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§ Private Profile · 442 5th Avenue, New York, NY, United States
Automated biosecurity and compliance software for gene synthesis providers and research labs, ensuring nucleic acid screening.
Based in San Francisco, California, Aclid provides an automated biosecurity and compliance software platform that enables DNA and RNA synthesis manufacturers to screen genetic orders and prevent the creation of dangerous pathogens. The company operates a B2B SaaS model targeting the synthetic biology sector, gene synthesis providers, and life sciences research laboratories. In March 2024, the enterprise emerged from stealth operations and announced the closure of an oversubscribed $3.3 million seed funding round. This financing was backed by a syndicate of recognizable venture capital firms, including 8VC, 2048 Ventures, IA Ventures, and FPV Ventures. The platform helps these manufacturers comply with updated federal screening frameworks by replacing manual verification processes across their initial customer base of emerging biotech startups. Aclid was founded in 2021 by chief executive officer Kevin Flyangolts and Columbia University professor Harris Wang.
Aclid has raised $3.0M across 1 funding round.
Aclid has raised $3.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Aclid has raised $3.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $3.0M Seed in June 2023.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 1, 2023 | $3M Seed | 2048 Ventures, IA Ventures | BAM Ventures, Bascom Ventures, Renegade Partners | Announced |
Aclid has raised $3.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Aclid's investors include 2048 Ventures, IA Ventures, Bam Ventures, Bascom Ventures, Renegade Partners.
# High-Level Overview
Aclid is a biosecurity and biosafety automation platform that screens genetic material for pathogenic or toxic elements and ensures compliance with export controls and regulatory requirements[1][4]. Founded in 2021, the company serves gene synthesis providers, foundries, biotech startups, and government agencies by automating what was previously a manual, inefficient security screening process[2][4].
The core problem Aclid solves is critical: as synthetic biology has democratized, the ability to order DNA sequences from dangerous pathogens online has created significant biosecurity risks[2]. Aclid's platform automates end-to-end compliance verification, helping manufacturers screen orders, verify customer credentials and facilities, and certify proper documentation—all without manual intervention[2]. This automation reduces liability risk while making biosecurity accessible to smaller biotech companies that lack dedicated compliance infrastructure[4].
# Origin Story
Aclid was founded by Kevin Flyangolts (CEO) and Professor Harris Wang (scientific advisor) at Columbia University in 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when biosecurity concerns were at peak attention[2][4]. Harris maintained his academic position while bringing scientific domain expertise and industry networks, while Kevin—with a background in engineering and product leadership at companies like Bloomberg and IAC—focused on operations and product development[2].
The founding insight emerged from direct observation: manufacturers were manually calling customers to screen DNA orders, a process that was both inefficient and inconsistent[2]. This gap became the catalyst for building automated infrastructure. The timing proved crucial—the pandemic had elevated biosecurity to national priority, creating both urgency and receptiveness for solutions[2].
# Core Differentiators
# Role in the Broader Tech Landscape
Aclid operates at the intersection of two powerful trends: the explosive growth of synthetic biology capabilities and the rising importance of biosecurity infrastructure. The democratization of genetic engineering—where DNA can be ordered online like any other product—has created a critical gap between technological capability and safety guardrails[2].
The company is essentially building the "security layer" for synthetic biology, drawing parallels to how cybersecurity emerged as essential infrastructure only 5-10 years after the internet went mainstream[2]. As governments, regulators, and industry recognize biosecurity as non-negotiable, Aclid's automation platform becomes foundational infrastructure rather than optional compliance tool. This positions the company at a strategic chokepoint: any organization synthesizing or distributing genetic material will eventually need biosecurity screening, making Aclid's solution increasingly essential.
# Quick Take & Future Outlook
Aclid is well-positioned to become the critical infrastructure layer for a maturing bioeconomy. As synthetic biology transitions from niche research to mainstream biotechnology and industrial applications, regulatory requirements will tighten and compliance complexity will increase—directly expanding Aclid's addressable market[4].
The company's trajectory suggests expansion beyond current screening capabilities toward broader biodefense applications, including early warning systems for biological threats and wastewater surveillance integration[4]. As the field matures, Aclid's role will likely evolve from compliance tool to strategic security partner, similar to how cybersecurity firms became embedded in enterprise infrastructure. The key question is whether Aclid can maintain its position as the standard-setting platform as larger enterprise software companies recognize biosecurity's importance and attempt to integrate competing solutions.