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§ Private Profile · 2809 Boston St Suite 503 Baltimore, MD 21224 United States
Biotech develops liquid biopsy blood tests for early cancer detection & treatment monitoring via cell-free DNA fragmentomics.
Based in Baltimore, Maryland, Delfi Diagnostics develops affordable blood tests utilizing liquid biopsy and fragmentomics technology to detect cancer early and monitor patient treatment. The biotechnology company analyzes cell-free DNA fragment lengths and genomic features to accurately identify circulating tumor cells, aiming to provide cost-effective diagnostic tools for healthcare providers globally. Currently operating as a pre-revenue enterprise under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Susan Tousi, the firm has secured approximately $331 million in total venture equity financing to support its ongoing clinical development and commercialization efforts. This capital includes a $5.5 million seed round, a $100 million Series A, and a $225 million Series B, backed by prominent institutional investors such as OrbiMed, DFJ Growth, and corporate backer Illumina Ventures. Delfi Diagnostics was founded in 2019 by Johns Hopkins University professor Victor Velculescu.
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 across 3 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $230.0M Series B in July 2022.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 1, 2022 | $230M 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, Anthology Fund, Northpond Ventures, Open Field Capital, Point72, Point Field Partners, PTX Capital, Rock Springs Capital, Samsara BioCapital, T. Rowe Price Associates, Windham Venture Partners | Announced |
| Jan 1, 2021 | $100M 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 | Announced |
| Aug 1, 2019 | $6M Seed | — | Canvas Ventures, Jenny Fielding, Scott Hartley, Menlo Ventures | Announced |
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 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.