Want to live forever? FastForward Innovations invests in Juvenescence – FastForward Innovations Limited has subscribed US$2 million for an approximate 0.8 per cent. equity interest in Juvenescence Limited, a BVI incorporated private company developing therapies to slow, halt and potentially reverse ageing. FFWD has subscribed as part of a US$50 million Series A fundraise that Juvenescence has now closed with a post-money valuation of US$250 million.
The Juvenescence founders and management team are focused on developing therapies for people to live longer, healthier lives. The Juvenescence founders include Jim Mellon, the non-executive chairman of FastForward, as well as Dr. Greg Bailey and Dr. Declan Doogan.
Since its incorporation in October 2016, Juvenescence has raised a total of US$63 million from a variety of international investors including family offices and leading institutions. The proceeds of the Juvenescence Series A funding will be used to advance key projects over the next 12 months with the board of Juvenescence reviewing options for a potential listing in 2019.
Juvenescence’s portfolio currently includes:
- Insilico Medicine, a next-generation artificial intelligence company specialising in the application of deep learning to drug discovery and ageing research;
- Juvenescence AI, a joint venture with Insilico Medicine focused on the clinical development of AI generated compounds;
- NetraPharma, a joint venture using artificial intelligence to improve clinical trial design;
- LyGenesis, a company with technology to use a patient’s own lymph nodes as bioreactors to grow functioning ectopic organs; and
- AgeX Therapeutics, a company applying technology related to cell immortality and pluripotency to human ageing.
FFWD : Want to live forever? FastForward Innovations invests in Juvenescence