Roslin Technologies launches £50m capital raise

Roslin Innovation Centre

Edinburgh-based Roslin Technologies, the specialist AgriTech venture builder, is embarking on a £50 million second round capital raise that would value the company at more than £55 million. 

The four-year-old business — which partners with the Roslin Institute, creator of Dolly the Sheep — will use the funds to invest in a wide range of AgriTech initiatives and build relationships through its growing number of portfolio companies.

The investment round will be led by Milltrust International LLP and JBI Equity, two leading AgriTech advisors that were founding investors in the company.

Roslin Technologies is based in the Midlothian Science Zone, one of the largest animal science innovation hubs in the world. Its focus is the science of sustainable food.

Founded to help turn the scientific discoveries of the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies into marketable products for the agricultural and veterinary sectors, the company has broadened its scope to build partnerships around the world investing both capital and expertise.

Recent investments include a Singapore-based business which turns insects into animal feed and fertiliser in a single process.

And while Covid-19 is weighing on certain types of investments, the company could attract interest due to its non-cyclical and defensive aspects, focused on improving food security and safety.

Roslin Technologies CEO Glen Illing said:  “The capital raise is a significant milestone for us, demonstrating our huge potential.

“Our clients are eagerly embracing technology solutions that our scientists are making, and we’re confident that our new key initiatives in the fields of insect, shrimp and cultivated meat technology will become large-scale commercial ventures that make a positive difference to world markets.

“Building on this incredible work, we believe Roslin Technologies will become one of the world’s leading AgriTech venture businesses.”

JBI equity partner Kristian Bennetsen said: “We are truly delighted to reach this important marker of a Series B raise.

“The venture building approach Roslin Technologies is taking is unique in the industry, and we expect to see the partnership with the University of Edinburgh continue to develop and grow.

“The new projects are truly cutting edge and we are excited to see a period of accelerated growth ahead.”

Milltrust chief executive officer Simon Hopkins said: “As one of the founding investors in Roslin Technologies, it is very exciting to help the company take its next key growth step.

“We always knew the commercial potential for a business working with these leading scientists was excellent, and the next compelling pipeline of projects, along with the current portfolio growth, is tremendous to see.  

“I look forward to sharing what has to this point been a well-kept secret to the widest range of investors – institutions, pension funds, family offices – about the considerable potential of Roslin Technologies.”