Helix
Population genomics company partnering with health systems to deploy genomic testing for precision medicine, public health, and research applications at scale.
Notes
Helix is a population genomics company that partners with health systems, employers, and government agencies to deploy genomic testing at scale. Originally launched as a consumer genomics marketplace (spun out from Illumina in 2015), the company pivoted to focus on enterprise solutions for population-level genomic testing.
The company operates one of the largest next-generation sequencing laboratories in the U.S. and has processed millions of samples. Helix's platform enables health systems to implement pharmacogenomics, hereditary disease screening, and other precision medicine programs.
During COVID-19, Helix significantly expanded its diagnostic testing capabilities and continues to serve as a major provider of genomic testing infrastructure for healthcare organizations.
Team
- Marc Stapley - CEO
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marcstapley
- James Lu, M.D., Ph.D. - Co-founder & Chief Scientific Officer
- Justin Kao - Co-founder
- Experienced team from Illumina and healthcare technology
Additional Research Findings
- Founded in 2015, spun out from Illumina
- Headquarters in San Mateo, CA with lab in San Diego
- Raised over $500 million in total funding
- $200 million Series B in 2018
- Pivoted from consumer marketplace to enterprise solutions
- Partners with major health systems (e.g., Renown Health)
- Population health and pharmacogenomics focus
- One of largest NGS laboratories in U.S.
- COVID-19 testing significantly expanded operations
Sources
Investors
| Name | Location | Type | Stages | Portfolio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warburg Pincus | New York, New York, USA | pe | growth | 1 |
| DFJ Growth | Menlo Park, USA | generalist | series-cgrowth | 1 |
| Mayfield | Menlo Park, California, USA | generalist | seedseries-a+2 | 1 |
| Sutter Hill Ventures | Palo Alto, California, USA | generalist | seedseries-a+3 | 1 |