Phylagen

Industry
Biotechnology
Founded Year
2014
Headquarters
164 Welsh St, San Francisco, California, 94107, United States
Employee Count
17

Key People

  • Dr. Jessica Green - CEO and Co-Founder
  • Dr. Harrison Dillon - Chairman of the Board and Co-Founder
  • Scott Fay - Chief Information Officer
  • Brad Taft - Director of Assay Development

Assessment

Team
Aspect: Multiple successful MedTech entrepreneurs
Summary: The leadership team comprises experienced entrepreneurs with successful track records in biotechnology and microbiome analytics.

Dr. Jessica Green is a recognized expert in microbial environmental fingerprinting and a TED Fellow, while Dr. Harrison Dillon co-founded Solazyme and led it through a $1 billion IPO. Their combined expertise in microbiome analytics and biotechnology entrepreneurship provides a strong foundation for Phylagen's growth and innovation.

Clinical Need
Aspect: Very Strong
Summary: Phylagen addresses a critical need for transparency and traceability in global supply chains using microbiome analytics.

With increasing consumer and regulatory pressure for supply chain transparency, Phylagen's technology offers a novel approach to verifying product origins and ensuring ethical sourcing. This addresses significant challenges in industries like apparel and food, where unauthorized manufacturing and counterfeit goods are prevalent.

Competition
Aspect: First mover
Summary: Phylagen is pioneering the use of microbiome analytics for supply chain transparency, with limited direct competition.

As a trailblazer in applying microbiome data to supply chain verification, Phylagen has the advantage of setting industry standards. However, the lack of established competitors means the market is untested, and the company must invest in educating potential clients and proving the efficacy of its solutions.

Technical Challenge
Aspect: Moderate
Summary: Developing and scaling microbiome analytics for diverse supply chains involves moderate technical complexity.

Phylagen's platform relies on advanced DNA sequencing and machine learning to analyze environmental microbiomes. While these technologies are well-established, applying them to varied supply chain contexts and ensuring consistent accuracy presents moderate technical challenges that the company must navigate.

Patent
Aspect: Strong
Summary: Phylagen has secured patents for its microbiome analytics technology, providing a competitive edge.

By obtaining patents related to automated microbial fluid sampling and analysis systems, Phylagen protects its innovative methods and differentiates itself from potential competitors. This intellectual property is crucial for maintaining a leadership position in the emerging field of microbiome-based supply chain analytics.

Financing
Aspect: Well-funded
Summary: Phylagen has raised $14 million in Series A funding from reputable investors.

The Series A funding, led by Cultivian Sandbox, Breakout Ventures, and Working Capital, provides Phylagen with the necessary capital to expand its microbial forensics services and enhance its microbiome database. This financial backing reflects investor confidence in the company's technology and market potential.

Regulatory
Aspect: 510k/PMA
Summary: Phylagen's services are not subject to stringent regulatory approvals, facilitating quicker market entry.

Since Phylagen's microbiome analytics focus on environmental samples rather than direct human testing, they are not subject to the same regulatory requirements as medical diagnostics. This allows for more agile deployment of their services across various industries and geographies.

Opportunity Rollup

Odds of Success
3.2
Peak Market Share
3.8
Segment CAGR
7.5%
Market Segment
Supply Chain Transparency
Market Sub Segment
Microbiome Analytics
Year Post Launch Market Penetration (%)
1 0.19
2 0.57
3 1.33
4 2.66
5 3.80

Key Takeaway

Phylagen's innovative use of microbiome analytics positions it as a leader in enhancing supply chain transparency, addressing a critical market need with strong growth potential.