Cradle Bio

Overview

Cradle Bio, a Dutch-Swiss biotechnology firm established in 2021, specializes in applying machine learning to protein engineering. With headquarters in Amsterdam and an additional office in Zurich, Cradle Bio's founders include Stef van Grieken, Jelle Prins, Elise de Reus, Eli Bixby, and Harmen van Rossum. The company has made significant financial strides, raising a total of over $100 million through various funding rounds. Cradle Bio's technology aims to simplify the complex task of protein design, significantly reducing both time-to-market and research costs.

Recent Developments

2025: Cradle Bio featured in Bloomberg's "25 European Startups to Watch." Business Insider Nederland highlights its AI-driven antibody research and its expanded Amsterdam laboratory.
2024: Secured a $73 million Series B round led by IVP, reinforcing its commitment to expanding its wet lab facilities and scaling market operations. MT/Sprout named it Startup of the Year.
2023: Cradle Bio raised $24 million in a Series A financing campaign led by Index Ventures. The company also focused on expanding its machine learning and biotech teams.
2022: Successfully exited stealth mode, attracting nine industry partners, including Janssen Research & Development and Novozymes, showcasing the efficacy of its platform.

Cradle Bio has remained at the forefront of AI-driven advancements in protein engineering, regularly participating in international conferences and competitions. It has been recognized for its innovative approach and rising influence within the biotechnology sector, with recent accolades highlighting its rapid growth and impact.

Attribute	Information
Founding Date	2021
Headquarters	Amsterdam, Netherlands
Founders	Stef van Grieken, Jelle Prins, Elise de Reus, Eli Bixby, Harmen van Rossum
Revenue	Not publicly disclosed
Profits	Not publicly disclosed
Key Investors	Index Ventures, IVP, Kindred Capital
Industry	Biotechnology
Number of Employees	Approximately 50

Early History

Cradle Bio was conceived during a period of rapid innovation in AI technology, specifically in its application to protein engineering. Founded in 2021 by a team of visionaries including developers from leading technology firms, the company quickly established a distinct niche. By leveraging advanced computational techniques, Cradle Bio aimed to address the inefficiencies inherent in traditional protein design methods. The founders' backgrounds allowed them to combine expertise in software development and biotechnology, setting the stage for breakthrough innovations.

Company Profile and Achievements

Cradle Bio operates at the intersection of biotechnology and computational modeling, providing tools that simplify the protein design process. This dual approach has enabled the company to achieve several milestones:

Developed a robust AI software platform that can design proteins with specific desired properties.
Established valuable partnerships with leading biopharmaceutical companies, enhancing its AI platforms’ application in real-world scenarios.
Received multiple rounds of venture funding that facilitated substantial expansion of their facilities and team.

The company's approach relies heavily on proprietary algorithms that predict performance scores for protein sequences, accelerating product development. Cradle Bio’s reputation as a leader in protein design technology is further bolstered by its emphasis on data security and intellectual property rights.

Current Operations and Market Position

Cradle Bio continues to gain traction within the biotechnology sector by offering a highly effective software platform used by pharmaceutical and agtech companies. Its AI models have significantly reduced the need for repetitive experimental testing, affording clients faster and more cost-effective solutions for protein development. The company positions itself as a leader in bioinformatics, combining extensive research with cutting-edge AI to maintain a competitive edge.

Conclusion

Cradle Bio stands out in the biotechnology industry for its innovative use of AI in protein engineering. By offering efficient, scalable solutions that streamline protein design, the company has established itself as a frontrunner in a rapidly evolving field. With over $100 million raised and an expanding global footprint, Cradle Bio is poised to lead the next wave of advancements in biotech applications, particularly in pharmaceuticals and sustainable solutions. As it continues to innovate, its impact on the industry is expected to grow, making it a pivotal player in the future of biotechnology.