Element Biosciences, a genomics technology company, has raised $175 million in Series E funding led by Samsung Electronics. The firm develops sequencing and multiomics platforms using proprietary Avidite Base Chemistry to deliver high-quality, affordable genomic data. The capital will accelerate commercialization of its AVITI, AVITI24, and upcoming VITARI platforms while expanding global reach.
Samsung Backs Sequencing Challenger
The timing aligns with sector recovery. Peers like 10x Genomics narrowed losses in 2025 results while Illumina raised its 2026 revenue forecast. Element's approach centers on benchtop systems that cut per-sample costs and improve accuracy compared with legacy platforms, addressing demand for accessible NGS tools.
High Sequencing Costs Limit Adoption
Traditional next-generation sequencing remains expensive and complex for many labs despite falling genome prices. Illumina dominates the market with a broad installed base, creating barriers for smaller facilities seeking flexible, lower-cost alternatives. Research labs and clinical teams in oncology and precision medicine face workflow tradeoffs between throughput, accuracy, and budget.
AVITI Delivers Cost and Accuracy Gains
Element's AVITI benchtop sequencer uses Avidite chemistry to achieve higher accuracy at lower reagent costs than competing short-read systems. The AVITI24 adds 5D multiomics capabilities combining RNA, protein, morphology, spatial, and response data. VITARI, launched in February 2026, targets high-throughput benchtop sequencing at $100 per whole genome.
"This financing represents a powerful vote of confidence in our vision, our technology, and our team's ability to execute." — Molly He, CEO
Strategic Corporate Investor Signals Validation
Samsung Electronics, a prior Series D participant, anchored the round with its $175 million commitment. The corporate investor sees synergies between Element's sequencing accuracy improvements and its own AI and semiconductor roadmap. The investment follows Element's $277 million Series D in July 2024 and supports product launches plus expansion across 40-plus countries.
NGS Market Expands Amid Multiomics Shift
The next-generation sequencing market is projected to grow from $11.79 billion in 2026 to $38.34 billion by 2034 at a 15.88% CAGR. Key competitors include Illumina in short-read NGS, PacBio in long-read sequencing, and 10x Genomics in single-cell tools. Element positions itself as a cost-effective alternative with open architecture and multiomics integration.
Element's recent partnerships, including with SOPHiA GENETICS for AI analytics and Twist Bioscience for library workflows, underscore adoption momentum alongside more than 400 publications using its platforms.