Colossal Biosciences, a Dallas-based biotech startup established in 2021, is advancing its mission to bring back extinct species such as the woolly mammoth, dodo bird, and Tasmanian tiger. Leveraging cutting-edge gene-editing technologies and artificial intelligence, the company has rapidly attracted substantial investment, highlighting the growing interest and support for de-extinction projects. With a valuation of $10.2 billion, Colossal stands as a pioneering force in the ambitious endeavor to restore lost biodiversity.
Current developments indicate that Colossal’s approach builds upon foundational genetic research but uniquely targets the full resurrection of extinct species. Unlike previous conservation efforts focused on preserving existing wildlife, Colossal’s initiatives aim to reintroduce species that have been lost to extinction, marking a significant shift in conservation strategies.
Funding Boost Powers De-extinction Initiatives
The latest infusion of $200 million from TWG Global, led by billionaire investors Mark Walter and Thomas Tull, significantly enhances Colossal’s financial capacity. This funding round, announced on January 15, elevates the company’s valuation to $10.2 billion, making it the first Texas-based startup to reach an eleven-figure valuation. The substantial capital will support the company’s gene-editing technologies crucial for reviving extinct species.
Technological Advances Drive Revival Efforts
Colossal employs a combination of ancient DNA, living DNA, genetic engineering tools, and artificial intelligence to identify and reintroduce lost genetic traits. Co-founder Ben Lamm emphasized the feasibility of their work, stating,
“I think there’s significant hope we’ll get there.”
The integration of AI and sophisticated software allows for precise editing of genes, bringing extinct species closer to reality by bridging the genetic gap with their closest living relatives.
Future Plans Expand Beyond Mammoths
Beyond the woolly mammoth, Colossal aims to explore other extinct avian and mammalian species. The company has already established two spin-off startups, Form Bio and Breaking, focusing on computational biology and plastic degradation, respectively. Additionally, Colossal raised $50 million for the Colossal Foundation to support labs and conservation partners pursuing technology-driven conservation solutions. Ben Lamm expressed enthusiasm about future projects, noting,
“We’ll start the process of identifying potential next species for de-extinction candidates—which is just fun and crazy.”
These initiatives not only bolster Colossal’s de-extinction projects but also expand their technological applications, offering potential solutions to broader environmental and conservation challenges. The company’s collaborative efforts with private landowners, Indigenous groups, and global governments are set to facilitate large-scale re-wilding projects, aiming to positively impact ecosystems worldwide.
Colossal Biosciences is poised to make significant strides in the field of genetic resurrection, positioning itself at the forefront of modern conservation efforts. By combining robust funding, advanced technology, and strategic partnerships, the company is driving forward the possibility of witnessing once-extinct species roam the Earth again. This ambitious venture not only seeks to restore biodiversity but also to pioneer new methodologies in genetic engineering and conservation biology.
