Helix has successfully raised $300 million over two funding rounds, with the latest being a Series B in March 2018. The company is dedicated to integrating genomics into healthcare systems to create strategic value and drive future growth.
Keep reading to explore the intricacies of Helix's fundraising journey and the investors backing this innovative platform.
What Is Helix?
Helix, founded in 2016, is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area with a sequencing lab in San Diego. The company was co-founded by James Lu and Justin Kao.
Helix aims to empower individuals to improve their lives through DNA by creating an ecosystem for personalized applications in health, fitness, nutrition, lifestyle, genealogy, and inherited traits. They handle sample collection, DNA sequencing, and secure data storage.
With a team of 51-200 employees, Helix is dedicated to integrating genomics into healthcare systems to create strategic value and drive future growth.
How Much Funding Has Helix Raised?
- Series A
- Amount Raised: $100 million
- Date: July 2015
- Lead Investors: Illumina
- Motivation Behind the Round: To launch the company and develop its initial genomics platform.
- Series B
- Amount Raised: $200 million
- Date: March 2018
- Lead Investors: DFJ Growth
- Motivation Behind the Round: To accelerate consumer adoption of genomics and expand the marketplace.
Total Amount Raised: $300 million. Current Valuation: $500 million (~estimated).
Key Investors
- DFJ Growth
- Details: DFJ Growth is a venture capital firm that invests in high-growth technology companies. Barry Schuler, a partner at DFJ Growth, joined the Helix Board of Directors.
- Investment Focus Areas: Technology, healthcare, consumer internet
- Notable Investments: SpaceX, Tesla, Twitter
- Illumina
- Details: Illumina is a global leader in genomics and sequencing technologies. They are a founding investor and the largest shareholder of Helix.
- Investment Focus Areas: Genomics, biotechnology, healthcare
- Notable Investments: Grail, Adaptive Biotechnologies, Twist Bioscience
- Kleiner Perkins Caufield Byers
- Details: Kleiner Perkins is a venture capital firm known for backing innovative companies in technology and life sciences. They are a founding investor in Helix.
- Investment Focus Areas: Technology, life sciences, healthcare
- Notable Investments: Google, Amazon, Genentech
- Mayo Clinic
- Details: Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit American academic medical center focused on clinical practice, education, and research. They are a founding investor in Helix.
- Investment Focus Areas: Healthcare, individualized medicine, medical research
- Notable Investments: Exact Sciences, AliveCor, Tempus
- Warburg Pincus
- Details: Warburg Pincus is a global private equity firm with a focus on growth investing. They are a founding investor in Helix.
- Investment Focus Areas: Technology, healthcare, financial services
- Notable Investments: Airbnb, CrowdStrike, Avalara
What's Next for Helix?
Helix is poised to capitalize on the burgeoning personal genomics market, with plans to expand its online marketplace from 35 to over 50 DNA-powered products. This growth is driven by increasing consumer interest in personalized health solutions and partnerships with world-class organizations.
Future fundraising opportunities are likely, given the initial close of a $200 million Series B round. This funding will support Helix's ambitious expansion and innovation goals. However, the company must navigate challenges such as ensuring product validity, maintaining consumer trust, and competing in a rapidly evolving industry.
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