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Chennai-based biotechnology start-up XCode has raised Rs 1 crore angel funding from Shead Holdings, a micro-venture capital fund from the US, and an individual investor.
The money is being used for the company’s upcoming launches — an anti-ageing topical application and a mobile phone-based health advice service.
Last year, Shead Holdings and R. Narayanan (of Chennai Angels) had invested $2,50,000 in the firm, which was initially incubated at the Vellore Institute of Technology.
XCode’s flagship product is a preventive wellness programme identifies an individual’s predisposition to diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases by doing a DNA analysis of his or her saliva sample. Based on this, a personalised nutrition and fitness plan is provided. So far, 140 people have bought this package.
Next month, XCode will launch an anti-ageing application (based on DNA assessment) for which XCode is tying up with a salon chain and cosmetics company, said Saleem Mohammed, Founder. The company will also launch the ‘100 Days to Better Health’ mobile phone service that gives health tips through SMS and audio clips.
XCode is also engaged in research on risk assessment for cancer and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. As XCode looks to scale up, it will seek Series A venture capital funding soon.
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