Samsung Electronics has expanded its footprint in the precision medicine market by becoming the largest shareholder in Element Biosciences (Element), a US-based genomics technology company. Samsung announced on June 10 that it has invested an additional $175 million in Element's Series E funding round, following its initial participation in the company's Series D round in July 2024.
The strategic investment allows Samsung to gain access to core technologies in the rapidly growing global precision medicine sector and strengthen its future growth drivers. With Samsung's backing, Element plans to accelerate commercialization of its next-generation genomic sequencing and multiomics platforms, while expanding its product roadmap for large-scale clinical and diagnostic applications worldwide.
Founded in San Diego in 2017, Element has developed industry-leading DNA sequencing technology that delivers up to 99.99% accuracy while significantly reducing analysis costs. DNA sequencing identifies genetic variations and traits by reading the sequence of DNA bases--the fundamental blueprint of life--and the resulting genomic data is widely used in next-generation precision medicine, from predicting hereditary traits and detecting diseases early to monitoring conditions and developing personalized therapies.
Samsung is particularly focused on Element's next-generation sequencing and multiomics capabilities. Multiomics goes beyond traditional DNA sequencing by simultaneously analyzing multiple molecular layers--such as RNA and proteins--to reveal how genetic information actually functions and changes within the body. While DNA sequencing reads the blueprint of an organism, multiomics examines how that blueprint is expressed and altered over time, making it a key technology for pinpointing the root causes of disease and accelerating drug discovery.
Traditionally, DNA, RNA and proteins had to be analyzed using separate, specialized equipment, driving up costs, extending processing times and limiting data integration. Element has overcome these barriers with a single platform that can simultaneously analyze DNA, RNA, proteins and cellular changes over time.
Since introducing its medium-throughput DNA sequencing system “AVITI” in 2022, Element has rapidly expanded its global presence. In 2024, the company launched “AVITI 24,” which analyzes genomic data and cellular dynamics as they evolve over time. Element is also preparing to release “VITARI,” a high-throughput system that increases throughput fivefold while cutting costs by more than half, and “AVITI Dx,” a clinical-grade platform designed for personalized oncology testing in hospital laboratories. Currently used by biotech companies, research institutions and hospitals, Element's multiomics solutions are expected to see broader adoption across the pharmaceutical industry. Longer term, integrating sequencing data with clinical records and everyday wellness metrics--such as sleep and exercise--is expected to help usher in an era of hyper-personalized healthcare.
With this larger financial commitment, Samsung aims to deepen its strategic partnership and build technology synergies with Element. By combining its own advanced AI capabilities, medical devices and digital health technologies with Element's DNA sequencing and multiomics expertise, Samsung seeks to pioneer new business opportunities in next-generation genetic diagnostics. Element, in turn, plans to leverage Samsung's AI and IT strengths to further improve sequencing accuracy and lower barriers to entry in precision medicine.
“Samsung's expanded investment is a powerful testament to their deep trust in our vision, technology and team,” said Molly He, CEO of Element Biosciences. “This partnership will empower us to continue delivering disruptive technologies that accelerate scientific discovery and improve human health.”
TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics, emphasized the strategic alignment. “The combination of Samsung's expertise in AI, medical devices, and digital health with Element's revolutionary genomic analysis technology will create powerful synergies for the future of personalized medicine,” Roh stated. “Samsung remains committed to investing across the spectrum from precision medical gear to digital health, all driven by our ultimate goal of enhancing human wellness.”
Samsung clarified that despite becoming the largest shareholder through this investment round, there will be no changes to Element's current management structure or corporate governance.
