Cell conversion technology developer Mogrify's founding team includes representation from the universities of Bristol and Monash, as well as Duke University - NUS Medical School.

Cell Mogrify, a UK-based cell conversion technology with links to research from multiple academic institutions, closed its seed round at $3.7m today with investors led by patient capital fund Ahren Innovation Capital.
The close followed an extension of undisclosed size and was backed by private equity firm 24Haymarket along with Cell Mogrify’s newly-appointed chief executive, Darrin Disley.
Details of the initial seed tranche have not been disclosed, though the announcement confirmed Cell Mogrify would now seek series A funding.
Mogrify has created a data analytics-driven cell conversion platform that interprets genetic sequencing information to identify the optimal parameters for converting any mature cell type into another cell type.
The approach is intended to supplant the need for pluripotent stem cells, the highly-flexible form of embryonic cell often used to create a range of cell types within the body. It works by identifying the transcription factors and small molecules needed to convert a given cell.
Mogrify hopes the concept will address issues cell therapy developers and manufacturers currently face surrounding efficacy, safety and achieving scale.
The company’s strategy focuses on leveraging internal development programs and partnerships to target indications which lack approved cell therapies at present, such as cardiac repair and cartilage regeneration.
Mogrify’s founding team includes Julian Gough, honorary professor at University of Bristol’s Department of Computer Science, along with Jose Polo, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at Monash University.
Owen Rackham, assistant professor at Duke University-NUS Medical School,  is also a co-founder of Mogrify, while Steve Jackson, professor of biology at University of Cambridge and a partner at Ahren Innovation Capital, has been appointed chairman.
Alice Newcombe-Ellis, founder and managing partner at Ahren Innovation Capital, said: “Mogrify’s team has a strong track record of success, and their cutting-edge approach to direct cellular conversion has the potential to disrupt cell therapy, placing the company in a unique position to address a large market opportunity.
“This is an exciting time for Mogrify and we are pleased to be supporting them.”