Sequencing

Sequencing.com operates as a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company, positioning itself as the world's largest marketplace for DNA analysis applications. Founded in 2014 by Dr. Brandon Colby, a physician and expert in genetic analysis and personalized preventive medicine, the company aims to make genomic data accessible and understandable for individuals. Dr. Colby's personal experience with a rare genetic skin condition, combined with his academic background—holding an MD from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, an MBA from Stanford University, and a degree in Genetics from the University of Michigan—has profoundly shaped the company's mission.

The company's core business revolves around providing a platform where users can either purchase DNA testing kits or upload existing raw DNA data from other services like 23andMe and AncestryDNA. Once the data is on the platform, customers can access a marketplace of over 100 applications to analyze their genetic information. This 'app store' model for genetics allows users to explore various facets of their DNA, from health and wellness reports to ancestry and nutrition recommendations. The service offers both free and paid apps, along with subscription-based memberships (Silver, Gold, and Platinum) that provide access to a certain number of apps per month. Revenue is generated from the sale of DNA sequencing kits, individual app purchases, and recurring membership fees.

Sequencing.com offers different levels of genetic testing, including whole genome sequencing (WGS), which analyzes a comprehensive set of a user's DNA, providing significantly more data than standard consumer tests. This detailed analysis allows for deeper insights into rare diseases, health predispositions, and medication responses. The platform also features proprietary tools such as the 'Genome Explorer,' an online browser for searching one's own genome, and the 'Next-Gen Rare Disease Screen'. The company emphasizes data privacy and security, stating it is HIPAA compliant and does not sell or share user data without consent. In November 2022, Sequencing.com announced it had raised $5 million in a Series A funding round led by Lerer Hippeau, with participation from several other venture capital firms, to expand its technology and services.

Keywords: genetic testing, DNA analysis, whole genome sequencing, personal genomics, DNA marketplace, health reports, ancestry analysis, bioinformatics, personalized medicine, preventive healthcare, Dr. Brandon Colby, DNA data upload, genetic applications, Lerer Hippeau, venture-backed, direct-to-consumer genetics, DNA privacy, nutrigenomics, pharmacogenomics, rare disease screening