Basecamp Research, a London-based biotechnology startup, has secured $60 million in Series B funding and forged a strategic partnership with the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, marking a significant advancement in AI-driven genetic medicine development.
The collaboration pairs Basecamp's artificial intelligence capabilities with the expertise of David Liu's laboratory, a renowned center for gene editing research. The partnership will focus on developing novel fusion proteins and large molecules that could enable a new generation of programmable genetic medicines.
Strategic Approach to AI in Drug Discovery
Unlike conventional AI drug discovery companies that rely primarily on experimental data, Basecamp has developed a comprehensive database of biological interactions found in nature. This database, which the company claims surpasses publicly available resources, serves as a foundation for training more sophisticated AI models.
"AI is not magic," explains CEO and co-founder Glen Gowers. "It's a pattern recognition tool that has creativity, but within the limits of what it's already seen." This perspective has shaped Basecamp's unique approach to AI implementation in drug development.
Novel Applications in Gene Editing
A particularly promising area of research involves studying the ongoing "warfare" between bacteria and viruses. Basecamp has been systematically documenting the molecular "weapons" employed in these microscopic battles, potentially unveiling new approaches to gene editing. This database will be a crucial resource for Dr. Liu's laboratory, though specific applications remain undisclosed.
Commercial Development and Industry Support
The Series B funding round, led by Paris-based venture firm Singular, attracted notable investors including S32, Roche vice chairman André Hoffmann, and former Unilever CEO Paul Polman. The investment brings Basecamp's total funding to $85 million since its 2019 founding.
The company has strengthened its commercial position by appointing Anupama Hoey, previously of Sutro Biopharma and Second Genome, as chief commercial officer. Currently, Basecamp maintains partnerships with 15 companies in biological sciences, including three major pharmaceutical firms.
Expanding Horizons in Biological Research
Basecamp's technology platform extends beyond pharmaceutical applications, with potential uses in diagnostics and agriculture. The company plans to utilize its new funding to expand its database and forge additional biopharma partnerships.
Andy Conrad, S32 general partner and Verily Life Sciences founder, praised the company's innovative approach: "Basecamp has dedicated itself to solving some of the toughest challenges in the life sciences and is taking a truly first principles approach to address questions that the biopharma industry hasn't even known to ask."
