Mennonite family backs new gene-therapy startup

A new gene‑therapy company is taking shape with financial support from members of the Amish and Mennonite communities. The story highlights the unusual partnership between a traditional religious group and cutting‑edge biotechnology.

The backing comes from Lorraine and Mark Martin, a Mennonite couple who run a tax‑service business. This spring they also adopted a stubby‑legged cow named Royal Lite, an anecdote that underscores their connection to rural life.

The involvement of the Martin family illustrates a rare blend of heritage and high‑tech ambition, suggesting that biotech ventures may increasingly draw on diverse sources of capital, even as details about the company’s specific plans remain limited.