The Proteintech Group, based in Chicago, is acquiring Chromotek from Martinsried.
Photo: Aaron Bean / Unsplash

Proteintech Group acquires Chromotek

Proteintech acquires the Martinsried-based startup Chromotek, expanding its portfolio of next-generation antibody technologies. For Bayern Kapital and High-Tech Gründerfonds, the acquisition represents a successful exit.

Chromotek will soon be part of the American antibody producer Proteintech Group. Based in Martinsried, Chromotek claims to be the market leader for research nanobodies, i.e., high-performance recombinant reagents used in research. In the future, the two companies plan to collaborate on topics such as high-resolution microscopy and multiplex assays. Marion Jung, CEO of Chromotek, says:

"Our application-optimized, nanobody-based research reagents perfectly complement the broad proteome coverage of Proteintech's antibody portfolio. It is highly motivating and inspiring to collaborate with a company that shares our values of reproducibility and quality for the benefit of our customers' research and beyond."

Founded in 2008 as an LMU spin-off

Chromotek was founded in 2008 as a spin-off from Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) Munich to further investigate the application areas of alpaca single-domain antibodies, so-called nanobodies. The LMU researchers ultimately succeeded in developing extremely efficient tools for combining cell biology work with comprehensive proteomic analysis. Due to high demand, this research project evolved into a company.

Exit after 10 years

The takeover of the Martinried startup means a successful withdrawal for the High-Tech Gründerfonds and Bavaria Capital, who arranged Chromotek's seed financing in 2010. Bernd Goergen, partner at High-Tech Gründerfonds, is pleased:

"Thank you for the genuine joy of working with such a competent and dedicated founding and management team for over 10 years since our seed investment. All the best for the new future with the Proteintech Group."

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