Loading organizations...
Loading organizations...
Delfi Diagnostics is a technology company.
Delfi Diagnostics develops liquid biopsy tests for early cancer detection. Its core product utilizes the DELFI (DNA Evaluation of Fragments for early Interception) method, analyzing genome-wide cell-free DNA fragmentation patterns from blood samples. This approach combines next-generation sequencing with machine learning to identify genomic signatures, aiming to detect various cancers in their early stages.
The company was founded in 2019 by Dr. Victor Velculescu, a distinguished cancer geneticist from Johns Hopkins University. His research into circulating tumor DNA provided the foundational insight, demonstrating that patterns of DNA fragmentation in the bloodstream indicate cancer's presence. This discovery led directly to the development of Delfi's non-invasive screening technology.
Delfi Diagnostics' products target healthcare systems seeking scalable cancer screening solutions. The company envisions its technology significantly reducing cancer mortality through widespread early interception, including underserved communities. Its mission is to transform oncology care via accessible, accurate blood-based tests, fundamentally improving patient outcomes by catching cancer sooner.
Delfi Diagnostics has raised $336.0M across 3 funding rounds.
Delfi Diagnostics has raised $336.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Delfi Diagnostics has raised $336.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Delfi Diagnostics's investors include Justin Kao, Canvas Ventures, DFJ Growth, Jenny Fielding, Scott Hartley, Menlo Ventures, OrbiMed, Westlake Village BioPartners, AV8 Ventures, Brown Advisory, Cowen Healthcare Investments, Eli Lilly and Company.
DELFI Diagnostics is a biotechnology company developing a blood-based liquid biopsy test for early cancer detection using advanced machine learning and fragmentomics technology[1]. The DELFI method analyzes cell-free DNA fragments from a simple blood sample via next-generation sequencing, scanning millions of data points to identify cancer signals beyond traditional mutation-based approaches[1]. It targets patients at risk for early-stage cancers, addressing the limitations of existing screenings by enabling scalable, non-invasive detection[1]. Led by experts in genomics, AI, and oncology, the company has built momentum through pioneering research from founder Victor Velculescu and a leadership team with deep industry experience[1].
DELFI Diagnostics was founded by Victor Velculescu, MD, PhD, a renowned cancer genomics researcher who performed the first genome-wide sequence analysis in human cancers, identified key tumorigenesis genes, developed global gene-expression methods, and coined the term "transcriptome"[1]. The idea emerged from Velculescu's breakthroughs in understanding DNA patterns in cancer cells, evolving into the DELFI platform that leverages fragmentomics—analyzing cfDNA fragment characteristics—for early detection[1]. Early traction stems from this foundational research, now advanced by CEO Susan Tousi (ex-Illumina Chief Commercial Officer and Forbes 50 over 50 honoree), Chief Medical Officer Peter B. Bach (lung cancer epidemiologist), and other leaders from Illumina, Abbott, and St. Jude Medical[1].
DELFI rides the multi-cancer early detection (MCED) trend, fueled by advances in AI, machine learning, and NGS that democratize precision oncology[1]. Timing aligns with rising demand for non-invasive screenings amid aging populations and cancer burdens, where traditional methods miss early stages[1]. Market forces like falling sequencing costs and regulatory pushes for liquid biopsies favor DELFI's scalable model, positioning it to influence ecosystems by shifting paradigms from reactive to proactive cancer care and inspiring fragmentomics applications beyond oncology[1].
DELFI is poised for clinical validation and commercialization milestones, potentially launching population-scale screenings as trials progress[1]. Trends like AI-driven diagnostics and expanded cfDNA uses will accelerate growth, evolving its influence toward preventive healthcare integration. This early-detection pioneer, born from genomic trailblazing, could redefine cancer outcomes much like its founder's past discoveries reshaped the field[1].
Delfi Diagnostics has raised $336.0M across 3 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $230.0M Series B in July 2022.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 1, 2022 | $230.0M Series B | Justin Kao | Canvas Ventures, DFJ Growth, Jenny Fielding, Scott Hartley, Menlo Ventures, OrbiMed, Westlake Village BioPartners, AV8 Ventures, Brown Advisory, Cowen Healthcare Investments, Eli Lilly and Company, Foresite Capital, Illumina Ventures, Initiate Ventures, Menlo Ventures, Northpond Ventures, Open Field Capital, Point72, Point Field Partners, PTX Capital, Rock Springs Capital, Samsara BioCapital, T. Rowe Price Associates, Windham Venture Partners |
| Jan 1, 2021 | $100.0M Series A | OrbiMed | Canvas Ventures, Jenny Fielding, Scott Hartley, Menlo Ventures, Westlake Village BioPartners, AV8 Ventures, Cowen Healthcare Investments, Foresite Capital, Illumina Ventures, Greg Yap, Northpond Ventures, Rock Springs Capital, Samsara BioCapital, T. Rowe Price Associates, Windham Venture Partners |
| Aug 1, 2019 | $6.0M Seed | Canvas Ventures, Jenny Fielding, Scott Hartley, Menlo Ventures |