Cresset, a drug discovery software scaleup, has raised growth capital from SEP to accelerate its  product development and international expansion.  

Cresset, a UK-based developer of drug discovery and design software, announced it has secured  investment from Scottish Equity Partners (SEP), a technology focused growth equity firm. The funding  will be used to support Cresset’s vision to be a world-leading software and services provider for  accelerating the discovery and delivery of new drugs.  

Cresset’s computational methods enable its customers to accelerate drug discovery workflows by  predicting molecular interactions and enabling prioritisation of drug candidates. Its computer-aided  drug discovery (CADD) solutions are used by research chemists globally, including in 8 of the top 10  pharma companies.  

Cresset’s specialism is describing molecules using in silico techniques. The company’s software is used  by chemists throughout the entire drug discovery pipeline, from virtual screening and hit discovery to  lead optimisation and QSAR analysis.  

Cresset has significantly accelerated its growth rate in recent years by broadening its core product  offering to include both structure and ligand-based design capabilities (via Flare™), and the release of  a new comprehensive DMTA workflow suite (via Torx®). Torx enables multiple stakeholders in the  drug discovery workflow to make better design decisions and track compound synthesis.  

With this investment, Cresset will accelerate its drive for exceptional talent to continue broadening  the science platform. Additionally, the funding will be used to expand operations internationally,  particularly in the US.  

Dr Robert Scoffin, CEO of Cresset, said: “The need for new drugs is increasingly important as the world  seeks to address new diseases, drug resistance and previously untreatable illnesses. Crucial in the  development of new drugs is the efficiency with which new compounds are developed effectively.”  

“We’re delighted to be partnering with SEP as Cresset continues to grow. They have industry specific  knowledge and experience, having been the largest investor in scientific informatics business,  Dotmatics. The investment will ensure computational chemists, medicinal chemists and research  managers across the world have the best tools to develop the next generation of drugs.”  

Taylor Rampton, Principal at SEP, added, “Cresset offers a best-in-class software platform that enables  increased automation and efficiency in the drug discovery process. The business has an excellent  reputation amongst its clients for a high-science approach, product innovation, and strong ties to  academia. Life sciences software continues to be an important area of focus for SEP, and we are  excited to be partnering with another high quality company in the space. Rob and the team have built  an excellent business and we look forward to working with them in the coming years.”  

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About Cresset  

Chemists in the world’s leading research organizations use Cresset software and discovery services to  discover, design and optimize the best small molecules. Our patented software and expert scientists  offer unrivalled insight into protein-ligand systems, enabling chemists to accelerate their research in  industry sectors including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, fine chemicals and flavours and  fragrances. For more information on the company visit www.cresset-group.com.  

About Scottish Equity Partners  

Scottish Equity Partners (SEP) is one of Europe’s leading and most experienced technology growth  equity firms, helping founders and management teams to achieve their global ambitions. Providing  investment alongside expertise and access to an international network, SEP works closely with the  companies it invests in to maximise business growth and value. SEP is a signatory to the UNPRI, the  world’s leading proponent of responsible investment. For further information see www.sep.co.uk.  

For media enquiries, please contact:  

SEP: Jen Richards 07538 154114 [email protected] 

Cresset: Sue Peffer [email protected]