bitBiome, a startup developing microbial genome analysis technology, announced on May 26 the completion of the third close of its extended seed funding round. The company has secured approximately ¥35 billion (around $22 million) in combined equity, debt, and grants. Roughly 80% of the total is composed of non-dilutive capital, suggesting that debt financing is the primary component.
Founded in Tokyo in 2018, the company was founded by Masahito Hosokawa, a professor at Waseda University who serves as Chief Scientific Officer. bitBiome is headquartered within the university and also maintains a presence at the Japan Innovation Campus in Silicon Valley.
Aiming for bio-recycling of plastic waste on the back of core technology
At the heart of bitBiome’s technology stack is bit-MAP, a platform that encapsulates individual microbial cells and decodes each cell’s genome sequence. The company also applies bioinformatics capabilities to estimate the genes and functions of individual microorganisms and to identify differences in base sequences relative to closely related strains.
Building on bit-MAP, the company has constructed bit-GEM, a microbial genome database. It has also developed bit-QED, a solution that uses bioinformatics and cheminformatics to identify optimal candidate genome sequences.
While bitBiome is already advancing partnerships with pharmaceutical and consumer goods companies, the author also has environmental applications in its sights, including solutions for plastic waste. In August 2025, bitBiome and Bell Polyester Products, a resin manufacturer based in Yamaguchi Prefecture, were jointly selected for the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization’s (NEDO) “Bio-Manufacturing Revolution Promotion Program”. The project is expected to involve a demonstration of bio-based recycling of plastic waste.
Funds earmarked for development
The equity portion of the May funding round drew participation from Darwin Ventures, a Taiwanese venture capital firm, and U.S.-based In-Q-Tel, among others.
The company states that the proceeds will be “invested with priority in expanding bit-GEM, enhancing the AI platform SENS-AI, scaling up lab operations to accelerate data collection, and strengthening global business development capabilities.”
The company has shared comments from investors. Olivia Jones, Managing Director of In-Q-Tel, explained the rationale for the investment: “The company has amassed a uniquely diverse microbial database, which combined with its advanced modeling capabilities, gives them an edge in enzyme discovery, engineering, and biomanufacturing. We believe this capability is strategically important, not only for commercial enzyme innovation, but also for advancing the frontier of engineered biology and biosecurity.”
