Cellestial Health secures pre-seed funding
Cambridge, UK – 8 May, 2025 - Cellestial Health, a pioneering pharmaceutical development spin-out from the University of Cambridge, has closed a £515,000 pre-seed equity funding round to accelerate the development of novel therapeutics targeting astrocytes, an often-overlooked cell type in the brain, with the first indication of Parkinson’s disease.
The equity round was led by Zinc VC, with the latest investment tranche supported by SFC Capital and independent angel investors from Alma Angels, a community supporting female founders. This funding will enable Cellestial’s mission to revolutionise how we treat brain disorders by shifting the therapeutic focus towards the inclusion of astrocytes in drug development.
“Our approach stems from the urgent need for treatments that go beyond symptom management in Parkinson’s,” comments Dr Nat Hastings, Founder and CEO of Cellestial Health. They continued:
Patients and caregivers know too well that the existing drugs do not stop the disease from getting worse. By targeting astrocytes - essential brain cells that have traditionally been neglected in drug development, we’re opening new possibilities.
Dr Hastings and her team have built on years of academic research to validate their first drug target in Parkinson’s disease. The company is developing brain-permeable small-molecule drugs designed to restore normal astrocytic network function, a promising new pathway for neurodegenerative conditions.
Investor Support
Natalie Pankova, MD Deeptech & Healthcare, Zinc, comments:
Cellestial Health’s approach to advancing the understanding and treatment of brain disorders that affect millions of people worldwide is at the core of Zinc’s investment thesis around tackling the most complex health challenges we face. We are delighted to be partnering with Nat and the team on their journey to impact at scale with a disruptive innovation that has the potential to improve the lives of millions.
Edward Stevenson, Investment Executive at SFC Capital, adds:
We are pleased to support innovation in the pharmaceutical sector, especially in an area of such an unmet clinical need and growth potential like Parkinson’s – the fastest growing neurological disorder in the world. We also see a great potential in expanding Cellestial’s technology to other medical indications.
Iain Pelling, angel investor, comments:
I am thrilled to be able to help Dr Hastings and the Cellestial team on their innovative journey to bring transformative treatments for brain disease.
Foundational Support
In addition to this equity round, Cellestial was awarded £340,000 in early-stage grant funding from Parkinson’s UK and Cambridge Enterprise, further validating the strength of its science and commercial potential.
