Natera raises $55.5 million in funding led by Sofinnova Ventures

Natera, Inc., a leader in non-invasive genetic testing, today announced that it has raised approximately $55.5 million in funding led by Silicon Valley life sciences investment firm Sofinnova Ventures. This financing round also includes participation from Capital Research and Management, Franklin Templeton Investments, Jennison Associates, RA Capital Management, Healthcor Partners and OrbiMed Advisors.

"We are very pleased to have led Natera's latest round of financing among a distinguished group of crossover investors," said James Healy, MD, PhD, general partner, Sofinnova. "Non-invasive genetic testing has experienced substantial growth over the past few years and Natera has emerged as one of the leading companies, with innovative technologies and a strong commercial base. We look forward to working with Natera's management team and investor group to continue to build the company's market position." Dr. Healy has joined Natera's Board of Directors in conjunction with the investment.

The infusion of fresh capital will be used to expand Natera's worldwide sales and marketing capability, and to invest in research and development. Research priorities include continuous innovation on existing products such as Panorama, development of non-invasive cell free DNA-based tests for early detection and therapeutic monitoring in cancer, and clinical trials to demonstrate test effectiveness and utility in clinical practice.

"This investment is a significant endorsement of our cloud-based bioinformatics and molecular technologies, and our deep R&D pipeline. We are proud to continue working with the leading healthcare and life sciences investors in the world, including Sofinnova, and together to pursue our vision of delivering accurate and timely genetic information to patients and physicians worldwide," said Matthew Rabinowitz, PhD, chief executive officer of Natera.