Ultima Genomics joined the Unicorn Club after raising $600 million across multiple funding rounds, reaching a $1 billion valuation. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in San Diego, California, United States, Ultima Genomics is a biotechnology company focused on developing affordable, high throughput DNA sequencing technologies.
The company aims to reduce the cost of genomic sequencing while increasing speed and accuracy, enabling broader adoption of precision medicine and genomics research.
Keep reading to learn how Ultima Genomics scaled into a $1 billion genomics unicorn.
What Is Ultima Genomics and What Does It Do?
Founded in 2016, Ultima Genomics develops next generation DNA sequencing technologies that reduce cost, increase throughput, and improve accuracy. Its platform enables rapid whole genome sequencing for research, clinical, and pharmaceutical applications.
Ultima Genomics provides scalable sequencing solutions for academic, clinical, and commercial customers. Its innovations aim to make genomic analysis more accessible, supporting precision medicine, population genomics studies, and disease research.
How Much Funding Has Ultima Genomics Raised?
1. Seed Round
- Amount Raised: $20 million
- Date: 2017
- Lead Investors: Illumina Ventures, Felicis Ventures
- Purpose: Build sequencing platform prototypes and develop initial technology
2. Series A Round
- Amount Raised: $150 million
- Date: 2019
- Lead Investors: SoftBank Vision Fund, Illumina Ventures
- Purpose: Scale technology development, expand engineering team, and optimize sequencing workflows
3. Series B Round
- Amount Raised: $430 million
- Date: 2021
- Valuation: Approximately $1 billion
- Lead Investors: SoftBank Vision Fund, Illumina Ventures, Felicis Ventures
- Purpose: Accelerate commercialization, scale manufacturing, and expand genomic research partnerships
Total Funding Raised: $600 million Latest Funding Date: 2021 Latest Known Valuation: $1 billion
Key Investors
- SoftBank Vision Fund
- Details: Global technology investment fund
- Focus Areas: Biotechnology, genomics, and next generation technologies
- Illumina Ventures
- Details: Venture capital firm focused on genomics and life sciences
- Focus Areas: DNA sequencing, biotech innovation, and precision medicine
- Felicis Ventures
- Details: Early stage venture capital firm
- Focus Areas: Health technology, genomics, and deep tech startups
Where Is Ultima Genomics’ Headquarters?
Ultima Genomics is headquartered in San Diego, California, United States, serving as the hub for its sequencing platform development, manufacturing, and genomics research initiatives.
What’s Next for Ultima Genomics?
Ultima Genomics plans to expand adoption of its affordable, high throughput sequencing platform across research and clinical applications. The company is focused on scaling manufacturing, enhancing data accuracy, and enabling large scale population genomics and precision medicine initiatives globally.
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