The U.S. healthcare system is in the midst of a crisis, with spending exceeding $4.5 trillion. Chronic diseases are at record levels, life expectancy has plummeted to a 30-year low, and public trust is eroding. The need for immediate action is clear. Nucleus Genomics, a clinical-grade DNA and health technology company, aims to tackle these challenges. The company recently secured $14M in Series A funding from Giant Step Capital, One Eight Capital, and angel investors Balaji Srinivasan (former CTO of Coinbase) and Achal Upadhyaya. Previous rounds were led by Alexis Ohanian’s Seven Seven Six (also the founder of Reddit) and Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund.This funding and the acquisition of Cambrian—an AI-based health platform that converts wearable device data from Oura rings and Apple Watches into actionable health insights—will enable new features such as AI Doctor, pharmacogenomics, family forecasting, and new partnerships.
How the Nucleus makes preventative health a reality for anyone
Founded in the USA in 2021 by Kian Sadegh, Nucleus aims to make whole-genome sequencing widely accessible to the public by providing comprehensive genetic risk assessments for various diseases and traits. The company’s origin stems from a personal tragedy: in 2005, Sadeghi’s 16-year-old cousin died suddenly in her sleep from what was likely a rare congenital heart condition called Long QT syndrome.“When I was almost 7, my cousin tragically passed away in her sleep, and doctors suspected Long QT syndrome, a rare genetic heart condition. What made it even more devastating was knowing these deaths were preventable. That loss shaped me in ways I couldn’t understand then, ultimately leading me to found Nucleus,” shared Sadeghi with TFN.This tragedy opened Sadeghi’s eyes to the power of accessible genetic information. He envisioned creating a health platform combining genomics and lifestyle data to analyse disease risks and prevent unexpected tragedies. Driven by this mission, he dropped out of the University of Pennsylvania to develop software that could eliminate preventable diseases.He explained further: “One in 10 people in the U.S. has a genetic disease, and over 50% have a chronic disease. Yet millions of people, like my cousin, are still falling through the cracks. Over 99.9% of people haven’t had their genome sequenced. As a result, most of us have unknown genetic risks. So, I left school to build Nucleus when I was 20. Everyone should have a blueprint for their health, and I want to provide access to the technology that makes that possible.”
Contextualising each data point with DNA
The demand for individually accessible health solutions has reached an all-time high, starting with clinical-grade whole-genome DNA analysis that offers precise risk assessments for over 800 diseases — including cancers, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and more. Through its accessible clinical genetic testing and actionable health information, Nucleus offers a solution to a health system that focuses on treating rather than preventing diseases.Nucleus addresses this need by contextualising health data with DNA, revealing a complete picture of an individual’s health from its foundation. Sadeghi told TFN: “Genomic testing has always been fragmented. Over 70,000 genetic tests are on the market today, each analysing different genes or markers. Our technology combines all these tests into one. We digitise your DNA, so you can constantly get updates and insights without ever needing to do another genetic test.”With its clinically rigorous and comprehensive genetic analysis, Nucleus is breaking new ground in the healthcare market. Their latest feature, AI Doctor, provides a natural language interface where users can query, visualise, and monitor their DNA-based health data. The platform then delivers personalised diet, exercise, and diagnostic protocols to help users manage their health risks — moving beyond mere identification to practical solutions.Another standout feature is “New Partnerships.” The company integrates genetics with modern consumer health offerings to address everything from fertility to functional health, with partners like Bionic Health and Legacy.
Biohacking is reaching escape velocity
While Nucleus is making significant strides, the genomics market is increasingly competitive. Companies like 23andMe and Ancestry have established longer track records, and new competitors continue to emerge. Yet, as Nucleus Genomics innovates and expands, it can transform our understanding of health management.Alexis Ohanian, founder of Reddit and Seven Seven Six, which has invested over $10 million in Nucleus, said: “The next trillion-dollar business will be in consumer health. In today’s healthcare climate, no one on the market has built a future-focused, patient-first solution of this calibre.”Kian Sadeghi concluded: “Biohacking is reaching escape velocity because the movement puts people’s health into their own hands—rather than outsourcing it to a doctor they see once a year. It’s an extraordinary time in consumer health, especially with public figures like Bryan Johnson bringing what was once a niche hobby into the mainstream.”
