Pre-seed funding for Onyx Biotech

Onyx Biotech's unique approach lies not in the discovery of active ingredients itself, but in a subsequent, costly, and time-consuming part of drug development. Here, the aim is to optimize process engineering procedures, for example, in antibody purification. Instead of conducting numerous laboratory experiments sequentially, algorithms and workflows are intended to enable realistic simulations.

According to the company, the Digital Twins The technology aims to shorten development cycles from months to just a few days. It has reportedly already been validated with industry partners from the biopharmaceutical sector, including a top-5 biopharmaceutical company from Germany and a leading contract development agency.

With this funding round, Onyx Biotech aims to finance the next development steps and broaden the application of its solution. According to the company, leading business angels participated alongside the Life Science Valley Growth Fund and Freiraum Ventures.

Why timing is relevant for biopharmaceutical software

A look at the market shows why this approach is so important right now. While in the US there is stronger political pressure for lower drug prices – including through Most-Favored-Nation models – China is simultaneously focusing on expanding its biotechnology capacities as part of its bioeconomy strategy.

This increases the pressure on European biopharmaceutical companies to reduce development costs without sacrificing quality and speed. This is precisely where Onyx Biotech positions itself with simulation-based process development.

Germany as the pharmacy of the world?

Onyx Biotech was founded in September 2024 by brothers Florian and Gregor Essert. The company focuses on digital solutions for optimizing process engineering in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and chemical industries.

Gregor Essert, Co-Founder and CEO, emphasizes the early collaboration with the industry:

"The key was to collaborate with strong industry partners early on in order to validate the technology in real-world use."

Florian Essert, Co-Founder and CFO, also places the solution in an industrial policy context:

"In times when sustainability is becoming increasingly important and the competitiveness of Germany and Europe seems to be in danger, our solution can make Germany the pharmacy of the world again."

Infobox

Name: Onyx Biotech
Seat: Munich/Vaterstetten area
Founding: September 2024
Founder: Florian Essert, Gregor Essert
Technology: Digital twins and simulations for biopharmaceutical processes
Application area: High-tech drug development, including antibody purification
Financing: Pre-Seed Round
Investors: Life Science Valley Growth Fund, Freiraum Ventures, Business Angels