Preventive health company appoints former Amazon and Samsung exec as COO and eyes early detection tests for multiple chronic diseases.
Longevity company Viome has raised $25 million through an internal Series D round. The new funding, raised from existing investors including Khosla Ventures, Bold Capital, WRG Ventures and Marc Benioff, will be directed toward expanding the company’s offering via the formation of a new diagnostics division.
Based in Bellevue, WA, Viome employs advanced AI and the world’s largest gene expression database to create home-based tests, offering users personalized nutritional guidance and products that support health and longevity. With more than 500,000 users already benefiting from its services, the company combines proprietary RNA sequencing techniques with AI to analyze epigenetic biomarkers and generates insights that promote healthy aging and longer life.
Viome is targeting a gap in preventive health practices, with the company suggesting that fewer than 10 percent of Americans undergo regular screenings, and only about a third of patients are diagnosed early due to outdated, reactive healthcare systems. The new capital will be used to launch the company’s diagnostic division, and it has appointed former Amazon SVP and Samsung Chief Digital Officer Kal Raman as COO, who is expected to play a key role in the new initiative.
Viome has already ventured into diagnostics with its CancerDetect test for oral and throat cancer, which boasts 90 percent sensitivity and 95 percent specificity. With FDA Breakthrough Device Designation, the company is set to expand its diagnostic offerings in the coming year, targeting gut health and other critical health areas.
“Oral health is just the beginning of our journey into innovative diagnostics,” said Naveen Jain, CEO of Viome. “We plan to expand our diagnostic offerings significantly, including developing tests for gut health conditions like IBS and IBD. I cannot think of a better person to bring on board to drive our diagnostic innovations. Kal’s role will be crucial in enhancing our ability to deliver advanced, personalized health solutions, ultimately helping millions of people lead healthier, more informed lives.”
Raman will lead efforts to develop new tests for early detection of chronic diseases, cancer and aging-related conditions. His appointment comes at a time of significant growth in personalized health solutions, driven by advancements in AI.
“Viome is a true innovator and pioneer in the health space, being one of the first to recognize the critical importance of preventative measures,” said Raman. “This is evident by the success of its microbiome tests, which have already helped thousands take control of their health through personalized insights and recommendations.”
