Twist Bioscience Spins Out Atlas Data Storage with $155M to Commercialize DNA-Based Data Storage

Twist Bioscience has launched Atlas Data Storage as an independent company focused entirely on the development and commercialization of DNA data storage technologies. Atlas debuts with $155 million in seed funding from investors including ARCH Venture Partners, Deerfield Management, Bezos Expeditions, Tao Capital, Rsquared VC, In-Q-Tel, and others. 

The spinout allows Twist to concentrate on its core life sciences business and long-term profitability goals, while retaining a minority stake in Atlas. According to Twist CEO Emily Leproust, this separation enables both companies to pursue their respective markets more effectively. 

Twist now projects achieving adjusted EBITDA breakeven (i.e. operating at zero loss before interest, taxes, and non-cash expenses) by the end of fiscal 2026. 

Atlas will license Twist's existing DNA data storage technology and pursue commercialization through early access programs. Varun Mehta, founder of Nimble Storage, will serve as CEO of Atlas, with Twist co-founder Bill Banyai joining as CTO. The company aims to address growing demand in the long-term digital storage market by advancing synthetic DNA as a high-density, durable storage medium. 

Twist receives upfront cash, a secured note, and retains rights to revenue-sharing and milestone payments from future Atlas products. Both companies will operate independently but maintain close ties, with Leproust serving on the Atlas board. 

Atlas will establish operations in regions of high storage demand, backed by a leadership team with deep experience in storage hardware and enterprise systems. Twist will discuss this development during its Q2 earnings call on May 5, 2025.

Twist Bioscience develops a silicon-based DNA synthesis platform designed to produce high-fidelity oligonucleotides and gene fragments at scale through miniaturized, chip-based chemistry. Its offerings include synthetic genes, variant and antibody libraries, targeted NGS panels, and RNA tools, aimed at supporting applications in drug discovery, functional genomics, and diagnostics. The company also provides antibody discovery services through its Twist Biopharma division and has been involved in efforts to encode digital data in DNA, a concept aimed at enabling long-term data storage.

Topics: Startups & Deals