Semarion, a University of Cambridge spin-out focused on advancing cell-based research, announced it has raised $3.8 million to expand its next-generation cell assay technology and accelerate adoption across the pharmaceutical industry. The funding round was led by Parkwalk, with participation from The FSE Group, Cambridge Enterprise Ventures, Oxford Innovation Finance, Found Capital, Cambridge Capital Group, and Start Codon. The company said the new capital will support scaling manufacturing and commercial capacity for its SemaCyte platform.
Semarion’s SemaCyte technology enables adherent cell models to be handled as assay-ready, barcoded reagents, allowing researchers to generate more data-rich and scalable drug discovery workflows. The company is focusing on increasing manufacturing throughput, expanding its field application team, and driving broader customer adoption.
The platform has already been adopted by leading pharmaceutical companies across the U.S. and Europe, with multiple pilot programs progressing toward full commercial rollout. Semarion has also established collaborations with life sciences tools providers, including Revvity and SPT Labtech, integrating its microcarrier technology into imaging, analysis, and automated liquid handling systems.
This latest raise builds on the company’s earlier $2.89 million seed round completed in 2022. Semarion plans to use the new funding to strengthen partnerships and support its next phase of growth as demand for scalable, high-content cell-based workflows increases.
KEY QUOTES:
“Parkwalk is excited to be supporting the development of Semarion’s technology that has the potential to make a step change in cell-based research, accelerating a critical path in drug discovery. We are backing a team that has proven it can execute in delivering a product that works and can be adopted in customer workflows. This funding will allow Semarion to scale, reaching its full potential and creating value for investors and making a real-world impact.”
John Pearson, Chief Investment Officer, Parkwalk
“Semarion’s approach aligns strongly with the industry’s growing demand for more scalable, information-rich cell-based workflows. Their unique use of optically barcoded cell microcarriers opens up exciting new possibilities for high-content screening and profiling, helping researchers generate richer datasets without sacrificing throughput. We have greatly enjoyed working with the Semarion team and look forward to continuing our collaboration to advance next-generation drug discovery workflows.”
Karin Boettcher, Product Manager High-Content Screening, Revvity
“This funding marks an important step as we scale to meet growing demand from the industry. Scientists are under increasing pressure to generate more cell-based data, improve automation and drive operational efficiency. SemaCytes enable them to do this within existing workflows and infrastructure, and we are now focused on translating that momentum into broader adoption.”
Jeroen Verheyen, CEO and Co-Founder, Semarion
