Freeths advises SynGenSys on £1.8m seed fundraise as biotechnology business appoints new COD

5th April 2024

Freeths advises SynGenSys on £1.8m seed fundraise as biotechnology business appoints new Commercial Operations Director

National law firm Freeths has advised SynGenSys, a fast-growing biotechnology spinout company from the University of Sheffield, on its successful angel-led £1.8m seed fundraise as Dr Andy Racher steps in as its Commercial Operations Director.

Corporate finance advice on the fundraise was provided by Translink.

SynGenSys specialises in designing and constructing synthetic genetic components to advance next-generation biomedicines and biomanufacturing processes.

With over three decades of experience in the biotechnology sector, Andy brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. He has previously held numerous senior positions at Lonza Biologics, a leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO). Andy's roles at Lonza included Director of R&D IP Strategy, Associate Director within the Future Technologies Group, Head of Process Development Sciences, Acting Head of Cell Culture Process Development, and Senior Principal Scientist of Cell Culture Process Development.

Commenting on Andy’s appointment, Freeths’ Corporate Partner Peter Crawford said: 

“Having recently advised on SynGenSys’ successful seed fundraise, it is great to see the company making real progress and Andy’s appointment is fundamental to support that growth. I’m confident he will be a great addition to the team.” 

Andy continued: 

"I am delighted to be joining the SynGenSys team at such an exciting time in the company's development, and I am looking forward to helping SynGenSys build out its market-facing commercial function."

Professor David James, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of SynGenSys added:

"We are very pleased to have recruited someone of Andy's calibre to our team.  His is the first of a number of appointments that the company is looking to make as we start to offer our products and services to customers across the world."