uBiome

There are ten times as many microbial cells as human cells, the 100 trillion that together form the microbiome. These microbes are not harmful, but rather essential collaborators in our physiology. The healthy human microbiome is a balanced ecosystem. The latest research suggests that the correct balance of microbes serves to keep potential pathogens in check and regulate the immune system. Microbes also perform essential functions such as digesting food and synthesizing vitamins. The microbiome has the potential to be modified through simple means such as targeted antibiotics, healthful probiotics, diet and other lifestyle interventions. Thus, the microbiome may provide some of the most important medical breakthroughs of our era.
uBiome ultimately aims to empower participants to manage their microbiomes to improve their health. By joining uBiome, citizen scientists can explore their microbiome and become partners in the process of scientific discovery. uBiome was founded in 2012 to sequence the microbiome for researchers, clinicians, and the public. With the largest microbiome database in the world, uBiome uses microbial genomics to help patients benefit from new discoveries in scientific research. uBiome joined Y-Combinator in 2014 and raised a Series A from Andreessen Horowitz. Currently, uBiome is seeking Series B funding.