Proceeds will accelerate Optibrium’s product development and expand the global reach of its computational chemistry and AI-driven discovery technology

Optibrium, a leading developer of software and AI solutions for molecular design, has announced it has secured a strategic financing package with Shawbrook, a specialist UK bank that provides finance to established UK businesses on high growth trajectories.

This multi-million-pound deal will enable Optibrium to continue to build its offering to global pharmaceutical and biotech teams, further increasing the speed and efficiency of their drug discovery timelines. The focus will be on improving the core technologies behind the Company’s software portfolio and building technical capabilities to support further global expansion. Areas of development focus will include Optibrium’s generative chemistry, collaborative design and 3D molecular modelling capabilities.

Following continued investment from Kester Capital since February 2021, Optibrium has experienced rapid adoption of its suite of innovative in silico platforms and AI solutions used to successfully navigate the complex challenges of modern drug discovery. Shawbrook structured the Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) based financing package to provide both immediate capital for current initiatives and committed facilities to support future opportunities.

The market for computer-aided drug discovery (CADD) is a fast-growing sector, driven by the increasing sophistication and capabilities of software tools that can deliver material cost and time savings for drug developers. Independent market research predicts that the global CADD market will reach $13.08 billion by 2034, rising from $4.21 billion in 2024 at a CAGR of 12%1.

Founded in 2009, and operating in the UK and US, Optibrium's software platforms combine rigorous scientific research with advanced computational methods. Over 160 global organisations use the Company’s suite of innovative software for compound design, optimisation and data analysis, which enables research teams to make more informed decisions earlier in the discovery process.

Peter Ralph, Partner at Kester Capital said, “We have been delighted by Optibrium’s exceptional growth and continued innovation since Kester’s initial investment. This financing package aligns with Optibrium’s strategic requirements and will ensure the company remains at the forefront of drug discovery technology development.”

Ally Henderson, Chief Financial Officer at Optibrium said, “This financing represents another key milestone for Optibrium. It is a validation of the outstanding work being done across our organisation and the value our technology brings to pharmaceutical research. The flexible package from Shawbrook supports both our immediate business requirements and longer-term strategic objectives, and we’re excited to see the benefits that this partnership will deliver to our growing customer base.”

Jack Longden, Director at Shawbrook said, “Optibrium is an exciting business which has shown impressive growth since Kester Capital’s investment in 2021. We're delighted to work with both parties, and to have structured a flexible financing package that supports the management team's vision for technology advancement and global expansion. We look forward to being their trusted financing partner as they continue to innovate in the drug discovery space.”

Financial details were not disclosed.

¹. Computer-Aided Drug Discovery Market Size, Report by 3034

About Optibrium

Optibrium develops exceptional software and AI solutions that help scientists advance their discovery projects. Cutting-edge science, backed up by rigorous research, underpins their intuitive software for compound design, optimisation and data analysis. Optibrium’s comprehensive in silico platform improves the speed, efficiency, and productivity of the chemistry discovery process and supports a worldwide customer base, including leading pharma, biotech, agrochemical and flavouring companies and not-for-profit and academic groups.

Optibrium was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Cambridge, UK, with a US subsidiary, Optibrium Inc., based in Cambridge MA.

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