What You Should Know:
– Sun Genomics raises $8.65M in Series A funding to scale direct to consumer personalized probiotic solutions based on whole-genome sequencing diagnostics.
– Flagship product Floré, a microbiome test, and gut probiotics solution utilizes whole-genome sequencing to evaluate different digestive system data points and ensure that customers receive a completely personalized product that is based on their unique gut profiles.
Sun Genomics, a San Diego, CA-based direct-to-consumer custom probiotics and gut health company, announced it has raised $8.65 million in Series A funding led by Pangaea Ventures with additional investments from Danone Manifesto Ventures, SOSV, Human Longevity, and Nascita Ventures. Chris Erickson, Founding General Partner at Pangaea Ventures, has joined as a new Board member. Sun Genomics is the first to market with completely personalized probiotic solutions based on whole-genome sequencing diagnostics.
What is the Microbiome?
The microbiome is the collection of all the microbes and their corresponding set of genes. Sun Genomics focuses on the microbiome located in the gut. A common misconception is that all these microbes are bad for you, but that is not true; microbes play an integral role in aiding the body’s immunological, nutritional, and metabolic functions.
Custom Probiotics For A Healthy Gut
Founded in 2016 by Sunny Jain when his son started suffering from GI distress, Sun Genomics is a first-of-its-kind, custom probiotics startup with the mission to improve gut health through personalized science. With the release of its flagship product Floré, a microbiome test and gut probiotics solution that utilizes whole-genome sequencing to evaluate different digestive system data points and ensure that customers receive a completely personalized product that is based on their unique gut profiles.
How Floré Gut Test + Precision Probiotics Works
Sun Genomics analyze your gut microbiota and use the results to create your custom probiotics in a four-step process:
1. Order gut health test
2. Complete sampling
3. Analyze gut sample
4. Receive custom probiotics straight to your front door
Every custom probiotic is personalized designed to address your specific needs.
Floré Tots
The company also offers Floré Tots, which is available for kids up to age 12 and comes in an easy digestive powder to mix with their favorite drink. Since Sun Genomics’ Seed funding in October of 2019, the company has seen consistent growth in headcount and revenue. This additional financing brings the total funding to $11.75 million to date.
Results/Outcomes
Floré customers have reported these improvements in their digestive health:
– Relief from bloating, gas, and constipation
– Increased energy
– Regularity of bowel movements
– Improved digestion
– Better food tolerance
– Increased immunity
Expansion Plans
With the global human microbiome market expected to reach $1.4 billion by 2020, Sun Genomics will use this round of funding to support its growth in the custom probiotics market, scale delivery across the U.S., enter international markets, and propel the publication of its studies in partnership with leading academic institutions.
“As we continue to understand the connection between the microbes in our gut and immune system dysfunction, consumers are becoming increasingly interested in their own personal microbiome, seeking solutions to gut-related issues,” said Sunny Jain, CEO and founder of Sun Genomics. “We are building the world’s largest longitudinal dataset to better understand gut health, allowing us to custom design probiotics for the exact needs of each and every customer. Today’s announcement is a clear indicator in the progress we have made and our future potential. We are excited to work with our new partners to reach even more consumers.”
