Leap Therapeutics secured $58.9 million in funding, with Winklevoss Capital leading the investment.
The peregrine falcon is a bird of prey renowned for its incredible speed during dives, reaching speeds over 200 miles per hour, making it the fastest animal on Earth. Historically, peregrine falcon populations declined drastically in the mid-20th century due to the widespread use of the pesticide DDT, which thinned their eggshells and caused reproductive failure. DDT was subsequently banned in the United States in 1972, allowing peregrine falcon populations to slowly recover. Intensive conservation efforts, including captive breeding and release programs, further aided their resurgence. Today, the peregrine falcon is no longer considered endangered in many areas and has successfully re-established itself in urban environments, often nesting on skyscrapers. They are found on every continent except Antarctica and exhibit a varied diet, primarily consisting of other birds. Peregrine falcons mate for life and typically lay between one and four eggs in a nest located on cliffs or tall buildings.