3X4 Genetics launched in June 2018 to a national network of healthcare practitioners across South Africa, and in the space of only 18 months has been deemed one of the country’s top five most exciting startups by the Heavy Chef Foundation.
The Foundation received over 600 nominations for startups around the country. The judges then faced the momentous task of narrowing those nominations to 12 semi-finalists, and finally five finalists based on criteria such as intellectual property, ability to scale and performance. Judges included Fraser Consulting’s Alexandra Fraser and Knife Capital’s Keet Van Zyl whose expert knowledge of and experience in the industry played a crucial part in the selection process.
Founded by expert scientist, Dr Yael Joffe and technology and behavioural specialist, Jason Haddock, 3X4 Genetics is a genetics-based HealthTech company that offers advanced nutrigenetic testing and translation provided by a network of trained and accredited practitioners to empower people to listen to their bodies and make sound, daily choices to live longer, healthier and better lives.
“As society begins to increasingly look to technology to address their questions regarding their health, 3X4 Genetics combines science and technology to make the insights offered by genetic testing more accessible and relatable to the average person,” shares Joffe. “Every minute of every day we make decisions that affect our genes and, in turn, our health. If we really understand ourselves and our genes, we can understand the implications of every decision. By offering customers unique pathway-based genetic health insights, we’re in a position to help them make the best health choices.”
“Our overarching goal is to help our ten million customers achieve their human health potential,” adds Haddock.
In addition to its patented pathway-based genetics test, 3X4 Genetics has distinguished itself in the hotly contested global genetics testing market by creating an ecosystem for healthcare practitioners in South Africa. The company has developed an education platform that offers a route for practitioners to become experts in translational genomics, enabling them to offer genetic testing as a value-add to their clients and giving their clients peace of mind knowing that the practitioner they are working with is a trained expert in the field.
Over and above this recent recognition from Heavy Chef, 3X4 Genetics has proven itself to be a key player in the genomics industry, and in the process has attracted the attention of a number of influential thought leaders in the United States. The startup received initial angel funding in January 2018 and has since secured $2,5m series A funding from a US investor, Alethea Capital. The funding will be used for enhancing the current product offering and expanding the business in the US in 2020.
With an international scientific advisory board comprised of some of the biggest and most influential names in the healthcare industry, 3X4 Genetics is on a journey to make an impact on a global scale.
