Visible Genomics

Visible Genomics

Early Stage

Preventing Vision Loss with a Simple Genetic Test

Preventing Vision Loss with a Simple Genetic Test

Overview

Raised this Round: Raised: $16,209

Total Commitments ($USD)

Platform

StartEngine

Start Date

08/07/2024

Close Date

11/05/2024

Min. Goal
$14,997
Max. Goal
$1,234,998
Min. Investment

$493

Security Type

Equity - Common

Series

Seed

SEC Filing Type

RegCF    Open SEC Filing

Price Per Share

$9.48

Pre-Money Valuation

$26,417,594

Year Founded

2024

Industry

Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals

Tech Sector

HealthTech

Distribution Model

B2B/B2C

Margin

Low

Capital Intensity

High

Location

Hinsdale, Illinois

Business Type

Growth

Visible Genomics, with a valuation of $26.4 million, is raising funds on StartEngine. It is a genetics-based testing and assessment company with a focus on severe ocular diseases. Visible Genomics’ flagship product, AMDiGuard, is a cheek swab test to assess the risk and progression of age-related macular degeneration. The DNA risk test and progression test of Visible Genomics empower medical professionals and patients to delay or prevent disease onset. Scott Rediger and Peter Vezmar founded Visible Genomics in June 2024. The current crowdfunding campaign has a minimum target of $14,997.36 and a maximum target of $1.23 million. The campaign proceeds will be used for marketing, promotional activities, sales and marketing personnel, product development, and operations.

Summary Profit and Loss Statement

FY 2023 FY 2022

Revenue

$31,768

$33,360

COGS

$26,490

$25,613

Tax

$0

$0

 

 

Net Income

$-600,827

$-691,435

Summary Balance Sheet

FY 2023 FY 2022

Cash

$3,808

$8,973

Accounts Receivable

$2,300

$1,600

Total Assets

$12,651

$16,821

Short-Term Debt

$2,004,044

$1,457,387

Long-Term Debt

$0

$0

Total Liabilities

$2,004,044

$1,457,387

Financials as of: 08/07/2024
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Raise History

Offering Name Close Date Platform Valuation Total Raised Security Type Status Reg Type
Visible Genomics 11/05/2024 StartEngine $26,417,594 $16,209 Equity - Common Active RegCF

No prior online funding rounds.

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Synopsis

Visible Genomics is a genetics-based testing and assessment company focused on severe ocular diseases. The company has developed a flagship product called AMDiGuard™. This product is a cheek swab test designed to assess the risk and progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). 

Age-related macular degeneration is a significant health issue, particularly among the aging population. It is a leading cause of vision loss and can severely impact the quality of life. AMD progresses gradually and can lead to blindness if not detected and managed early. The problem is compounded by the fact that early symptoms are often subtle and can go unnoticed until the disease has advanced significantly.

Visible Genomics addresses this problem with its AMDiGuard™ test. The test uses advanced DNA analysis and proprietary algorithms to assess an individual's genetic risk and the potential progression of AMD. By providing a simple, non-invasive cheek swab test, AMDiGuard™ empowers both medical professionals and patients with critical information that can help delay or prevent the onset of the disease. The test results enable early intervention and personalized treatment plans, which can significantly improve patient outcomes.

Next Section: Price

Price

Visible Genomics is offering common equity in its current fundraising round. The pre-money valuation for the company is set at $26.4 million, with a price per share of $9.48. The company is selling 4.47% of its equity to new investors in this round.

Investing through common equity provides investors with ownership in the company but does not come with the preferential terms that preferred equity might offer, such as liquidation preferences or anti-dilution protections. Common equity holders typically benefit from the company's growth and success but are also more exposed to risks, especially in the event of liquidation or acquisition.

For investors considering Visible Genomics, the exit potential is an important factor. Startups in the healthcare and genetics-based testing sectors have seen significant exits, primarily through acquisitions by larger healthcare companies or pharmaceutical firms. To achieve a 10X return on investment, Visible Genomics would need to reach a valuation of approximately $264 million (not accounting for dilution). Given the company's current pre-revenue status, this would likely require substantial growth in market penetration, revenue generation, and possibly strategic partnerships or advancements in their product offerings.

With an annual revenue of $31,768 and a revenue multiple of 831.6x, the company is currently overvalued based on its existing revenue. For a 10X return, the company would need to significantly increase its revenue and market share. This would involve not only scaling its product distribution but also achieving widespread adoption among medical professionals and patients. The market for age-related macular degeneration solutions is valued at $2.3 billion, growing at a rate of 7.9% annually, which provides a substantial opportunity for growth if the company can effectively capture a portion of this market.

Next Section: Market

Market

The market for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) solutions is primarily driven by the aging population and the increasing prevalence of AMD among older adults. As the population ages, the demand for diagnostic and preventive solutions for ocular diseases is expected to rise. Additionally, advancements in genetic testing and personalized medicine are contributing to the growth of this market by enabling more accurate and early detection of AMD.

Visible Genomics operates within a market that is projected to reach $2.3 billion in 2024, with an annual growth rate of 7.9%. This growth is fueled by the increasing awareness and adoption of genetic testing for preventive healthcare. The trend towards personalized medicine, where treatments and preventive measures are tailored to an individual's genetic profile, is also a significant driver for the market.

However, market trends can have both positive and negative impacts on Visible Genomics' growth. On the positive side, the growing acceptance of genetic testing among healthcare providers and patients can lead to higher adoption rates for products like AMDiGuard™. The shift towards preventive healthcare and early detection of diseases aligns well with the company's product offering.

On the negative side, the highly competitive landscape and the presence of established players in the genetic testing and ocular health sectors pose challenges for Visible Genomics. The company needs to differentiate its product effectively and build strong relationships with medical professionals and patients to capture a substantial market share.

Visible Genomics' product, AMDiGuard™, targets a specific niche within the broader AMD market. While the overall market is large, the company's focus on genetic testing for AMD risk and progression assessment appeals mainly to individuals who are proactive about their health and seek personalized preventive measures. This niche approach allows Visible Genomics to cater to a segment of the market that values advanced genetic insights and early intervention strategies.

Next Section: Team

Team

Visible Genomics is led by Founder & CEO Scott Rediger. He has overseen sales and operations for Visible Genomics since founding the company over 5 years ago. He previously served as Systems and Communications Consultant at InfNet Broadband. He also founded and served as CEO of Access Media 3, an internet/television company he grew to over $50 million in revenue.

Joining him is Peter Vezmar who serves as a part-time CFO for the company. He is also currently CEO of Marula Enterprises, an investment firm. He also serves as Director at Life Assurance Company of America, and previously served as CFO of Andrie Trading and The Leap Group.

While the core team is strong,  there are areas where the team could benefit from additional expertise. For instance, having team members with specialized skills in marketing and sales could enhance the company's ability to effectively promote and distribute its AMDiGuard™ product. Additionally, expertise in regulatory affairs would be beneficial, given the healthcare industry's stringent regulations and the need for compliance with market approval requirements.

Next Section: Differentiation

Differentiation

Visible Genomics operates in a competitive landscape with several established players in the genetic testing and ocular health sectors. Two notable competitors include 23andMe and Macula Risk.

23andMe is a well-known consumer genetics company that offers a wide range of genetic testing services, including health predisposition reports. While 23andMe provides comprehensive genetic insights, it does not specialize exclusively in ocular health or age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In terms of company size, 23andMe is significantly larger than Visible Genomics, with a broad customer base and extensive marketing resources. The product quality of 23andMe is high, supported by robust scientific research and proprietary algorithms. However, its pricing is generally higher due to the wide range of services offered.

Macula Risk, on the other hand, is more directly aligned with Visible Genomics' focus on AMD. Macula Risk offers genetic testing specifically for assessing the risk of AMD, similar to Visible Genomics' AMDiGuard™ product. Macula Risk is a more specialized player in the ocular health market, making it a closer competitor in terms of product offering. However, Visible Genomics differentiates itself by combining advanced DNA analysis with proprietary algorithms to provide a comprehensive risk and progression assessment. Pricing for Macula Risk's services is comparable to that of Visible Genomics, but the latter's emphasis on personalized preventive measures may offer additional value to its target customers.

Next Section: Performance

Performance

Visible Genomics has demonstrated modest revenue generation, with annual revenue of $31,768 for the most recent fiscal year, down from $33,360 the prior year. This represents a slight year-over-year decline in revenue, which is a concern for a growth-stage company aiming to scale its operations and market presence.

The company's financial metrics indicate a challenging cash flow situation. Visible Genomics has a most recent monthly burn rate of approximately $40,000, which significantly exceeds its current cash on hand of $7,700. This limited cash reserve underscores the urgency for Visible Genomics to secure additional funding to sustain its operations and support its growth initiatives.

Visible Genomics has reported consistent net income losses, with a net loss of $601k for the most recent fiscal year, following a net loss of $691k in the previous fiscal year. These recurring losses highlight the company's ongoing operational and financial challenges. The company must address these issues through effective cost management and revenue generation strategies to move toward profitability.

Despite these financial challenges, Visible Genomics has paying customers, indicating some market acceptance of its AMDiGuard™ product. However, the company does not have any notable partnerships or established distribution channels, which could impact its ability to scale rapidly and achieve significant revenue growth.

Next Section: Risk

Risk

Investing in Visible Genomics comes with several specific risks that potential investors should carefully consider. One of the most notable risks is the company's high revenue multiple. With a revenue multiple of 831.6x based on their annual revenue of $31,768, the company is significantly overvalued relative to its current financial performance. This valuation places a considerable burden on the company to rapidly scale its revenue to justify its valuation and provide a meaningful return to investors.

With such low revenue, Visible Genomics is essentially in the pre-revenue stage, which adds to the uncertainty about its ability to generate significant revenue soon. The company needs to demonstrate that it can effectively market and distribute its AMDiGuard™ product to capture a substantial share of the $2.3 billion market for age-related macular degeneration solutions. The absence of a proven revenue model and the need for long-term market adoption present additional challenges.

The company's runway is another point of concern. With cash and cash equivalents of $7,700 as of the most recent fiscal year-end, and a monthly burn rate of approximately $40,000, Visible Genomics faces a limited runway. This financial situation necessitates a successful fundraising round and prudent management of operational expenses to avoid cash flow issues that could hinder product development and market penetration.

Visible Genomics has also reported a net income loss of $601k in the most recent fiscal year, following a similar loss of $691k in the prior fiscal year. These recurring losses highlight the company's ongoing operational challenges and the need for efficient cost management and revenue generation strategies to move toward profitability.

While the company has paying customers, it does not have any notable partnerships or established distribution channels, which could impact its ability to scale rapidly. Additionally, the competitive landscape for genetic testing and ocular health solutions is moderately competitive, which means that Visible Genomics will need to differentiate its product and build strong relationships with medical professionals and patients to succeed.

Next Section: Bullish Outlook

Bullish Outlook

Visible Genomics presents several positive factors that contribute to a bullish outlook. The market for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) solutions is projected to reach $2.3 billion in 2024, growing at an annual rate of 7.9%. This expanding market offers significant opportunities for Visible Genomics to capture a substantial share, especially as the aging population increases and the demand for preventive healthcare solutions rises.

One of the company's unique strengths is its specialized focus on AMD risk and progression assessment through its AMDiGuard™ product. This targeted approach allows Visible Genomics to cater to a specific niche within the broader genetic testing market, differentiating itself from competitors like 23andMe, which offers more generalized genetic testing services, and Macula Risk, which focuses on similar areas but lacks the same level of comprehensive risk and progression analysis.

The leadership of CEO Scott Rediger, with his extensive experience in the healthcare and genetics-based testing sectors, aligns well with the company's goals. His previous success in raising substantial capital for other ventures demonstrates his capability to secure funding and drive business growth, which is crucial for Visible Genomics' expansion plans.

Visible Genomics also benefits from the growing trend towards personalized medicine and preventive healthcare. The company's use of advanced DNA analysis and proprietary algorithms for AMD risk assessment positions it well to leverage these emerging trends. As healthcare providers and patients increasingly adopt genetic testing for early disease detection and personalized treatment plans, Visible Genomics stands to gain from this shift in healthcare practices.

Next Section: Bearish Outlook

Bearish Outlook

Visible Genomics faces several key factors that contribute to a bearish outlook. The highly competitive landscape of the genetic testing and ocular health sectors poses significant market challenges. Established players like 23andMe and Macula Risk have robust resources and market presence, making it difficult for Visible Genomics to gain substantial market share. Additionally, the company has not yet formed notable partnerships or established strong distribution channels, which could inhibit its growth and market penetration.

The valuation of Visible Genomics at $26.4 million, paired with a high revenue multiple of 831.6x, raises concerns about the company's current financial standing. This valuation appears overinflated given the company's modest annual revenue of $31,768 and the effective pre-revenue status. For investors, the high valuation without corresponding revenue growth presents a significant risk, as achieving a meaningful return on investment would require exceptional growth and market adoption.

Market adoption is another potential growth inhibitor. While the concept of genetic testing for preventive healthcare is gaining traction, the adoption rate among medical professionals and patients is still in its early stages. Visible Genomics needs to invest significantly in education and marketing efforts to drive awareness and acceptance of its product. Without widespread market adoption, the company's growth prospects could be limited.

Financially, Visible Genomics faces challenges related to cash flow and funding. With cash on hand of just $7,700 and a monthly burn rate of approximately $40,000, the company has a limited runway. This financial situation necessitates a successful fundraising round to sustain operations and support growth initiatives. The recurring net income losses further underscore the financial strain, highlighting the need for effective cost management and revenue generation strategies.

Next Section: Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Visible Genomics is a genetics-based testing and assessment company focused on severe ocular diseases, primarily targeting medical professionals and patients concerned about age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The company's flagship product, AMDiGuard™, provides a non-invasive cheek swab test to assess the risk and progression of AMD, aiming to empower early intervention and personalized treatment plans.

Visible Genomics is offering common equity in its current fundraising round, with a pre-money valuation of $26.4 million and a price per share of $9.48. While the company is pre-revenue, the high revenue multiple of 831.6x indicates a significant valuation relative to its current financial performance. Achieving a 10X return would require the company to reach a valuation of approximately $264 million, necessitating substantial growth in market penetration and revenue generation.

The market for AMD solutions is projected to reach $2.3 billion in 2024, with an annual growth rate of 7.9%. Key drivers include the aging population and the growing acceptance of genetic testing for preventive healthcare. While these trends present growth opportunities, the competitive landscape and the need for effective differentiation pose challenges.

Visible Genomics has demonstrated modest revenue generation, with annual revenue of $31,768 for the most recent fiscal year. However, the company faces a limited runway with cash on hand of $7,700 and a monthly burn rate of approximately $40,000. The recurring net income losses highlight ongoing operational challenges that need to be addressed through effective cost management and revenue generation strategies.

In terms of differentiation, Visible Genomics focuses on a niche within the broader genetic testing market, targeting older adults at risk of AMD. Competitors like 23andMe and Macula Risk offer similar genetic testing services, but Visible Genomics aims to stand out with its specialized product for AMD risk assessment and progression analysis.

On the bullish side, the growing market for AMD solutions and the increasing acceptance of genetic testing present significant growth opportunities. The company's focus on personalized preventive healthcare aligns well with market trends, and the team's expertise supports its strategic initiatives.

On the bearish side, the high valuation relative to current financial performance and the competitive landscape pose challenges. The limited runway and recurring losses highlight the need for effective financial management and revenue generation.

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Visible Genomics on StartEngine 2024
Platform: StartEngine
Security Type: Equity - Common
Valuation: $26,417,594
Price per Share: $9.48

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