Optibrium, a leading developer of software and AI solutions for molecular design, announced on July 8, 2025, that it has secured a strategic financing package with Shawbrook, a specialist UK bank focused on high-growth businesses. The multi-million-pound deal will enable the company to accelerate development of its AI-powered drug discovery platform and expand its global reach.
Funding to Enhance Core AI Technologies
The financing will focus on improving core technologies behind Optibrium's software portfolio and building technical capabilities to support global expansion. Key development areas include the company's generative chemistry, collaborative design, and 3D molecular modeling capabilities, which are designed to increase the speed and efficiency of drug discovery timelines for pharmaceutical and biotech teams worldwide.
Shawbrook structured the Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) based financing package to provide both immediate capital for current initiatives and committed facilities to support future opportunities. This follows continued investment from Kester Capital since February 2021, during which Optibrium has experienced rapid adoption of its innovative in silico platforms and AI solutions.
Growing Market for Computer-Aided Drug Discovery
The computer-aided drug discovery (CADD) market represents a fast-growing sector, driven by increasingly sophisticated software tools that deliver material cost and time savings for drug developers. Independent market research predicts the global CADD market will reach $13.08 billion by 2034, rising from $4.21 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate of 12%.
Founded in 2009 and operating in the UK and US, Optibrium's software platforms combine rigorous scientific research with advanced computational methods. Over 160 global organizations currently use the company's suite of innovative software for compound design, optimization, and data analysis, enabling research teams to make more informed decisions earlier in the discovery process.
Industry Support and Strategic Vision
"We have been delighted by Optibrium's exceptional growth and continued innovation since Kester's initial investment," said Peter Ralph, Partner at Kester Capital. "This financing package aligns with Optibrium's strategic requirements and will ensure the company remains at the forefront of drug discovery technology development."
Ally Henderson, Chief Financial Officer at Optibrium, described the financing as "another key milestone for Optibrium" and "a validation of the outstanding work being done across our organization and the value our technology brings to pharmaceutical research." Henderson emphasized that the flexible package supports both immediate business requirements and longer-term strategic objectives.
Jack Longden, Director at Shawbrook, highlighted Optibrium's impressive growth since Kester Capital's 2021 investment, noting the bank's commitment to supporting the management team's vision for technology advancement and global expansion in the drug discovery space.
