Backing from Shawbrook follows rapid customer growth and positions Optibrium to capitalise on booming $13 billion computer-aided drug discovery market

Optibrium, a leading developer of software and AI solutions for molecular design, has secured a multi-million-pound financing package from Shawbrook, a UK-based specialist bank focused on high-growth businesses.

With more than 160 global organisations now using its technology, Optibrium is scaling to meet demand as the computer-aided drug discovery (CADD) market is projected to grow from $4.21 billion in 2024 to $13.08 billion by 2034.

The funding will advance development of the company’s core technologies — including generative chemistry, collaborative design, and 3D molecular modelling — and support international expansion.

Ally Henderson, chief financial officer at Optibrium, called the financing “another key milestone” for the company, adding: “It validates the incredible work of our team and the impact of our technology on pharmaceutical R&D. Shawbrook’s flexible approach supports both near-term goals and long-term ambitions — we’re excited about what’s ahead.”

The package, structured around Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR), provides immediate growth capital and committed facilities to support future initiatives.

Jack Longden, director at Shawbrook, said: “Optibrium is a dynamic business with impressive growth since Kester Capital’s investment in 2021. We’re pleased to support its leadership team with a tailored solution that underpins their vision for innovation and international growth.”

Backed by Kester Capital since 2021, Optibrium has experienced rapid adoption of its in silico and AI platforms, which streamline complex drug discovery workflows. Peter Ralph, partner at Kester Capital, said: “This financing aligns with Optibrium’s strategic roadmap and ensures the company remains at the forefront of drug discovery technology.”

Founded in 2009 and operating in the UK and US, Optibrium develops cutting-edge software platforms for compound design, optimisation and data analysis and says it enables research teams to make better-informed decisions earlier in the discovery process.