Viome, a company specializing in microbiome products and health diagnostics, recently raised $25 million from investors and appointed Kal Raman as its chief operating officer. Based in Bellevue, Wash., Viome is focusing on expanding its diagnostic division, with Raman leading the effort. The company has developed CancerDetect, a test for oral and throat cancer, which has been granted a breakthrough device designation by the FDA. With a 90% sensitivity rate and a 95% specificity rate in detecting cancer, the technology has become a key reason for Raman’s decision to join Viome after losing his brother to oral cancer.
Founded in 2016 by CEO Naveen Jain, Viome offers microbiome products tailored to individual customers based on saliva, stool, and blood samples. These customized dietary supplements and biotics aim to support gut microorganisms and improve overall health. Despite varying estimates, the microbiome health market is rapidly growing. However, some scientists and researchers are skeptical of microbiome kit companies like Viome, citing concerns about scientific rigor and regulatory oversight. Although Viome has published peer-reviewed studies, there have been questions raised about the company’s methodology.
Viome has made surprising partnerships and product launches, including collaborations with Nordstrom to sell at-home stool sample kits for biome analysis and announcing Paris Hilton as an investor and brand ambassador. The company also offers personalized toothpaste, showcasing its innovative approach to microbiome health. The recent $25 million funding round, a Series D round, was led by existing investors like Khosla Ventures, Bold Capital WRG Ventures, and Marc Benioff of Salesforce. To date, Viome has raised a total of $200 million, indicating strong support for its innovative products and services in the microbiome health industry.
Raman’s appointment as COO aligns with Viome’s strategic focus on expanding its diagnostic capabilities beyond CancerDetect. The company is looking to develop tests for health conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease, indicating its commitment to improving overall health outcomes. With Raman’s experience at Amazon and Samsung, Viome aims to leverage his expertise in operations and digital technologies to drive growth and innovation. CEO Naveen Jain’s entrepreneurial background, including founding InfoSpace and Intelius, underscores Viome’s commitment to advancing microbiome research and personalized health solutions.
Despite skepticism from some researchers, Viome has succeeded in delivering innovative microbiome products and diagnostic tests to customers. With the backing of prominent investors and key partnerships, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for personalized health solutions. By combining scientific advancements with digital technology, Viome continues to push the boundaries of microbiome research and offer cutting-edge solutions for improving health and well-being. As Viome continues to expand its product offerings and pursue FDA approval for its diagnostic tests, the company remains at the forefront of the microbiome health industry, driving innovation and delivering impactful solutions for customers worldwide.
