ImmuONE Secures Additional Funding to Advance 3D Lung Model
Deal News | Mar 13, 2025 | Mercia Fund Management (Mercia Ventures)
ImmuONE, a UK-based biotech startup pioneering a 3D human lung model to eliminate the need for animal testing, has secured an additional £600,000 in funding. This capital injection comes from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund, Mercia Ventures, and the Pioneer Group. Founded by Dr. Abigail Martin and Professor Victoria Hutter, ImmuONE was established in 2019 and has since attracted several blue-chip clients thanks to its innovative laboratory model that offers reliable and reproducible results. The new funding will enable ImmuONE to enhance its capabilities, explore new sectors such as agrichemicals and automotive, and expand its team by hiring two new scientists. The company aims to continue improving its test and assay offerings and actively engage regulators to adapt industry standards for animal-free testing. This follows a previous investment of £2 million in 2023, which facilitated the company's move to new premises in Milton Keynes and additional space in Stevenage. Commenting on the funding, representatives from Mercia Ventures, British Business Bank, and the Pioneer Group have expressed confidence in ImmuONE's potential to revolutionize the testing industry and reduce reliance on animal models.
Sectors
- Biotechnology
- Investment
- Consumer Products and Pharmaceuticals
Geography
- United Kingdom – The primary geographical focus is on the UK, where ImmuONE is based and where the investment and developmental activities are taking place.
Industry
- Biotechnology – ImmuONE operates within the Biotechnology sector, utilizing biotechnological innovations to develop a human 3D lung model, which aims to replace traditional animal testing methods.
- Investment – The article discusses funding from investment firms and funds, illustrating an investment transaction in an innovative biotech company.
- Consumer Products and Pharmaceuticals – ImmuONE's services extend to both the consumer products and pharmaceutical industries, helping them directly with more accurate testing.
Financials
- £600,000 – The amount raised by ImmuONE in additional funding from various investors.
- £2 million – The initial investment secured by ImmuONE in 2023 to enable its expansion.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| ImmuONE | Target | Company | A UK-based biotech startup developing a 3D human lung model for alternative testing. |
| Mercia Ventures | Investor | Company | A venture capital and private equity firm that has invested in ImmuONE. |
| Midlands Engine Investment Fund | Investor | Company | A fund aiming to support small businesses in the Midlands, also investing in ImmuONE. |
| Pioneer Group | Investor | Company | A supporter of ImmuONE, aiding in its business growth. |
| Dr Abigail Martin | Founder | Person | Co-founder of ImmuONE and instrumental in its development and direction. |
| Professor Victoria Hutter | Founder | Person | Co-founder of ImmuONE. |
| British Business Bank | Commentator | Company | Provides commentary as a supporter of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund. |
| European Union | Funding Support | Government | Supports the Midlands Engine Investment Fund through funding mechanisms. |