2018 W-Power Trailblazers: Anu Acharya hopes to save a million lives by decoding genetic makeup

2018 W-Power Trailblazers: Anu Acharya Hopes to Save a Million Lives by Decoding Genetic Makeup

Originally published in Forbes India.

MapmyGenome allows “healthy people to stay healthy” by decoding their genetic makeup

Anu Acharya | Age: 46 | CEO, MapmyGenome India

If the complex world of genes befuddles you, turn to Anu Acharya, CEO of MapmyGenome India, a personal genomics company. As Acharya would cut the jargon and tell you, her company “allows healthy people to stay healthy” by decoding their genetic makeup and guides them on “how to become healthier.” By 2030, she expects to touch 100 million lives and save a million.

MapmyGenome is Acharya’s second startup in the field of genetics. In 2000, she started Ocimum Biosolutions, a genomic services company. She launched MapmyGenome in 2013. Today, the Hyderabad-based company is also building a database of associations between gene mutations and traits or conditions specific to the Indian population to advance personalised medicine in the country.

The company has processed more than 10,000 samples so far through Genomepatri — a take-off on janampatri, or horoscope — a simple, saliva-based test to decode DNA and predict genetic risk for 100+ diseases, traits, drug responses, and carrier statuses. Apart from a comprehensive analytical report, customers can also get consultations by certified genetic counsellors who prescribe lifestyle changes, and services such as nutritional meal plans and food delivery.

Acharya recalls the initial challenges of fundraising, given that she was “in an area that is difficult for people to understand.” “If you are a woman founder, there is a reservation against that also,” she adds. But the company managed to rise on the back of a $1.1 million pre-series A funding, and founder investment of around $2 million in 2016. Some of its prominent investors include Rajan Anandan (Managing Director, Google India) and Ratan Tata. MapmyGenome has clocked a compound annual growth rate of 84% for the past 3 years.

“Anu is a smart serial entrepreneur who has been a pioneer in India in BioIT and in personal and recreational genetics sectors in India. Her prowess in digital marketing and use of social networks has been evident in the foray with MapmyGenome.” — Vijay Chandru, Chairman & Managing Director, Strand Life Sciences