In a world still filled with uncertainty, Tomorrow.Bio is carving out a distinct niche by offering cryopreservation services. The Berlin-based startup promises to keep people and pets cryogenically preserved in liquid nitrogen after death, in the hope that future scientific advances will allow for revival. Founded in 2020 by Dr. Emil Kendziorra and Fernando Azevedo Pinheiro, the company recently announced a €5 million equity round’s first close aimed at scaling its operations. The financial backing will also support expansion into the U.S. market while doubling down on research and development activities to enhance preservation quality. As interesting as this endeavor is, skepticism around the feasibility and ethics of human cryopreservation lingers, yet it continues to captivate early adopters and scientists intrigued by futuristic possibilities.
Cryopreservation has long attracted attention but has remained controversial, primarily focusing on preserving the human body at extremely low temperatures to halt biological processes. A few years back, much skepticism surrounded financial sustainability and technical feasibility, casting doubt on its future. Now, as scientific communities worldwide further indulge in cryogenic research and discussions, Tomorrow.Bio is actively participating in exploring technological advancements. The entry of venture capital indicates a shift toward viewing cryopreservation as not only a scientific endeavor but a viable business proposition.
What Drives Tomorrow.Bio’s Recent Funding Efforts?
The company’s proactive approach involves securing funding well ahead to avoid financial instability. According to Dr. Kendziorra, the geopolitical uncertainties can immediately disrupt funding streams, underscoring the need for adequate preparation.
“Geopolitical instability can quickly disrupt funding sources, and I’ve experienced this first hand running startups in the past,” said Kendziorra.
The company plans to allocate capital resources strategically rather than relying on individual donors, while maintaining control over its operations.
What Will the Expansion into the U.S. Entail?
The company is targeting U.S. coastal cities, where the general population is more receptive to innovative ideas. Initial plans involve setting up locations in New York, California, and Florida. As Tomorrow.Bio plans to expand its reach, the strategic choice to enter the U.S. market will likely enhance its operation’s visibility while simultaneously enabling the firm to adopt new preservation methods.
Dr. Kendziorra highlights that cultural differences play a role in public receptivity, necessitating tailored communication strategies for different regions.
“We aim for thoughtful, science-driven communication,” Kendziorra stated.
Enhancing its research effectiveness, the company is leveraging artificial intelligence to create computational models for cryoprotective agents, although it remains cautious in applying AI directly in customer interactions.
The clientele primarily consists of early adopters from technology sectors, scientists, and innovation enthusiasts. Despite more signed contracts than ever, the company acknowledges the challenge of driving people’s motivation to engage with cryopreservation.
Pets, originally not a part of Tomorrow.Bio’s financial model, have been gaining interest, paralleling the growing connection people feel with their animals, considering them family.
Tomorrow.Bio continues to research methods that could eventually enable human rewarming after cryopreservation. The company has invested in experimenting with various approaches, including microwave energy, ultrasound waves, and nanoparticle techniques, each offering its challenges and potentials. Its ambitions also include opening another storage site and raising awareness about both technological and ethical aspects of cryopreservation.
Given the complexities involved, detailed public communication remains essential for companies like Tomorrow.Bio. Its services are not only scientific exploits but also touch upon ethical realms. As the company engages in expanding its operations, attention to public perceptions, transparent policy, and technological advancements remain crucial in navigating the quest for future revival. Cryopreservation is undeniably a topic of considerable intrigue, though its realization may unfold more gradually than expected.
