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§ Private Profile · Cambridge, MA, USA
Volta Labs is a technology company.
Volta Labs develops advanced genomics solutions, focusing on its Callisto Sample Prep System. This system leverages electrowetting technology to automate and streamline nucleic acid extraction and library preparation, critical steps for both short and long-read sequencing. By improving the performance, scalability, and consistency of sample preparation, Volta Labs aims to enhance efficiency and reduce manual labor in genomics workflows.
The company emerged as a venture-backed biotech startup, recognizing a significant bottleneck in traditional genomics sample preparation methods. The founders likely identified the need for a more robust, less labor-intensive, and more consistent approach to handling biological samples, paving the way for their innovative digital fluidics platform. This insight drove the development of technology that simplifies complex lab processes.
Volta Labs targets research and diagnostic laboratories that require high-throughput and reliable genomic analysis. Its vision is to transform these labs by enabling walk-away sample preparation, reducing hands-on time, and minimizing plastic waste. The company strives to make the extraction of vital information from biological samples as straightforward and efficient as possible, advancing the entire genomics ecosystem.
Volta Labs has raised $20.0M across 1 funding round.
Volta Labs has raised $20.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Volta Labs is a biotechnology company developing a cutting-edge digital fluidics platform for automating complex genomics workflows, particularly sample preparation for next-generation sequencing (NGS).[1][2][4] Their flagship product, Callisto, provides walk-away automation for extraction, library prep, and target enrichment, serving labs in whole genome sequencing, targeted sequencing, and applications like disease control, forensics, and agriculture by solving pain points in manual, error-prone sample prep with >98% robustness, lower costs via reagent miniaturization, and sequencer-agnostic compatibility.[3][4] Backed by Y Combinator (YC W19), Volta demonstrates strong growth momentum through its full-stack reinvention of hardware, software, chemistry, and biology, positioning it to scale genomics accessibility.[2]
Volta Labs was founded in 2018 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, emerging from MIT's innovative ecosystem in Kendall Square by CEO Udayan Umapathi and co-founder Will Langford, blending expertise in electronics, material science, biochemistry, and computer science.[1][2][5] The idea sparked from conversations with biologists frustrated by outdated automation tools limiting DNA sequencing scalability, leading to a transdisciplinary approach to bring digital electronics precision to biological workflows.[2] Key early traction included YC Winter 2019 funding, STEX25 participation in 2020-2021, and rapid development of fluidic technologies, culminating in the Callisto platform release that automates from raw samples to sequenceable molecules.[1][2]
Volta Labs stands out in biotech automation through these key strengths:
Volta Labs rides the genomics revolution, fueled by exploding demand for scalable, affordable sequencing in precision medicine, agriculture, renewables, and environmental science amid falling sequencer costs but persistent sample prep bottlenecks.[2][3] Timing is ideal post-2020s biotech boom, where AI-bio convergence and synthetic biology demand robust automation; market forces like rising NGS volumes (e.g., clinical WGS) favor Volta's low-error, cost-efficient platform over manual methods.[4] By enabling "push-button" prep, Volta influences the ecosystem by accelerating discovery, reducing lab redo rates, and democratizing access for non-experts, potentially expanding to proteomics and universal bio-workflow machines.[2][3]
Volta Labs is poised to dominate genomics sample prep with Callisto's proven robustness, targeting expansion into proteomics, synthetic biology, and a "universal machine" for bio-workflows as sequencing scales globally.[2] Trends like AI-driven biology, long-read tech, and multi-omics will amplify their edge, with influence growing via partnerships in healthcare and ag-tech if they sustain YC-fueled momentum. This MIT-born innovator, unlocking genomics utility, could redefine lab automation much like electronics transformed computing—starting from sample prep precision.[1][2]
Volta Labs has raised $20.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $20.0M Series A in March 2022.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 1, 2022 | $20M Series A | Maverick Capital | Byers Capital, Cota Capital, F7 Ventures, Founders Fund, Great Oaks Venture Capital, Highbury Group, Mohamad Makhzoumi, PivotNorth Capital, Quiet Capital, RRE Ventures, Louis Beryl, Matthew Dellavedova, Anne Wojcicki, John Stuelpnagel, Paul Mcewan, Casdin Capital, E14 Fund, Khosla Ventures | Announced |
Volta Labs has raised $20.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Volta Labs's investors include Maverick Capital, Byers Capital, Cota Capital, f7 Ventures, Founders Fund, Great Oaks Venture Capital, Highbury Group, Mohamad Makhzoumi, PivotNorth Capital, Quiet Capital, RRE Ventures, Louis Beryl.