EnsiliTech, an award-winning biotechnology start-up, has completed a second oversubscribed funding round, raising £4.5 million in seed investment to transform the way life-saving medicines are stored and transported worldwide. The round was led by Eos Advisory with follow-on investment from Calculus Capital and participation from Empirical Ventures, Fink Family Office, QantX, Angel Investors Bristol (AIB), HERmesa, Penn Park Capital, chANGELS, and additional angel investors.
The new capital will accelerate proof-of-concept uptake for existing and next-generation biopharmaceuticals through expansion of infrastructure and team capacity, alongside generation of essential validation data to support integration of Ensilication technology into pharmaceutical manufacturing workflows. Investment interest was also driven by EnsiliTech’s predominantly female leadership and research teams, a reflection of the company’s dedication to diversity, inclusivity, and scientific innovation. This strong female-led structure secured support from HERmesa, which exclusively backs female-led enterprises.
Current biopharmaceutical supply depends on a 50-year-old global cold chain system reliant on refrigeration and freezing during storage and transit. This system is highly energy-intensive and costly, with failures estimated to cause £26 billion in annual losses to the pharmaceutical industry. In developing economies, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that up to half of vaccines are wasted due to cold chain breakdowns, preventing millions from receiving vital treatments.
Co-founder and CEO Dr. Asel Sartbaeva stated: “Our mission is to ensure that life-saving medicines and vaccines reach everyone, everywhere, regardless of infrastructure or geography. By eliminating the need for refrigeration, our technology significantly reduces supply-chain costs and drug waste, while also lowering the environmental impact of pharmaceutical distribution. This investment is a major step forward for the team, and we’re thrilled to have the backing of partners who share our vision for a more equitable and sustainable future in global healthcare.”
EnsiliTech is supported by Spin Up Science Ventures and has advanced regulatory and commercial development through participation in the ICURe programme, the Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Fellowship, Pioneer LAUNCH, the SETsquared Scale-up programme, the Royal Academy of Engineering Shott Scale-up accelerator, and the Royal Society of Chemistry Change Maker initiative.
Recognition includes the Royal Society of Chemistry Emerging Technologies Competition, AHNTI Production Showcase Audience Choice (2024), Start-up of the Year South West – Innovative Start-up, MedTech & HealthTech Start-up, and Overall Regional Award Winner (2025), EntreConf Science and Female Entrepreneur of the Year (2024), and Leadership Awards South West (2025) for Emerging Entrepreneur (Asel Sartbaeva) and Young Leader (Matt Slade).