Embark sells a direct-to-consumer dog DNA test (retailing for $199) that can identify over 350 breeds and more than 200 genetic health risks as well as physical traits. Its proprietary genotyping analyzes more than 200,000 genetic markers, which the company says is about twice the information of other dog DNA tests and powers the world’s largest database of canine health and biological information. Embark says its aim is to curb preventable diseases and increase dogs’ lifespans by three years within the next decade and to become the standard of care for dog owners and veterinarians. The company reported 235% growth between 2019 and 2020 and saw five times the sales over the prior two years. To support continued expansion and discovery, Embark plans to use new funding to expand its database and hire aggressively, anticipating adding more than 100 employees between 2021 and 2022. Embark Veterinary is a Boston-based canine genetics company founded in 2015 by brothers Ryan and Adam Boyko in partnership with Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. The company uses a simple mouth swab to test for more than 170 health conditions. It employs a research-grade DNA genotyping platform similar to those used in human direct-to-consumer genetic tests. Embark is the official dog DNA test of the Westminster Kennel Club Show, National Geographic, and The WEEK. The company plans to build out a large database of canine DNA to support genetic disease research. Embark Veterinary offers a research‑grade dog DNA test that tracks over 200,000 genetic markers to deliver ancestry analysis, genetic disease risk, and heritable trait information. The test is designed by leaders in dog and consumer genomics and is offered to pet parents, breeders, and veterinarians in partnership with the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Since its launch in May 2016 the company has amassed a database of tens of thousands of dogs and has delivered results to thousands of dog owners. Embark says the service helps inform care and breeding decisions with the goal of eradicating inherited conditions and improving canine health and longevity. The company plans to use new funding to expand research, develop new consumer and breeder features, and grow its science, engineering, marketing, and customer service teams after relocating its headquarters to the Boston area. Founders Adam and Ryan Boyko built the platform from a decade of global sample collection and lab research. Embark Veterinary launched The Embark Dog DNA Test to improve dog health and wellness by tracking over 200,000 genetic markers. The test offers ancestry analysis and insights into genetic disease risk and heritable traits. Embark launched the product in partnership with the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. The company retails the test for $199. Embark announced it launched with over $1.8M in seed funding. The round was backed by Slow Ventures and the Aspiration Growth Fund.

Total raised

$91M

Funding rounds

4

Latest round

Series B

Latest activity

Jul 2021