NewLimit, a longevity biotechnology company co-founded by Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, has seen its valuation surge to $3.1 billion following a substantial $435 million Series C funding round. This significant milestone comes before the company's drugs have commenced human testing, underscoring strong investor confidence in its age-reversal research. The Wall Street Journal reported on this development, stating, > "Exclusive: A longevity biotech co-founded by Coinbase’s CEO more than tripled in value to $3.1 billion—before its drugs begin human testing."
The Series C funding round was spearheaded by Founders Fund, with additional investments from new participants including Thrive Capital, Greenoaks, and Quiet Capital. Existing backers such as Kleiner Perkins, Abstract, and Eli Lilly Ventures also contributed to the round. This capital infusion will accelerate NewLimit's research and development efforts as it prepares for its first clinical trials.
Founded in 2021 by Brian Armstrong, former GV partner Blake Byers, and stem cell biologist Jacob Kimmel, NewLimit focuses on epigenetic reprogramming. The company aims to develop medicines that restore youthful function to old cells by altering gene expression without changing the underlying DNA. This approach is based on the scientific thesis that aging is "plastic" or malleable at the cellular level.
The company's rapid ascent in valuation, tripling from under $1 billion in less than a year, highlights the growing interest and investment in the longevity sector. Brian Armstrong, known for his success in the cryptocurrency space, has channeled substantial resources into this venture, reflecting a broader trend of tech billionaires backing ambitious scientific "moonshots." NewLimit's ability to secure such significant funding pre-clinical demonstrates investor belief in its foundational science and potential.
NewLimit has announced plans to initiate human clinical trials next year, specifically targeting alcohol-related liver disease with its first drug candidate. According to the company, this condition can be viewed as "accelerated aging," providing a critical pathway to test its age-reversal technologies. The company expresses optimism that reprogramming cell age holds the potential to extend healthy years for individuals, moving closer to delaying or even reversing aging.
