The challenge
Molecular Glue Labs is a techbio start‑up building the AI infrastructure to engineer biology through small molecules that reprogram the protein networks that govern life. As with many early‑stage life sciences businesses, R&D sits at the heart of everything the company does – spanning wet‑lab experimentation, computational biology and the rapid iteration required to validate novel approaches.
Operational from early 2025, the company invested heavily from day one in laboratory infrastructure, consumables, specialist equipment and computational capability. With every pound critical to extending runway and reaching key technical milestones, the leadership team recognised that accessing the UK’s R&D tax relief scheme could play an important role in supporting growth.
However, as a first‑time claimant with no prior experience of R&D tax credits, the team needed specialist support that could both interpret complex legislation and fully understand the underlying science. Accuracy, speed and minimal distraction from core R&D activities were essential.
Our approach
Following a recommendation from its accountants, Molecular Glue Labs engaged ForrestBrown to support its first R&D tax relief claim.
From the outset, ForrestBrown worked closely with the leadership team to develop a detailed understanding of the company’s technology, research objectives and experimental workflows. This scientific insight allowed ForrestBrown to accurately identify qualifying R&D activity across both laboratory and computational work, ensuring the claim was robust, well‑evidenced and aligned with HMRC requirements.
Crucially, the process was designed to minimise the burden on the company’s internal team. ForrestBrown led the technical narrative, cost analysis and claim preparation, keeping information requests focused and proportionate so that the business could remain focused on advancing its technology.
For a company entering the R&D tax relief landscape for the first time, ForrestBrown also ensured the process was transparent and easy to understand, translating complex technical and financial concepts into clear, accessible guidance.
The impact
The claim was submitted to HMRC, resulting in relief that directly extended the company’s runway.
For Molecular Glue Labs, the benefit went beyond the immediate financial return. The additional funding supported continued R&D activity at a critical stage of development, helping the business progress towards key inflection points that de‑risk the technology and strengthen future fundraising discussions.
Just as importantly, the experience gave the team confidence in navigating the R&D tax relief regime. What initially felt complex and unfamiliar became a clear, repeatable process – one they are now planning to continue as the company grows.
As Daniele Simoneschi, Co‑founder and CEO, explains:
We entered the R&D tax space with zero knowledge and came out knowing exactly what we were doing. ForrestBrown understood the science, worked quickly and took most of the burden off us. The relief extended our runway, allowing us to accelerate toward a key inflection point in our growth.
With future claims already planned, Molecular Glue Labs now sees R&D tax relief as a strategic tool – supporting sustained innovation while enabling the team to remain focused on what they do best: building transformative technology.