What Venomtech Limited does

Venomtech Limited is a UK-based private biotech founded in 2010 by Steve Trim (CSO) and headquartered at Discovery Park, Sandwich, Kent. The company supplies compound libraries of animal venoms and venom-derived biomimetic peptides for use in drug discovery, cosmetics, and crop protection. Its core technology platform centres on a curated venom library comprising approximately 200 species (snakes, tarantulas, scorpions, spiders) fractionated via 2D HPLC into approximately 20,000 peptides and proteins delivered in Echo-qualified 384-well plates, marketed as the Targeted-Venom Discovery Array (T-VDA™). The flagship product generates an average 4.2% hit rate (range 1–6%) on customer screening campaigns, supported by an end-to-end hit-to-lead service that includes dose-response testing, MS/MS identification, synthesis up to 1 kg GMP, and structure-activity relationship work.

The company operates a horizontal go-to-market across four primary segments: pharmaceutical/biotech (hard-to-hit drug targets via T-VDA™ screening and CRO partnerships such as Charles River Laboratories and Metrion Biosciences), cosmetics/personal care (synthetic biomimetic peptides developed through the VenomSELECT™ service, including SensAmone P5 with Mibelle Biochemistry and Golden Frog/Scorpion peptides with Dr. Fuchs Cosmetics), crop protection (bio-insecticide discovery), and academic research (student programmes and collaborative publications with Canterbury Christ Church, Cranfield, Northumbria, and Reading universities). Revenue is generated through one-time product sales of libraries, sets, whole venoms, and off-the-shelf cosmetic peptides, plus professional services revenue from custom array design, VenomSELECT™ concept-to-ingredient development, hit-to-lead services, and toxin purification. Pricing is quote-based across all tiers with no public price list. Distribution is direct via a small field sales team (approximately 50% travel expected), supplemented by channel partnerships — most notably Charles River Laboratories from April 2022 — with products shipped to 11 countries globally. The company holds Nagoya Protocol exemption certification on its library, a regulatory advantage that supports compliant international supply.

Name

Venomtech Limited

Legal name

Venomtech Limited

Website

https://venomtech.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Venomtech Limited supplies venom-derived peptide libraries (T-VDA™) and biomimetic cosmetic peptides to pharmaceutical, biotech, cosmetics, and crop protection customers globally, based at Discovery Park, Kent, UK.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Venom-derived drug discovery and biomimetic peptide services

NAICS

Biological Product (except Diagnostic) Manufacturing (325414), Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing (325412)

SIC

Biological Products, (No Disgnostic Substances) (2836), Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834)

akta.pro primary industry

Antibody Discovery & Engineering Platforms (display tech, bispecifics, Fc engineering) (HLAAAIAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Therapeutic Peptides & Protein/Peptide Biologics (HLAAAAAH), Reagents, Chemicals & Assay Kits (Buffers, Antibodies, ELISA, Enzymes) (HLAGAIAI)

Keywords

• Venom-derived peptides
• Drug discovery services
• Compound library screening
• Cosmetic peptide ingredients
• Biopesticide development

Headquarters

HQ city

Kent

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. T-VDA™ Libraries (Product Sales): Sale of pre-designed and custom Targeted-Venom Discovery Arrays delivered in 384-well Echo-qualified plates. Revenue is generated per array/order, with pricing varying by customization level and species selection. Venoms fractionated into 960 fractions per standard T-VDA™.
2. Diversity Set (Product Sales): Sale of Diversity Set consisting of 30 whole venoms in triplicate (100 µg/well). Entry-level product for targets with no known leads.
3. Whole Venoms (Product Sales): Sale of individual whole venoms from approximately 200 species across vertebrates and invertebrates. Supplied in various quantities as research tools, positive assay controls, or manufacturing enzymes.
4. Cosmetic Peptides (Product Sales): Sale of predesigned cosmetic peptides including LioPep-5™, ViPep-5™, MorphoClense™, and ScorpSoothe™, as well as custom peptides developed via the VenomSELECT™ service.
5. Hit-to-Lead Services: Full hit characterisation and lead optimisation services following screening, including dose-response testing, MS/MS identification, synthesis, SAR, and toxicity testing. Generates recurring service revenue from existing screening customers.
6. Custom Array Design Services: Bespoke array design service where scientists work with clients to produce custom peptide library arrays tailored to specific project needs, typically selecting a minimum of 12 venoms for specific targets.
7. VenomSELECT™ Service: Comprehensive concept-to-active-ingredient service for cosmetics, including product concept development, marketing story, peptide identification, design, testing, registration, and bulk supply.
8. Toxin Purification Services: Provision of purified venom components for use as positive assay controls, research tools, or enzymes for manufacturing processes, following hit discovery from screening.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Venomtech Limited supplies compound libraries of animal venoms — primarily its Targeted-Venom Discovery Array (T-VDA™) product line of 2D HPLC-fractionated peptides from approximately 200 venomous species (~20,000 compounds) delivered in Echo-qualified 384-well plate format — alongside custom synthetic biomimetic peptides for cosmetics via the VenomSELECT™ service, Hit-to-Lead optimisation services, Toxin Purification services, and a portfolio of branded cosmetic peptide ingredients (LioPep-5™, ViPep-5™, MorphoClense™, ScorpSoothe™). The company serves pharmaceutical, biotechnology, cosmetics, and crop protection companies globally, with full Nagoya Protocol compliance certification for international supply.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• T-VDA™: Targeted-Venom Discovery Array product line for drug discovery
• VenomSELECT™
• SpiderSaver
• SensAmone P5
• LioPep-5™
• ViPep-5™
• MorphoClense™
• ScorpSoothe™
• Diversity Set
• VDA
• DRUG DISCOVERY SOLUTIONS

Products and services

• T-VDA™ Libraries (Targeted-Venom Discovery Array) Pre-designed and custom Targeted-Venom Discovery Arrays delivered as 2D HPLC-fractionated venom peptides from 12-15 targeted species per array, typically yielding 960 fractions (1-5 peptides per well) supplied as lyophilised peptides in Echo-qualified 384-well plates with 200 ng/well of protein. Standard custom formats (96-well, 1,536-well) are available on request. Demonstrated hit rate of 1-6% (4.2% average) on customer screens. Used by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies for screening against hard-to-hit drug targets including ion channels, GPCRs, pain, cancer, antimicrobial, and cardiovascular targets.
• Diversity Set Entry-level pre-screen consisting of 30 whole venoms in triplicate (100 µg/well), carefully selected for phylogenetic and geographic diversity. Used by drug discovery teams to identify hits on novel targets before committing to a targeted T-VDA™. Supports larger reaction volumes up to 1 ml.
• Whole Venoms Individual whole venoms from approximately 200 vertebrate and invertebrate species across snakes (~30%), tarantulas (~30%), scorpions (~20%), true spiders (~10%), and other taxa (~10%). Supplied in various quantities for use as research tools, positive assay controls, or enzymes for manufacturing processes.
• Cosmetic Peptide Line (LioPep-5™, ViPep-5™, MorphoClense™, ScorpSoothe™) Predesigned synthetic biomimetic cosmetic peptide ingredients: LioPep-5™ (lionfish-derived, reduces zinc contamination by up to 89%), ViPep-5™ (carpet viper-derived, reduces zinc contamination by up to 87%), MorphoClense™ (butterfly-derived, 73% reduction in PLA2 activity in vitro), and ScorpSoothe™ (scorpion-derived, 55% reduction in PLA2 activity in vitro). Animal-free, biodegradable, and non-toxic to human cells. Used by cosmetics and personal care brands for anti-wrinkle, antipollution, anti-inflammatory, skin tone, acne, and hair loss applications.
• SensAmone P5 Pentapeptide cosmetic active ingredient inspired by sea anemone venom that targets the TRPV1 pain receptor to calm sensitive skin. Delivered in a shea butter-based soft sphere carrier system. Reduced skin sensitivity by more than 26% in a 28-day double-blind clinical study. Developed with Mibelle Biochemistry (Switzerland).
• Golden Frog Biomimetic Peptide Synthetic heptapeptide cosmetic active ingredient inspired by golden frog toxins with muscle-relaxing mode of action similar to Botox, for anti-wrinkle applications. Exclusive product developed for Dr. Fuchs Cosmetics for their Golden Frog Cosmetic Line.
• Scorpion Biomimetic Peptide Stable synthetic heptapeptide designed from scorpion venom for anti-wrinkle cosmetic active applications. Formulated for skin penetration, tested in-vitro for ion channel blocking without harming cells. Non-exclusive product used in Dr. Fuchs Cosmetics' Age Delay cosmetic line.
• VenomSELECT™ Service Comprehensive concept-to-active-ingredient service for cosmetics. Identifies animal peptides with cosmetic potential, reduces them to minimum amino acid sequences, tests for efficacy and potency, optimises via chimeric design, and handles safety testing, registration, and bulk supply. Supports GPCR and ion channel modulation for anti-wrinkle, rejuvenation, acne, hair loss, and skin tone modification claims. Has produced seven active ingredients to date for clients including Mibelle Biochemistry and Dr. Fuchs Cosmetics.
• Custom Array Design Bespoke array design service where Venomtech scientists work with clients to produce custom peptide library arrays tailored to specific project needs, typically selecting a minimum of 12 venoms for specific targets. Custom formats and species selection available beyond the standard T-VDA™.
• Hit-to-Lead Service Full-service follow-up from hit identification through to GMP-standard production. Includes dose-response testing, MS/MS identification, small and large-scale synthesis (up to 1 kg to GMP), structure-activity relationship determination, and toxicity testing. Eliminates the customer's need for in-house venom expertise.
• Toxin Purification Services Provision of purified venom components for use as positive assay controls, research tools, or enzymes for manufacturing processes, following hit discovery from screening.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1-6% hit rate from T-VDA™ screening (average 4.2%)
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Charles River LaboratoriescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 19 April 2022Venomtech collaborates with Charles River Laboratories, International Inc. to provide pharmaceutical manufacturers with access to venom-derived compound screening. Charles River integrates Venomtech's T-VDA™ libraries and biological expertise into its global drug development and screening services, enabling clients to explore venom-derived compounds for difficult therapeutic targets with full hit-follow-up support from Venomtech's specialists.
• Mibelle BiochemistrycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenomtech partnered with Swiss cosmetics ingredient company Mibelle Biochemistry to develop and launch SensAmone P5 — the first venom peptide to soothe sensitive skin by reducing TRPV1 pain receptor activation. Venomtech designed the pentapeptide using its VenomSELECT™ biomimicry approach; Mibelle encapsulated it in a shea butter-based soft sphere delivery system and commercialised it as a cosmetic active ingredient.
• Metrion BiosciencescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration agreement combining Metrion's ion channel electrophysiology screening expertise with Venomtech's diverse venom library and venom-based drug discovery knowledge. The partnership aims to identify, characterise, and exploit novel ion channel modulators for drug discovery research, with Metrion screening targeted venom selections against prioritised ion channel targets.
• Canterbury Christ Church UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing academic collaboration with CCCU at Discovery Park, enabling MSc and PhD students to conduct research in Venomtech's laboratories under academic supervision. Research has produced publications on breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, antimicrobials, cnidarian venoms, and canine breast cancer. Students benefit from Venomtech's specialist expertise and facilities.
• Cranfield UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative research with Cranfield University (and Universidade Nova de Lisboa, University of Hertfordshire) screening 10 snake species' venoms for fungicidal activity against pathogenic fungi. Two lead species (Naja nigricollis, Naja siamensis) identified. Collaboration extended to RP-HPLC consultation and fulfilment services, producing 84 fractions of which 83 induced >90% reduction in mycotoxin production.
• Northumbria UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch collaboration led by Northumbria University's Dr Sterghios Moschos and Venomtech founder Steve Trim, published in Microbiology Spectrum, demonstrating that bacteria can live in snake and spider venoms — challenging the long-held belief that venom is sterile. Venomtech contributed venom samples and biological expertise to the genetic and culture-based study.
• University of ReadingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic collaboration for student research, contributing to MSc programmes alongside Canterbury Christ Church University and Discovery Park partners. Steve Trim presented lectures at the Reading School of Pharmacy on venom evolution and research applications.
• Dr. Fuchs CosmeticscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Fuchs Cosmetics engaged Venomtech via the VenomSELECT™ service to develop two custom cosmetic peptides: a Golden Frog biomimetic peptide and a Scorpion biomimetic peptide — both synthetic heptapeptides inspired by animal toxins for antiwrinkle applications. The Golden Frog peptide is an exclusive product; the Scorpion peptide is non-exclusive.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Mibelle Biochemistry: Swiss developer of bioactive cosmetic ingredients, including the SensAmone P5 pentapeptide co-developed with Venomtech. Comparable in designing and commercializing novel peptide-based cosmetic actives, though Mibelle focuses on formulation/encapsulation rather than upstream discovery.
• Vestaron: US-based agricultural biotech developing peptide-based biopesticides from spider venom. Directly comparable in leveraging venom-derived peptides for crop protection applications, though Vestaron has commercialized products in this vertical where Venomtech remains in pilot validation.
• Metrion Biosciences: UK-based CRO specializing in ion channel electrophysiology screening and cardiac safety services, and a Venomtech channel partner. Comparable as a specialist drug-discovery services provider, though focused on assay/screening rather than venom library supply.
• JPT Peptide Technologies: Berlin-based provider of synthetic peptide libraries and screening tools for drug discovery and immunology research. Directly comparable to Venomtech in offering peptide-based screening arrays and contract services to pharma/biotech customers, though JPT focuses on synthetic rather than natural venom libraries.

Emerging players

• Bicycle Therapeutics: Clinical-stage biotech developing bicyclic peptide therapeutics, primarily for oncology. Comparable in pursuing peptide-based drug discovery with proprietary chemistries, but focused on therapeutic development rather than library/screening services for third parties.

Broad incumbents

• Lipotec (Lubrizol Life Science): Specialty ingredient company (Lubrizol division) with a major cosmetic peptide portfolio (Argireline, Matrixyl). Comparable in commercializing peptide cosmetic actives at scale, but operates as a global incumbent rather than a discovery partner.
• PeptiDream: Japanese publicly-listed peptide discovery platform (Specialized Translation System) serving global pharma with constrained peptide libraries. Comparable as a high-end peptide platform, but operates at much larger scale and is platform-license rather than library-product oriented.
• Sederma (Croda): Croda-owned specialty ingredient business developing bioactive peptides and cosmetic actives (e.g., Matrixyl synthe'6). Comparable in commercializing peptide-based cosmetic ingredients to global personal care brands, but operates as a multinational incumbent with broader ingredient portfolio.
• Evotec: Global publicly-listed drug discovery CRO and platform company offering end-to-end services including target identification, screening, and hit-to-lead. Comparable in providing drug discovery services to pharma clients, but at vastly larger scale and with proprietary AI-driven platforms.
• Charles River Laboratories: Multi-billion-dollar global CRO and non-clinical drug development services provider, and a strategic channel partner for Venomtech's T-VDA™ libraries. Comparable as a channel into pharma customers, though spans the full drug development lifecycle rather than venom-based screening.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/venomresearch
• Facebookfacebook.com/VenomtechLtd
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/venomtech-ltd

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Venomtech Limited