University of Bristol Spin-Out Secures Seed Funding

• Ferryx secures first funding for further development of innovative solution to common gut problem

• £300k secured from Deepbridge Capital

Ferryx, a Bristol-based biotech start-up, has successfully raised £300k seed capital from Deepbridge Capital.

Ferryx is a University of Bristol spin-out company that aims to tackle the lack of satisfactory treatments for gut inflammation. Gut inflammation is an excruciating condition and one form, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), affects 6.8 million people worldwide.

Despite its high prevalence, a lack of satisfactory treatments leaves sufferers reliant on medications with significant negative side effects. As a result, patients turn to probiotics as they are regarded as safe and natural alternatives to conventional drugs and their associated side effects.

Ferryx’s lead product, FX856, is a probiotic with demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties that survives and thrives during active inflammation.  Currently there is no available probiotic that can function during periods of active inflammation.

Dr Jenny Bailey, CEO at Ferryx, commented;

“ We are delighted to be working with Deepbridge. Their expertise in the life sciences sector adds significant value to this investment and we feel that they are our ideal partners at this pivotal time as we look to launch our first product and work towards clinical trials.”

— Jenny Bailey

Ben Carter, Investment Director, Head of Life Sciences, at Deepbridge Capital, added;

“Jenny and the team at Ferryx absolutely represent the inspiring innovators that we look for in early-stage life sciences companies. We are delighted to be supporting another great university spin-out in the burgeoning UK life sciences sector.”

— Ben Carter

Ferryx is preparing for the launch of FX856 as a food supplement product, whilst simultaneously preparing to take the product through a clinical trial in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Deepbridge’s capital was provided via the Deepbridge Life Sciences EIS and SEIS funds.

Ferryx was advised by legal firm VWV.

About Ferryx

Ferryx is a University of Bristol spin-out biotech company which specialises in scientific innovation in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Formed by CEO Dr Jenny Bailey and Dr Tristan Cogan (CTO), Ferryx researches and produces live biotherapeutic products for human and veterinary use. Incorporated in 2019, the company was the 2020 runner up in the University of Bristol New Enterprise scheme funding awards, the winner of the Techspark SPARKies ‘Good’ award, and in 2021 won the ‘Best Elevator Pitch’ at SETsquared’s Tech-Xpo event.

About Deepbridge Capital

To date, Deepbridge has deployed over £220m of venture capital across more than 130 companies across the UK, including in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.  Supporting energetic, passionate and knowledgeable management teams, Deepbridge seeks to identify highly innovative companies to grow into highly successful companies, with a view to providing optimal returns to investors. As investment specialists in the technology, life sciences and renewable energy sectors, Deepbridge works with investee companies throughout their funding journey with an eye always on producing a suitable exit for investors.

For further information, please visit www.deepbridgecapital.com.