Exciting Instruments Appoints Jonathan Rigby as Chairman to Accelerate Growth
Exciting Instruments’ groundbreaking benchtop single-molecule detection platform brings the ultimate resolution to life science research, drug development and clinical diagnostics. The company is bringing in a new era where single-molecule insights become the foundation for scientific breakthroughs that lead to rapid and meaningful improvements in human health.
Today, the company announces the appointment of Jonathan Rigby as Chairman of its Board of Directors.
Rigby is a graduate of the University of Sheffield and is passionate about supporting innovation emerging from the region. He currently serves as President and CEO of Sernova (TSX: SVA), a regenerative medicine company developing a functional cure for type 1 diabetes. His extensive career spans leadership roles in the U.K., U.S., Canada, and Israel, including founding and growing speciality pharmaceutical companies such as SteadyMed Therapeutics, acquired by United Therapeutics, and co-founding Zogenix Inc., which achieved a $2 billion acquisition by UCB Pharma. He has raised over $500 million in private and public financings, led Nasdaq IPOs, and overseen successful public-to-public mergers that created substantial shareholder value.
“I’ve been asked to take on many board seats over the years, but I only commit when I see something truly unique,” said Rigby. “Exciting Instruments combines cutting-edge technology with a passionate, talented team. This company is the master key to unlocking faster, more cost-effective drug discovery – a tool that every pharma company could benefit from. As a Sheffield graduate, I’m thrilled to support an innovation born in the North of England and to help take it to a global scale.”
Exciting Instruments’ technology, already in use by leading laboratories, dramatically accelerates and improves the discovery of novel proteins and drug candidates. Rigby’s appointment underscores the company’s commitment to growth and its ambition to become an essential partner to both academic researchers and pharmaceutical companies worldwide.
“Jonathan’s experience in building and financing successful life sciences companies is impressive,” said Tim Craggs, CEO and founder of Exciting Instruments. “His leadership and insight will help us scale our impact, deepen our partnerships with the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, and strengthen our position as an innovator in the drug discovery space.”
Jess McCreadie, Investment Director at Northern Gritstone, said, “We are delighted to have worked alongside the Exciting Instruments leadership team to support their search for a high calibre Chair. Jonathan has extensive international experience in the Pharma industry, making him a great addition to the leadership team on their journey to bring pioneering technology to the market. As one of the first companies to complete our deep tech pre-seed program NG Studios, and raise seed funding, Exciting Instruments is a truly exciting growth story for the North of England.”
With Rigby’s appointment, Exciting Instruments aims to expand its market presence, attract strategic partnerships, and drive long-term value for customers and investors alike.
For more information about Exciting Instruments, contact jessica.price@excitinginstruments.com.
