FERAGEN Receives a Six-Figure Investment from Raiffeisen Salzburg

The Salzburg-based biotech company FERAGEN has secured a six-figure investment. Raiffeisen Salzburg Start-Up eGen is joining as a new shareholder. The majority stake in the company remains with Gründerholding.

FERAGEN plans to use the fresh capital to further develop its digital platform, myFERAGEN, expand its AI-powered analytics, and accelerate its expansion into additional European markets.

From Research to Business

FERAGEN’s roots date back to 2012. That’s when founder Anja Geretschläger began her research at the University of Salzburg. In 2017, this research gave rise to FERAGEN. The company develops genetic tests for animals and today collaborates with breeders, breeding associations, and veterinarians in numerous European countries.

The tests continue to be developed and validated in the company’s own laboratory. This combination of scientific research, laboratory data, and practical application also forms the foundation for the digital platform myFERAGEN.

More than 40,000 dogs on the platform

According to the company, more than 10,000 users now use myFERAGEN to manage genetic data for over 40,000 dogs.

Among its features is “DogMatching.” Breeders can use this tool to analyze, even before a planned mating, how well two animals are genetically compatible. Factors taken into account include risks for hereditary diseases, trait combinations, and genetic diversity.

In the future, artificial intelligence is expected to play a greater role in these analyses. FERAGEN plans to use AI, among other things, to evaluate large amounts of data, identify patterns within populations, and translate complex genetic findings into more understandable recommendations. According to the company, the methods will be consistently validated using its own laboratory-validated data.

Capital for AI and European Expansion

The investment from Raiffeisen Salzburg Start-Up eGen is now intended to support FERAGEN in accelerating its technological development and international growth.

In addition to expanding AI capabilities, the company’s agenda includes, in particular, expansion into other European markets. At the same time, the founders’ holding company remains the majority shareholder, ensuring that strategic control remains with the founders in Salzburg.