From Cell Lines to Bottom Lines as Opo Bio Lands Epic Backing

LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE

New Zealand’s next-gen meat future just scored a power-up and this time, it’s women calling the shots. Auckland-based biotech startup Opo Bio, founded by Forbes 30 Under 30 2024 honouree Olivia Ogilvie and University of Auckland scientist Laura Domigan, has secured funding from Epic Angels, Asia Pacific’s largest female-only angel investor collective.

Source: PFN Archives - Cells emerge as animal based meat from Opo Bio's cell culture.

Epic Angels doesn’t mess around. The Singapore-based syndicate only backs women-led startups—and has a growing reputation for spotting high-impact, high-integrity ventures across APAC. While the amount invested in Opo Bio hasn’t been disclosed, their typical cheques range from $50,000 to $500,000 USD.

“We are particularly looking forward to leveraging the connections of our angel investors throughout the APAC region as we form critical partnerships over the next 18 months,” said Opo Bio co-founder and CEO Olivia Ogilvie, who was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2024 in the Healthcare & Science category for her work advancing cultivated meat infrastructure.

And infrastructure is the keyword here.

Rather than chase the next fake steak or plant-based patty, Opo Bio is building the tools to make everyone’s cultivated meat more efficient. Their proprietary cell lines, grown without animal serum, help startups reduce cost, complexity and time-to-market. It's the biotech backbone behind the future food boom.

Epic Angels joins existing investors WNT Ventures, Booster NZ, Inventors Fund, and Callaghan Innovation, reinforcing the sense that Opo Bio isn’t just another foodtech hopeful—it’s the real deal.

The bigger takeaway? ANZ’s female-led biotech sector is gaining traction with global capital. From Daisy Lab’s precision fermentation wins to Opo Bio’s cell-based rise, investors are tuning in to what’s brewing down under.

Audio Sponsors Link

ENDS: