Loop Genomics

Loop Genomics developed a synthetic long-read sequencing technology that enhances the capabilities of existing short-read DNA sequencers. The company was founded in 2015 by Tuval Ben-Yehezkel and participated in the Y Combinator accelerator program in Winter 2016. Throughout its operation, Loop Genomics secured approximately $8 to $10.8 million in funding from investors including Khosla Ventures, Fusion Fund, and DN Capital.

The company's core business revolves around providing a hardware-free method to achieve long-read sequencing data. This is accomplished through a proprietary combination of sample preparation kits and analysis software. The process involves tagging long DNA/RNA molecules with unique molecular barcodes. These barcodes are then copied and distributed along the entire length of the molecule. Following this tagging process, the prepared molecules are sequenced using any standard short-read sequencing instrument. The company's software then reassembles the short reads into accurate, full-length molecules by identifying and grouping reads with the same barcode. This approach allows laboratories to gain the benefits of long-read sequencing, such as improved genome and transcriptome assembly, without investing in new, specialized hardware.

Loop Genomics commercialized its technology through the sale of kits and software for various genetic analysis applications. Its target clients included researchers and diagnostics developers in fields like genomics, transcriptomics, and microbiology. In April 2018, the firm launched a commercial product for 16S and 18S rRNA sequencing. On February 8, 2022, Loop Genomics was acquired by Element Biosciences for an undisclosed amount. Following the acquisition, founder and CEO Tuval Ben-Yehezkel joined Element's leadership team as Senior Director of Applications, with the goal of integrating Loop's long-read capabilities into Element's sequencing platforms.

Keywords: long-read sequencing, synthetic long-reads, DNA sequencing, genomics, next-generation sequencing, NGS, molecular barcoding, sample preparation, bioinformatics software, genome assembly, transcriptome analysis, microbiome sequencing, Y Combinator, Tuval Ben-Yehezkel, Element Biosciences, genetic analysis, molecular diagnostics, single-molecule sequencing