Indonesian genomics tech startup Nusantics has bagged an undisclosed amount of seed funding in an investment round led by East Ventures. Nusantics conducts advanced genomic and microbiome research so it can be applied to consumer products.
Nusantics said that it will use the fresh investment to accelerate research and development of bio genomes technology to analyze skin microbiomes profiles.
The company was founded in 2019 by chemical engineer Sharlini Eriza Putri, industrial engineer Vincent Kurniawan, and biotech scientist Revata Utama. They believe that an understanding of life science, particularly of microbiomes—the genetic material of all microbes that live on or in human bodies—is important for developing ways to help consumers identify products that fit their bodies’ needs. To that end, the trio is exploring applications of microbiomes in everyday life.
The microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms—such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi—that live on and inside every living thing on Earth. Each person has a unique microbiome profile, which shapes the immune system.
As the first local startup that analyzes microbiome profiles, Nusantics will introduce its technology to the Indonesian lifestyle market by applying its toward skincare products. According to Nusantics, a diverse, balanced microbiome can lead to healthy skin, so understanding one’s microbiome balance can lead to informed choices about skin care products that fit one’s body. With increasing demand in Indonesia for services and products that relate to conscious lifestyle choices, Nusantics’ founders see an opportunity to educate the market on how microbiomes can impact decisions related to the procurement of beauty products.