Mandrake Bio raises $1.9M pre-seed for AI-driven gene-editing enzymes

Bengaluru-based Mandrake Bio has raised ₹16 crore ($1.9 million) in a pre-seed round co-led by Activate and Antler India. The startup is developing a generative AI and biophysics platform aimed at designing custom gene-editing enzymes, a field that combines computational biology with industrial-scale biomanufacturing.

The funding amount is notable. Early-stage rounds for startups in this space often fall below this level, and the size of Mandrake’s raise suggests investor confidence in its approach.

Mandrake’s work centers on creating enzymes that could enable precise gene edits, though the startup has not detailed how its method compares to existing tools. The company suggests its AI models could generate enzymes tailored to specific sequences, which might streamline the process of enzyme engineering. If successful, this could appeal to industries seeking alternatives to traditional biomanufacturing methods.

However, the path forward is uncertain. Companies in this space often face lengthy development cycles, and AI-driven biology has yet to prove its commercial viability at scale. Other startups are also exploring generative AI for enzyme and protein design, though Mandrake’s biophysics-focused approach could offer distinct advantages—if it delivers on its promises.

Bengaluru’s role as a funding hub extends beyond software and fintech, as seen in Mandrake’s raise. Recent data showed the city accounting for a significant share of India’s tech startup funding in 2026, and this round aligns with a broader trend of deep-tech and biotech startups attracting early-stage capital there. This contrasts with other Indian startup hubs, where non-digital ventures have struggled to secure pre-seed funding.

What happens next will shape perceptions of this round. Mandrake has not shared details about pilot customers or partnerships, and its website offers limited technical information. The startup’s ability to form collaborations with industry players—or demonstrate tangible progress—will determine whether this funding is seen as a strategic move or an optimistic gamble. For now, the $1.9 million pre-seed signals investor willingness to back ambitious biology startups, but the real test will be whether Mandrake can turn its vision into results before the capital runs out.

Sources: financialexpress.com