These difficulties are solved by Wobble's unique method, which permits long-read sequencing and optimal full-length RNA detection.

Lee Lindley of Mercia Ventures, added: “Wobble’s technology has far reaching applications including the potential to make precision medicine, and the improved patients outcomes that this would deliver, a reality. It is particularly exciting that, unlike with many early-stage companies, the science behind it is already proven so the funding can be used to further develop and commercialise the technology.”

Jo Smart of BGF, said: “Wobble has developed a full stack approach to identifying and analysing RNA markers – an exciting field of research and development in the biotechnology sector – which has the potential to revolutionise the early detection of cancer markers from blood. We look forward to bringing our considerable experience in the life scences market to support the business as it continues to build further validation and guide how the technology is taken to market.”

About Wobble

Dr. Richard Kuo founded Wobble in 2021. He has over 15 years of experience in biology and bioengineering, and he spent more than 10 of those years conducting long-read RNA sequencing research at the university's Roslin Institute. With ten employees at the moment, the company plans to grow in size over the next two years. With this most recent round of fundraising, the company has raised approximately £10.5 million in total.

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