In Startup50 2017: Transcell Biologics provides end-to-end solutions in stem cell bio banking and also conducts R&D to use stem cell-based techniques for drug discovery. Backed by IAN, the company has maintained a strong revenue momentum in its stem cell banking business even as its R & D efforts are impressive  

Founders: Dr. Subhadra Dravida

Business and research go hand-in-hand: Established in 2011, Transcell Biologics (Transcell), a biotech company, has three divisions namely, a stem-cell storage division that brings in primary revenue, a research and development wing with a focus on long-term stem cell-based techniques in drug discovery and research in the area of regenerative medicine.

The company collaborates with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and their senior scientific team on R&D efforts, especially, in the process adoption for drug discovery. Recently, Transcell has filed a patent to deliver a stem cell-based vaccine platform to prevent ovarian cancer.

Driving steady growth: There are few companies that can boast of being profitable in the first year of operations and Transcell is one such. At present, its team comprises of 40 members and for FY17, the company recorded revenues of Rs. 10.36 crore.  

The company is backed by Indian Angel Network which came on board in April 2016 with an investment of US$ 1 million. This round was led by angel investor Sanjay Jesrani  who expressed faith in the company’s vision of helping the needy through home grown research and drug solutions that are made affordable.

Qucik Facts:

• Transcell Biologics stem-cell storage division is the primary revenue earner while its research efforts are focused in the areas of on long-term stem cell-based techniques in drug discovery and regenerative medicine
• Turned profitable in the first year of operations
• Backed by Indian Angel Network which came on board in April 2016 with an investment of US$ 1 million