16. Sano Genetics

Founders: Dr Patrick Short, Charlotte Guzzo, William Jones
Founded: 2017
Website: sanogenetics.com

Analysing genetic strands may not sound quite so revolutionary in this age of ancestry-tracking home DNA kits. But, for one new tech startup, it isn’t about seeing who your great, great, great, grandparents were. Instead, it’s about exploring what scientific research studies you can become a part of.

Sano Genetics is working to help tackle research into particular medical conditions by matching DNA databases to specific research needs.

“Sano Genetics helps people living with rare and chronic conditions, and their families” says cofounder Dr Patrick Short. “It lets them contribute to personalised medicine research effortlessly and on their terms, significantly speeding up the development of new medicines.”

Sano Genetics helps people living with rare and chronic conditions, and their families

Patients volunteering their DNA profiles to San Genetics will be furthering research for free that could benefit the generations to come. The business can also connect patients with chronic illnesses to healthcare professionals that can help.

What makes Sano extra special is that it combines direct-to-consumer genetics with a powerful research platform.

At the moment, 15 million people in the UK suffer from some form of chronic illness – that’s roughly 16% of the population.

What makes Sano extra special is that it combines direct-to-consumer genetics with a powerful research platform.

There’s a convincing growth journey ahead for this company. Sano Genetics has raised £8 million ($11m) in its third seed funding round to help grow its US team and Europe. It will also be boosting its platform to cater to 50 diseases – growing in its healthcare capabilities.

It’s onwards and upwards for Sano as it takes the potential of the precision medicine trial market, which has an estimated value of £9.3bn by 2027. With figures like that, and the intention to help millions of people living with rare and chronic diseases find the right treatment for them – it looks like a very promising startup.