Colossal Biosciences, the de-extinction company backed by Silicon Valley heavyweights, is in talks to raise new capital at a valuation between $20 billion and $30 billion, according to TechCrunch. The funding round would represent a significant jump from the company's previous valuation, effectively doubling or tripling its worth.
Colossal has become one of the fastest-rising biotech startups in recent years, drawing investments from some of the most prominent figures in tech and venture capital. The company focuses on leveraging genetic engineering and advanced biology to resurrect extinct species like the woolly mammoth and the Tasmanian tiger. Its stated goal extends beyond novelty: the team argues that restoring extinct megafauna could help restore damaged ecosystems and combat climate change.
The reported fundraising would underscore the market's appetite for ambitious biotech plays, even as many genomics companies face scrutiny over profitability timelines. Colossal has moved quickly from announcement to substantial institutional backing, suggesting investor confidence in both its science and the market potential of de-extinction technology.
At this valuation range, Colossal would join an exclusive club of private biotech unicorns. The company has already demonstrated ability to execute on its research pipeline, with scientists presenting progress on woolly mammoth revival and other restoration projects. However, the company still faces considerable technical and regulatory hurdles before commercializing its technology at scale.
The reported round comes as de-extinction gains broader cultural and scientific legitimacy. Other biotech firms have launched parallel efforts, but Colossal has emerged as the category leader in both funding and public visibility. A successful close at the higher end of the reported range would position the startup to accelerate development timelines and expand its research capabilities across multiple species.