GenePeeks

The core of GenePeeks' business was a proprietary technology platform that created "digital babies." The service, called Matchright, was designed to simulate the process of genetic recombination that occurs in human reproduction. By taking DNA samples from two prospective parents—initially targeting women using sperm or egg donors—the company's software would digitally combine the genetic sequences to generate thousands of hypothetical child genomes. These "virtual genomes" were then analyzed to predict the likelihood of a child developing one of approximately 600 single-gene inherited disorders. This pre-conception analysis allowed the company to identify high-risk genetic matches, typically ruling out 10-15% of potential donors for a specific recipient, thereby offering a customized list of lower-risk donors. The primary clients were fertility clinics, sperm banks, and directly to individuals and couples undergoing fertility treatments. The service was available for a fee, around $2,000, as a physician-ordered test through its CLIA-certified lab.

The company's patented algorithms were a key asset, allowing it to evaluate variants that remained uncharacterized by other genetic tests and go beyond the limitations of existing clinical data. GenePeeks aimed to set a new standard in preconception care by providing risk information before a pregnancy begins. Over its lifetime, GenePeeks raised a total of $10 million in funding over three rounds, including a Series A round in September 2016. The company formed strategic partnerships with organizations like Donor Concierge to expand access to its screening services. However, by October 2018, Anne Morriss had left the company, and the company's website was taken down, indicating it had ceased operations.