Nanotechnology: Top 5 Deals in the US in 2023

November 21, 2023

Crocus Technology

On August 8th 2023, it was announced that Allegro Microsystems would take over Crocus Technology in a deal valued at $420 million. The acquisition will be financed through Allegro’s available cash and a newly secured term loan, with the transaction expected to finalise by year-end 2023, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.

By integrating Crocus’s specialised technology and product lineup, Allegro is poised to capitalise on the surge in sectors such as e-mobility, clean energy, and automation, which Crocus supports with a portfolio of over 200 patents. Market projections indicate that the magnetic sensing market could exceed $5 billion by 2030. Within this domain, Tunnel Magnetoresistance (TMR) is the fastest-growing segment, on track to reach a market value near $1 billion by the same timeframe. With TMR’s Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) estimated at around 30%, primarily fueled by automotive and industrial applications, it is set to grow faster than the overall magnetic sensing market’s expansion rate.

Aera Therapeutics

On February 16th 2023, Aera Therapeutics successfully completed a Series B venture funding round, securing $193 million. The financing was led by industry leaders GV, Lux Capital, and ARCH Venture Partners, with Newpath Partners, F-Prime Capital, and Altitude Life Science Ventures also making significant contributions. These funds are designated for the advancement of Aera’s pioneering delivery platform, which is expected to revolutionise the field of genetic medicines through its application in a wide range of treatments and healthcare areas.

The core technology of Aera Therapeutics revolves around a proprietary protein nanoparticle (PNP) delivery system for genetic medicines. This cutting-edge platform is engineered from retroelement-derived human proteins that inherently assemble into capsid-like structures, resembling those found in viruses. These formations are capable of enclosing and carrying nucleic acids, thereby facilitating targeted delivery. The convergence of a naturally derived, self-assembling process with the versatility of protein-based delivery promises to significantly broaden the horizons of genetic therapies in multiple fields of medicine.

Apton Biosystems

PacBio has entered into an acquisition agreement with Apton Biosystems, a transaction announced on August 2nd 2023, that could total up to $110 million. Under the terms of the agreement, Apton is set to receive approximately $85 million upfront, predominantly through the issuance of about 6.3 million shares of PacBio’s stock. Moreover, an additional $25 million may be rewarded in the form of stock, cash, or a combination thereof, contingent on Apton’s technology contributing to $50 million in sales from a high-capacity sequencer.

Apton Biosystems, located in Pleasanton, California, is renowned for its innovation in Super-Res™ sequencing and single-molecule detection technologies, which have significant applications in comprehensive clinical contexts such as population sequencing and early cancer detection. The company’s breakthrough is in creating optical systems that enable sequencing by super-resolution, allowing the observation of molecules spaced narrower than the wavelength of light. Apton’s Super-Res™ technology is revolutionary in its capacity to produce tens of billions of sequencing reads simultaneously using straightforward, non-patterned flow cells, which notably cuts down on the variable costs associated with sequencing.

Switch Therapeutics

Switch Therapeutics officially announced its launch with a $52 million funding round on March 14th 2023. The Series A round was co-led by Insight Partners and UCB Ventures. It also garnered contributions from previous backers such as Upfront Ventures and BOLD Capital Partners, in addition to new investors like Eli Lilly and Company, Ono Venture Investment, Digitalis Ventures, Dolby Family Ventures, Free Flow Ventures, PhiFund Ventures, among others.

Switch Therapeutics is redefining biotechnology with their innovative medical solutions that harness the power of RNA interference (RNAi) science and nucleic acid nanotechnology, specifically targeting diseases of the central nervous system and other systemic conditions currently lacking effective treatments. The brainchild of co-founder and CTO Si-ping Han, Ph.D., and his team, Switch has developed a proprietary Conditionally Activated siRNA (CASi) platform. This unique technology combines the best of single and double-stranded RNAs, allowing for targeted RNAi activation within specific cells. It also promises enhanced gene silencing efficiency, precise delivery, and prolonged action, revolutionising the way we approach complex medical challenges.

ZEDA

Shortly after its transformation into ZEDA, an international pioneer in advanced 3D manufacturing and nanotechnology, the amalgamated entities PrinterPrezz and Vertex Manufacturing secured a £42.90 million investment in a Series B round January 23rd 2023. This investment was led by returning U.S. patrons Boutique Venture Partners and Berkeley Catalyst Fund, alongside DOV Management and Belgium’s Solvay Ventures, with additional capital from newcomers such as Michelin, Mitsubishi Chemical Group’s Taiyo Nippon Sanso, and France’s Fives Group.

ZEDA is gearing up to funnel this capital into launching a cutting-edge digital manufacturing hub in Cincinnati, Ohio, and magnifying their global presence to serve the surging need for metal 3D printing in fields ranging from healthcare to aerospace and energy. Furthermore, they are tapping into Asia’s growing market for 3D-printed medical implants by setting up a design and innovation branch in Singapore.

Talent Insight

“These strategic investments underscore an increasing demand for talent that can navigate the nuances of nanotech, particularly in super-resolution, genetic medicine delivery, and advanced semiconductor realms. In the wake of these deals, we anticipate a surge in roles such as nanotechnologists, nanofabrication specialists and molecular imaging specialists. The future promises a competitive job market, rich with opportunities for those who can bridge the gap between cutting-edge nanotech research and practical, scalable solutions for tomorrow’s challenges.”

– Tyler Huskins, Advanced Technology Executive Search Specialist

Published on 21-11-2023