Lee Hood, the genomics pioneer who has co-founded more than a dozen biotech companies, is preparing to unveil a new startup, GeekWire has learned.
The Seattle-based company, Arivale, describes itself as “a revolutionary new wellness company combining cutting-edge science, an intimate and unprecedented view of your body, and personalized coaching to help you achieve your unique wellness potential.”
Arivale was formed in 2014, according to state corporations records, but it has been operating largely under the radar. That is set to change next week with a launch event scheduled for Monday evening in Seattle.
The company will join a host of startups that have been leveraging genomics to improve health, but Hood’s involvement promises to help Arivale stand out. A co-founder of companies including Amgen, Applied Biosystems, Systemix, Darwin and Rosetta, he has played an instrumental role in developing the fields of genomics and proteomics. He’s also the co-founder of the Institute for Systems Biology.
Arivale is an outgrowth of the Institute for Systems Biology’s year-long “100 Person Wellness Project,” which started in March 2014. Nathan Price from the Institute for Systems Biology is also involved as a scientific leader of Arivale.
On a site shown to people who sign up for its email list, the company hints at the scope of its ambitions: “We created Arivale to invent the future of health and create a new industry: scientific wellness. Our mission is to empower you to optimize your overall health so you can do more of what you love in life.”
It continues, “We start by getting to know you—the whole you—at the deepest level by looking at your genome, your blood, gut microbiome, and lifestyle. Then we connect you with a coach who will help explain your data and provide you with clear, actionable, lifestyle recommendations.”
We’ve contacted Arivale representatives seeking more information about the startup’s team, funding and plans, and we’ll provide updates as we learn more.
