Hemi Invests in Phase Genomics, a Breakthrough Solution to the Antibiotic Resistance Crisis
Hemi Ventures has invested in Seattle-based Phase Genomics, a leader in the biotech industry, with its proximity-ligation next-generation sequencing (NGS) solutions for metagenome assembly. Our mission at Hemi is to support breakthroughs in biotechnology that will lead to cures for devastating diseases, unlock personalized medicine, and demystify the human genome.
Phase Genomics was founded by Shawn Sullivan and Ivan Liachko as a result of their desire to maximize the impact of genomics on society. Today’s scientists have access to a tremendous amount of biological information, a vast majority of which remains unexplored. Phase Genomics’ mission is to empower researchers to make breakthrough discoveries using the power of advanced, next-generation genomic tools.
The company was recently awarded a $1.5MM grant from the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to develop a low-cost platform for targeted detection of antimicrobial resistance mobile elements and their hosts in uncultured microbial communities. Antibacterial resistance has become a global health threat, and according to a study done by the US Centers for Disease Control, approximately 35,000 people in the US die each year as a result of infections that are caused by resistant bacteria.
Phase Genomics is currently working to develop a rapid antimicrobial resistance (AMR) element capture kit and a user-friendly web portal. This will allow the identification of AMR gene hosts while analyzing the transmission of AMR elements directly from complex microbial communities. This new method of tracking AMR elements fills a significant technological void, driving transformative change to research, industry, and the clinic.
Hemi’s central investment thesis is that technology shapes the world. Hemi navigates a dynamic startup ecosystem — identifying and nurturing frontier-technology companies that will ultimately redefine contemporary mediums of transportation, safety archetypes, health standards, and comprehensive human efficiency. We believe that Phase Genomic’s technology in proximity ligation will enable advancement in various microbiome and epigenetic spaces. We look forward to working closely with the team at Phase Genomics, empowering them to shift the paradigm in metagenomics research for the benefit of both researchers and patients.
ABOUT PHASE GENOMICS — Phase Genomics applies Hi-C and other proximity-ligation methods to enable chromosome-scale genome assembly, metagenomic deconvolution, as well as analysis of structural genomic variation and genome architecture. They offer a comprehensive portfolio of laboratory and computational services and products, including Hi-C kits for plants, animals, microbes, and human samples as well as industry-leading genome and metagenome assembly and analysis software. Based in Seattle, WA, the company was founded in 2015 by a team of genome scientists, software engineers, and entrepreneurs. The company’s mission is to empower scientists with genomic tools that accelerate breakthrough discoveries.
ABOUT HEMI VENTURES — Hemi Ventures is an early-stage venture capital fund investing in the rebels that commercialize nascent technologies to revolutionize industries. We partner with entrepreneurs whose cutting-edge innovations unlock new frontiers for human potential.
‘Hemi’ (hēmi-) means ‘half’ in Greek. We serve as a complementary half to our founders. In addition to capital, we help founders establish pivotal relationships with thousands of industry partners and customers around the globe to build strong ecosystems that help them grow. For more information, visit www.hemi.vc.
