Phylagen

About Phylagen

Phylagen is a data analytics company that provides supply chain transparency and indoor air quality monitoring through microbial forensics. Founded in 2014 by Dr. Jessica Green and Dr. Harrison Dillon, the San Francisco-based firm leverages the unique environmental microbiome—the invisible ecosystem of microorganisms present everywhere—to create verifiable data for businesses. Dr. Green is an internationally recognized scientist in microbiome science and technology, while Dr. Dillon is a biotechnology entrepreneur who previously co-founded Solazyme.

The company's core technology platform analyzes the DNA of microbes found in dust and on surfaces to create a unique "microbial fingerprint" for a specific geographical location, such as a factory or farm. By collecting samples from products, Phylagen can verify their point of origin by matching their microbial signature to its extensive database. This service, its first commercial product, allows brands and retailers in industries like apparel and agriculture to ensure their goods were produced in authorized facilities, helping to combat unauthorized subcontracting and support ethical sourcing. The process involves clients or partners collecting dust samples which are then sent to Phylagen for sequencing and analysis, with algorithms identifying the most informative genetic material for traceability.

Initially focused on supply chain forensics, Phylagen expanded its services, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, to include indoor air and environmental safety. Its "Ecology by Phylagen™" service is an enterprise-level airborne virus monitoring system that detects the presence of pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2, from settled air samples. This offering provides businesses with a tool to monitor the health and safety of indoor spaces like offices and manufacturing facilities, identifying the presence of viruses shed by inhabitants, even if they are asymptomatic. This service is active in numerous countries and has been deployed by clients such as Silverstein Properties across 15 million square feet of office space, including the World Trade Center.

In February 2019, Phylagen secured $14 million in a Series A funding round. The round was led by Cultivian Sandbox, Breakout Ventures, and Working Capital, with participation from investors including AgFunder, 3M Ventures, and the Dolby Family Ventures. The company utilizes a B2B business model, providing its analytics as a service to large enterprises seeking to mitigate supply chain risks and ensure workplace safety.