Biotech spinout Forge Genetics raises £2m from Midlands Engine Investment Fund II
At a glance
This article covers a £2m funding round on 1 October 2025 for Forge Genetics, a University of Nottingham spinout that has developed a novel gene-editing tool, founded by Professor Nigel Minton, Dr Chris Humphreys, Dr Craig Woods and Dr Lisa Thomas. The funding totalled £2m and was led by Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, with Mercia Ventures also participating.
What does Forge Genetics do?
Forge Genetics provides a gene-editing tool that enables precise modification of bacterial and other cells' DNA. Its primary use is editing bacterial strains for pharmaceutical research and detecting and removing damaged cells.
Why is Forge Genetics useful?
Problem
Researchers and biotech firms struggle to edit a wide range of bacterial strains efficiently and safely. Existing tools often kill edited bacterial cells and cause unwanted DNA mutations in human cells.
Solution
Forge Genetics explains that it offers a more precise gene-editing tool for a wider range of bacterial strains. It can detect unwanted DNA mutations and filter damaged cells, offering a safer option for human cell editing.
How much did Forge Genetics raise?
Forge Genetics has raised £2m from Midlands Engine Investment Fund II via fund manager Mercia Ventures. This makes it the 2nd largest funding round in October 2025 (4 recorded). It stands 328th for 2025 (475 total) in the Startupmag database, as of 1 October 2025.
For details on how Startupmag compiles its rankings, view our Methodology.
Who invested in Forge Genetics?
The key investors in this funding are:
- Midlands Engine Investment Fund II: A regional investment fund that provides equity and debt to small and medium-sized enterprises across the Midlands to support growth and commercialisation.
If you're researching potential backers in this space:
- Explore our list of biotech venture capital firms in the UK
- Browse our directory of biotech angel investors in the UK
Who founded Forge Genetics?
The founders of Forge Genetics are Professor Nigel Minton, Dr Chris Humphreys, Dr Craig Woods and Dr Lisa Thomas.
In the funding announcement, Dr Craig Woods, co-founder and CEO of Forge Genetics explained:
The Forge editing tool was designed to overcome the challenges in editing more exotic strains of bacteria and opens up potential for new drugs and other products. The funding will enable us to expand our business more quickly and adapt it for human cells.
The company continued the funding is intended to boost uptake of the new technology by offering an alternative to existing gene-editing tools.
Where is Forge Genetics based?
Forge Genetics is based in Nottingham, UK.
What sector is Forge Genetics in?
Forge Genetics operates in the biotech sector. The biotech sector uses living cells and biology to create medicines, tests and industrial products.
Key trends and challenges in Biotech:
More precise and broader gene-editing tools
New editors go beyond CRISPR and can edit bacterial strains and diverse cell types.
Safety and regulatory scrutiny for human edits
Regulators demand proof that edits avoid harmful off-target mutations before patient use, for example in sickle cell therapy.
High treatment costs and scaling challenges
Advanced therapies can cost over £1.65m per patient, limiting access and slowing wider adoption.
For a deeper look at innovation in this space, see the biotech startups in the UK.
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