Active Motif
Active Motif is a privately held life sciences company founded in 1999 that sells epigenetics research tools — ChIP, CUT&Tag, CUT&RUN, and ATAC-Seq kits, validated antibodies, recombinant proteins, and instruments — plus contract epigenomics services to academic, pharmaceutical, and clinical research customers across 40+ countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1999
- HeadquartersTegernheim, Germany
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Active Motif does
Active Motif is a privately held life sciences company founded in 1999 and headquartered in Carlsbad, California, with a German operating base in Tegernheim. The company specializes exclusively in epigenetics research tools, launching the first commercial chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) kit in 2003 and now offering a comprehensive portfolio spanning ChIP, CUT&Tag, CUT&RUN, ATAC-Seq, and RNA sequencing workflows. Its product catalog includes 896 validated antibodies, 895 recombinant proteins, and 345 kits, supported by proprietary technologies such as Spike-In Normalization controls, AbFlex recombinant antibodies, the TIP-ChIP multiplexed ChIP-Seq platform, and the PIXUL multi-sample sonicator. The company sells adjacent lines including TransAM transcription factor assays, DNA methylation enrichment kits, RAS GTPase products, and SARS-CoV-2 research tools, and in January 2022 acquired Amaryllis Nucleics to extend into RNA sequencing for precision medicine.
Active Motif serves three primary customer segments: academic and research institutions (chromatin IP, histone modification analysis, transcription factor studies), pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies (epigenetic target identification, biomarker discovery, preclinical validation), and clinical research organizations (clinical biomarker and diagnostic assay development). It operates a product-led go-to-market model via direct e-commerce on activemotif.com with bulk ordering for larger operations, complemented by a global distributor network spanning 40+ countries with localized websites for Japan, China, and most of Europe. The company also runs a fee-for-service epigenomics business offering ChIP-Seq, ATAC-Seq, CUT&Tag, RNA-Seq, single-cell, Hi-C, and bioinformatics services, and is a 10x Genomics Certified Service Provider for Single-Cell Multiome.
Revenue is generated primarily through one-time product sales (kits, antibodies, recombinant proteins, instruments) and professional services, with leadership consisting of CEO Ted DeFrank, Founder and Chairman Joe Fernandez, and CFO Patrick Yount. The company has executed three acquisitions (Genpathway in 2010, SwitchGear Genomics in 2013, Amaryllis Nucleics in 2022) to broaden its technology footprint and maintains a content-driven marketing strategy built around the Epigenetics Podcast, Chromatin Clubs across multiple regions, and educational webinars and eBooks targeting the epigenetics research community.
Active Motif firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Active Motif
- Legal name
- Active Motif
- Website
- https://activemotif.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1999
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Active Motif is a privately held life sciences company founded in 1999 that sells epigenetics research tools — ChIP, CUT&Tag, CUT&RUN, and ATAC-Seq kits, validated antibodies, recombinant proteins, and instruments — plus contract epigenomics services to academic, pharmaceutical, and clinical research customers across 40+ countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Active Motif industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Epigenetics Research Reagents and Services
- NAICS
- Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714), Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), Scientific Research and Development Services (5417)
- SIC
- Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Epigenomics & Chromatin Profiling Services (HLAGANAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Molecular Biology & Genomics Instruments (PCR/qPCR, Sequencing, Microarrays) (HLAGAIAF), Genomics & Molecular Diagnostics (Trial Support) (HLAGAEAD)
Keywords
Where Active Motif is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tegernheim
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Active Motif business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Kits and Assays: Sale of chromatin immunoprecipitation kits, CUT&Tag assays, CUT&RUN kits, ATAC-Seq kits, and related assay reagents for epigenetics research.
- Antibodies: Sale of validated antibodies for ChIP-Seq, CUT&Tag, CUT&RUN including histone antibodies, transcription factor antibodies, chromatin modifier antibodies, and AbFlex recombinant antibodies.
- Recombinant Proteins and Enzymes: Sale of recombinant nucleosomes, histones, histone modifiers (HATs, HDACs, HMTs, HDMs), bromodomain proteins, and other epigenetics-related enzymes.
- Epigenetic Services: Fee-for-service including ChIP-Seq services, RNA-Seq services, single-cell services, CUT&Tag services, ATAC-Seq services, bioinformatics services, and Hi-C services.
- Sonicators and Instruments: Sale of PIXUL multi-sample sonicators, EpiShear probe sonicators, and related labware and accessories.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | TIP-ChIP Assay Kit (1 x 96 reactions) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Bulk ordering available |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels9 records
Active Motif product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Active Motif develops, manufactures, and sells life science research reagents, kits, antibodies, recombinant proteins, and instruments for epigenetics research, including ChIP, CUT&Tag, CUT&RUN, ATAC-Seq, and DNA methylation workflows. The company also offers end-to-end contract research services spanning ChIP-Seq, RNA-Seq, single-cell multiome, Hi-C, and bioinformatics analysis, and operates the proprietary PIXUL multi-sample sonicator instrument. Product portfolio spans sample preparation through sequencing library creation and data analysis, with the company's first ChIP kit launched in 2003.
Product overview
Active Motif is a life sciences reagents and services company offering a comprehensive portfolio of epigenetics research tools. The product lineup centers on chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays and related products, including ChIP-IT® Express kits (the original ChIP kit launched in 2003), CUT&Tag-IT® and CUT&RUN kits for low-input chromatin profiling, and the innovative TIP-ChIP™ system for high-throughput multiplexed ChIP-Seq. Core products span sample preparation (PIXUL® multi-sample sonicators, nuclear extraction, RNA/DNA purification), antibody validation, recombinant proteins (histones, chromatin modifiers, transcription factors), DNA methylation tools, and RAS GTPase assays. Services include end-to-end epigenomics contract research (ChIP-Seq, ATAC-Seq, RNA-Seq, Hi-C, single-cell multiome) and bioinformatic analysis. The company also acquired Amaryllis Nucleics (2022) for RNA sequencing capabilities. Products are designed for the epigenetics research workflow from sample prep through sequencing library creation and data analysis.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- ChIP-IT: Chromatin Immunoprecipitation kit product line
- CUT&Tag-IT
- TIP-ChIP
- PIXUL
- TransAM
- MethylCollector
- AbFlex
Products and services
- ChIP-IT Express Kits Chromatin immunoprecipitation kits that use protein G-conjugated magnetic beads, enabling ChIP assays to be completed in one day with guaranteed results. Designed for epigenetics researchers studying histone modifications, transcription factor binding, and chromatin structure.
- TIP-ChIP Assay Kit Tagmented, Indexed, and Pooled ChIP-Seq kit enabling high-throughput analysis of up to 96 samples simultaneously with lower input (300K-1M cells) and reduced variability compared to traditional ChIP-Seq, utilizing modified Tn5 transposase for unbiased tagmentation.
- CUT&Tag-IT Assay Kits Complete kits for genome-wide analysis of histone marks from fewer cells and lower sequencing depths, available in Express, Cells, and Tissue formats. Designed for low-input chromatin profiling.
- CUT&RUN Assay Kits ChIC/CUT&RUN Assay Kit for chromatin immunoprecipitation using fewer cells than traditional ChIP, enabling genome-wide profiling of histone modifications and transcription factors.
- ATAC-Seq Assay Kits ATAC-Seq kits for mapping open chromatin, including standard, Express, and Fixed Cell variants, plus recombinant transposase enzymes, for researchers studying chromatin accessibility.
- PIXUL Multi-Sample Sonicator Multi-sample sonication device (1-96 samples) for reproducible shearing of chromatin, DNA, RNA, and proteins with consistent results, sold as a capital instrument.
- AbFlex Recombinant Antibodies Proprietary recombinant antibodies with defined epitope tags (FLAG, HA, Myc, AM-tag) engineered for enhanced specificity and reproducibility in ChIP-Seq, CUT&Tag, CUT&RUN, IF, IP, and WB applications.
- ChIP-Validated Antibodies Portfolio of 896 validated antibodies covering histone modifications, chromatin modifiers, transcription factors, and DNA methylation for ChIP-Seq, CUT&Tag, CUT&RUN, and TIP-ChIP applications.
- DNA Methylation Products Comprehensive tools for DNA methylation studies including antibodies, kits, recombinant proteins, bisulfite conversion, and enrichment methods for 5-mC, 5-hmC, and other variants.
- Recombinant Histones and Proteins Quality-controlled recombinant proteins including nucleosomes, modified histones, histone peptides, bromodomains, HATs/HDACs, HMTs/HDMs, and other chromatin-related enzymes for epigenetic drug discovery.
- TransAM Transcription Factor Activation Assays ELISA-based transcription factor activation assays for simple, sensitive, and quantitative measurement of transcription factor DNA-binding activity.
- DNA Library Prep Kit for Illumina DNA library preparation kit enabling library preparation for Illumina sequencing platforms, used as part of the NGS workflow downstream of chromatin assays.
- YourSeq mRNA Library Prep Strand-specific mRNA library preparation kits (FT and 3'DGE variants) for Illumina sequencing platforms, derived from Amaryllis Nucleics RNA sequencing technology.
- Chromatin Assembly Kit Kit for in vitro chromatin assembly for studies of nucleosome positioning and chromatin structure.
- SARS-CoV-2 Products Recombinant antibodies, spike proteins, and ELISA kits for SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 research, including recombinant spike S1 protein ELISA and recombinant proteins.
- RAS GTPase Products Products for RAS research including KRAS In-well Lysis ELISA Kit, NRAS In-well Lysis ELISA Kit, and Ras GTPase Chemi ELISA Kit for measuring RAS activation.
- Epigenetic Services End-to-end contract research services including ChIP-Seq, ATAC-Seq, CUT&Tag, CUT&RUN, RNA-Seq, Hi-C, single-cell services, bioinformatic analysis, and antibody validation, performed by Active Motif experts for pharma, biotech, and academic customers.
- ChIP-Sequencing (ChIP-Seq) Services Contract ChIP-Seq services including FFPE ChIP-Seq, Super-Enhancer Profiling (HistonePath), FactorPath, ChIP-Seq Spike-in, and Pol II ChIP-Seq for outsourced chromatin profiling studies.
- RNA-Seq Services Transcriptome sequencing services including Express RNA-Seq (using tagmentation technology for ultra-fast results) and standard RNA-Seq, leveraging Amaryllis Nucleics acquired technology.
- Single-Cell Multiome Services 10x Genomics certified services for simultaneous measurement of genome-wide gene expression and open chromatin from the same cell, including 10x Multiome and Rhapsody platforms.
- Hi-C Service Chromosome conformation capture service for mapping 3D genome organization and chromatin interactions within nuclear space, operated in partnership with Arima Genomics.
- Mod Spec Service Service for mapping protein-posttranslational modification crosstalk using mass spectrometry.
- DISCOVER-Seq Service Service for tracking CRISPR-Cas9 off-target effects using genome-wide unbiased detection of CRISPR editing sites.
- Interactome Profiling (RIME) Rapid immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry of endogenous proteins (RIME/ChIP-MS) for analyzing protein-protein interactions related to nuclear receptors and chromatin.
Quantifiable outcome
- TIP-ChIP enables processing 96 samples simultaneously versus one sample per reaction in traditional ChIP-Seq
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Active Motif
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Active Motif technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration4 records
Feature6 records
Active Motif partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered notable and minor.
- Diagenode S.A.notableActive Motif licensed its Targeted Transposition Technology to Diagenode S.A., enabling Diagenode to offer this technology for epigenetics applications.
- Arima GenomicsnotableLaunched Hi-C Service partnership combining Arima's Hi-C technology with Active Motif's epigenetics services expertise.
- Proteintech GroupnotableCollaboration with Proteintech for antibody-related products and services.
- Forge TherapeuticsnotableForge Therapeutics and Active Motif formed a collaboration for epigenetics research tools and drug discovery support.
- ChemPartnerminorRecombinant Enzyme Alliance providing recombinant enzymes for epigenetics research applications.
- City of HopenotableMIRA License partnership for epigenetic technology licensing with City of Hope National Medical Center.
Scale indicators1 record
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Active Motif competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Diagenode: Specialist in epigenetics kits, antibodies, and automated instruments (Bioruptor, IP-Star) with a near-identical product portfolio. Direct competitor in ChIP-Seq, CUT&Tag, ATAC-Seq, and DNA methylation workflows, and Active Motif's licensor of targeted transposition technology.
- Cell Signaling Technology: Leading antibody supplier with extensive ChIP-validated and histone modification antibody lines that directly overlap Active Motif's catalog. Targets the same academic and pharma research buyers with deep validation and citation footprint.
- EpiCypher: Emerging specialist in nucleosomes, CUT&Tag reagents (CUTANA), and chromatin standards. Competes head-to-head in low-input chromatin profiling and epigenetic assay controls.
- Zymo Research: Specialist in DNA methylation products, bisulfite conversion kits, and epigenetics services that overlap with Active Motif's MethylCollector line. Also offers broader sample-prep and NGS library prep adjacent to Active Motif's portfolio.
Broad incumbents
- Abcam: Large antibody and reagent catalog with substantial ChIP-validated antibody coverage. Competes on scale and breadth rather than epigenetics specialization; now part of Danaher, giving it deep commercial reach.
- Thermo Fisher Scientific: Largest life science tools incumbent; offers Invitrogen ChIP-validated antibodies, ATAC-Seq reagents, and qPCR/sequencing instruments. Competes via bundling, distribution scale, and pricing rather than specialization.
- MilliporeSigma: Life Science arm of Merck KGaA with broad coverage of ChIP reagents, antibodies, and chromatin analysis kits. Provides end-to-end catalog reach that can undercut specialized vendors on routine consumables.
- New England Biolabs: Major reagent and enzyme supplier with growing presence in epigenetics (e.g., NEBNext library prep, restriction enzymes, and CUT&RUN-compatible reagents). Targets the same molecular biology and chromatin research customers.
- Bio-Rad Laboratories: Life science research and clinical diagnostics company with chromatin immunoprecipitation kits, antibodies, and protein analysis instruments (e.g., Bio-Plex, ddPCR). Competes in adjacent workflow steps to Active Motif's kits and services.
Emerging players
- Arima Genomics: Hi-C and 3D genome specialist whose technology Active Motif resells as part of its Hi-C service partnership. Adjacent rather than directly competitive, but indicative of where Active Motif sources or partners for emerging modalities.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Active Motif social profiles
Digital presenceActive Motif financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Active Motif leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Active Motif subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Active Motif funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Active Motif M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A3 records
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Active Motif
What does Active Motif do?
Active Motif develops, manufactures, and sells life science research reagents, kits, antibodies, recombinant proteins, and instruments for epigenetics research, including ChIP, CUT&Tag, CUT&RUN, ATAC-Seq, and DNA methylation workflows. The company also offers end-to-end contract research services spanning ChIP-Seq, RNA-Seq, single-cell multiome, Hi-C, and bioinformatics analysis, and operates the proprietary PIXUL multi-sample sonicator instrument. Product portfolio spans sample preparation through sequencing library creation and data analysis, with the company's first ChIP kit launched in 2003.
Is Active Motif a public or private company?
Active Motif is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Active Motif founded?
Active Motif was founded in 1999. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Active Motif based?
Active Motif is headquartered in Tegernheim, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Active Motif make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Kits and Assays are the primary driver. The others are antibodies, recombinant Proteins and Enzymes, epigenetic Services and sonicators and Instruments.
Who are Active Motif's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Diagenode, Cell Signaling Technology, EpiCypher and Zymo Research. Broad incumbents are Abcam, Thermo Fisher Scientific, MilliporeSigma, New England Biolabs and Bio-Rad Laboratories. Arima Genomics is listed as an emerging player.
Does Active Motif have an API?
No public API is recorded for Active Motif.
What industry is Active Motif in?
Active Motif's product category is Epigenetics Research Reagents and Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAGANAF, Epigenomics & Chromatin Profiling Services, with a secondary code of HLAGAIAF, Molecular Biology & Genomics Instruments (PCR/qPCR, Sequencing, Microarrays). Its NAICS code is 541714 and its SIC code is 8731.