Biotech company Genexis and others secure preliminary investment; Zigly buys out Dr Santa's Animal Healthcare business
In a significant move for the biotech industry, Vadodara-based startup Genexis Biotech has raised ₹4 crore in a seed funding round led by GVFL, with participation from Benzai10. This investment will be used to expand the company's bioreactor capacity, build downstream processing infrastructure, and launch a new line of smart proteins and recombinant peptidase enzymes.
Genexis Biotech specialises in producing animal-origin-free recombinant proteins using precision fermentation for sectors such as biopharma, food-tech, and cell culture. The company currently operates a certified Class 10,000 facility and is establishing a GMP-compliant production unit to meet higher regulatory standards.
Over the past year, Genexis has introduced recombinant peptidases such as amino peptidase and enterokinase, partnered with pharmaceutical and biotech companies, signed an MoU with the Gujarat government, and received orders for alternative protein formulation projects.
Looking ahead, Genexis plans to expand sales, distribution, and regulatory compliance capabilities, enter the regulated biotech export market, collaborate with CDMOs, academic labs, and biopharma firms, and develop encapsulated growth factor formulations for the cosmetics industry.
Meanwhile, pet care brand Zigly, owned by listed specialty films and packaging company Cosmo First, has announced the acquisition of Dr Santa Animal Healthcare. This move is part of Zigly's commitment to specialized, holistic pet care and expanding its footprint in India's premium pet care market. The acquisition deal value for Dr Santa Animal Healthcare was not disclosed.
The acquisition will see Zigly transform the acquired clinic into a multi-speciality pet care center in Whitefield, Bengaluru. The center will offer veterinary consultations, surgeries, diagnostics, ultrasounds, X-rays, in-patient care, a premium grooming spa, and a curated selection of pet products.
Elsewhere, EVeez, an independent startup, secured $5 million in a Series A round led by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. Caret Capital also invested $1 million in EVeez, and the funds will drive product innovation and urban logistics penetration.
In other news, Vipul Kumar, director at Genexis Biotech, stated that the seed round marks a key milestone in their journey and will accelerate their path to scale, enabling sustainable innovation across healthcare, food, and bio-industrial sectors. The company's certified Class 10,000 manufacturing facility is now operational, with plans underway for a GMP-compliant unit. Genexis also plans to strengthen quality control, regulatory compliance, and expansion of sales and distribution channels.
As these companies continue to grow and innovate, they are set to make significant contributions to the Indian biotech and pet care industries.
Technology plays a crucial role in Genexis Biotech's operations, as they leverage precision fermentation and downstream processing infrastructure to produce animal-origin-free recombinant proteins. Meanwhile, the integration of technology will help Zigly's newly acquired pet care center in Whitefield, Bengaluru, offer advanced diagnostic services such as ultrasounds and X-rays.
