Probiotics company Sun Genomics gets $8.65 million

Sun Genomics is deemed the first to market completely personalised probiotic solutions based on whole-genome sequencing diagnostics

Direct-to-consumer gut health company Sun Genomics has closed a Series A funding round totalling $8.65 million. The round was led by Pangaea Ventures with additional investments from Danone Manifesto Ventures, SOSV, Human Longevity, and Nascita Ventures. Chris Erickson, founding general partner at Pangaea, has joined the company as a new Board member.

Sun Genomics is deemed the first to market completely personalised probiotic solutions based on whole-genome sequencing diagnostics. 

“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,” commented Sunny Jain, Sun Genomics founder and chief executive. 

Sun Genomics will use this round of funding to support its growth in the custom probiotics market, scale delivery across the US, enter international markets, and propel the publication of its studies in partnership with leading academic institutions.

Genomics for gut health

Jain said Sun Genomics is building the world’s largest longitudinal dataset to better understand gut health, allowing the company to custom design probiotics for the exact needs of each and every customer. 

“Today’s announcement is a clear indicator of the progress we have made and our future potential. We are excited to work with our new partners to reach even more consumers,” said Jain.

The global human microbiome market expected to reach $1.4 billion by 2020, and for Pangaea’s Erickson, Sun Genomics is a market leader in microbiome analysis and gut health.

“We value the impact they make on physical health, immunity, and mental health with many more clinically relevant opportunities to come,” said Erikson. “We are excited to be an investor and look forward to working with the Sun Genomics team to build a world-class company.”

Product line

Sun Genomics was founded in 2016 with the release of its flagship product Floré, a microbiome test and gut probiotics solution.

With Floré, the company utilises whole-genome sequencing to evaluate different digestive system data points, and ensure that customers receive a completely personalised product that is based on their unique gut profiles. 

“We value the impact they make on physical health, immunity, and mental health with many more clinically relevant opportunities to come”

Chris Erickson, Pangaea Ventures

Sun Genomics offers Floré Tots for kids up to age 12. The probiotic comes in an easy digestive powder to mix with their favourite drink. 

“We see Sun Genomics as a leader in bringing personalised probiotics to consumers, blending scientific knowledge of the microbiome with new ways of providing customised health solutions,” said Laurent Marcel, chief executive of Danone Manifesto Ventures.

“Backed by Danone’s strong scientific expertise in gut, immunity and microbiome, we are excited to support Sun Genomics into their next stage of growth,” Marcel concluded.

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.