What Verogen does

Verogen is a forensic genomics company founded in 2017 and headquartered in San Diego, California, that develops next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows purpose-built for human identification and forensic casework. Its core platform consists of the MiSeq FGx Sequencing System — the only NDIS-approved NGS instrument for forensic genomics — paired with the Universal Analysis Software and a family of ForenSeq library preparation kits that target up to 230 STRs and SNPs in a single workflow, plus specialized kits for mitochondrial DNA whole-genome and control-region sequencing, NDIS-approved STR routine casework, ANAB-accredited forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG), and externally visible characteristic / biogeographical ancestry estimation (ForenSeq Imagen). Verogen acquired the GEDmatch genetic genealogy database in December 2019; with more than 1.8 million profiles and a dedicated GEDmatch PRO portal, GEDmatch is the data substrate enabling ForenSeq Kintelligence–driven familial matching that has contributed to more than 500 cold-case resolutions since the 2018 Golden State Killer identification. The company monetizes through sales of NGS instruments, proprietary sequencing reagents and library prep kits (including reagent-rental and capital-lease bundles), Universal Analysis Software licenses (preinstalled on a dedicated server with no per-seat fees), annual support plans and service contracts, and professional services covering validation, training, relocation/qualification, and grant-writing assistance; enterprise field sales targets forensic laboratories and law enforcement agencies globally, supplemented by channel partners in indirect territories and, post-acquisition, by QIAGEN's commercial infrastructure. Verogen was acquired by QIAGEN N.V. in January 2023 for $150 million in cash and now operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary, with QIAGEN expecting approximately $20 million of sales from the Verogen portfolio in 2023 building on about $5 million of distribution-driven sales in 2022.

Name

Verogen

Legal name

Verogen, Inc.

Website

https://verogen.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Acquired

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Verogen develops next-generation sequencing instruments, library preparation kits, and analysis software for forensic laboratories and law enforcement agencies. It also stewards the GEDmatch genetic genealogy database. Verogen operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of QIAGEN following its January 2023 acquisition.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Forensic Genomics

NAICS

Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)

SIC

In Vitro & In Vivo Diagnostic Substances (2835)

akta.pro primary industry

Genomics & Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Services (HLAGANAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Molecular & Genetic Testing (PCR/NGS/qPCR) (HLAGADAF), Genetic & Genomic Testing (germline, somatic, carrier, pharmacogenomics) (HLAAALAD), Molecular Biology & Genomics Instruments (PCR/qPCR, Sequencing, Microarrays) (HLAGAIAF)

Keywords

• Forensic genomics
• Next-generation sequencing
• Human identification
• DNA sequencing kits
• Forensic DNA analysis

Headquarters

HQ city

San Diego

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. NGS Instrumentation Sales: Sale of MiSeq FGx Sequencing System, Verogen PrepStation automation platform, and related hardware. Instruments can be purchased outright or through capital leases, asset-backed leases, or reagent rental programs.
2. Sequencing Reagents and Consumables: Sale of ForenSeq library preparation kits including DNA Signature Prep, MainstAY, Kintelligence, Imagen, and mtDNA kits, along with MiSeq FGx sequencing reagents. Reagent rental bundles instrument cost into per-test pricing.
3. Support Plans and Service Contracts: Annual and multi-year support plans covering software updates, field service response, preventative maintenance, and reagent compensation. Extended Support Plans provide priority service and on-site coverage for MiSeq FGx and UAS.
4. Professional Services: Grant writing specialists, validation services (Planned, Assisted, Full), training programs, relocation and qualification services provided to support NGS workflow implementation.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Verogen develops and sells a comprehensive next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflow for forensic human identification, consisting of ForenSeq library preparation kits, the NDIS-approved MiSeq FGx Sequencing System, Universal Analysis Software, and the GEDmatch/GEDmatch PRO genetic genealogy database. The portfolio targets forensic science laboratories and law enforcement agencies, enabling STR analysis, mtDNA sequencing, SNP-based phenotype/ancestry prediction, kinship analysis, and forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG) for routine casework and cold case resolution.

Product overview

Verogen offers a comprehensive next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflow for forensic genomics and human identification. The core platform consists of the MiSeq FGx Sequencing System (the first NDIS-approved NGS instrument for forensics) paired with Universal Analysis Software for data analysis. The portfolio includes multiple ForenSeq library preparation kits covering different forensic applications: DNA Signature Prep Kit targets up to 230 STRs and SNPs; MainstAY Product Line provides NDIS-approved STR markers for routine casework; Kintelligence Kit enables forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG) for cold case resolution; Imagen Kit estimates appearance and biogeographical ancestry; and mtDNA kits sequence the mitochondrial genome or control region. Supporting the hardware are Verogen PrepStation for automated library prep and comprehensive service offerings including support plans, preventative maintenance, relocation, qualification, training, and validation services. The workflow is designed to go beyond traditional DNA profiles, enabling STR analysis, kinship estimation, phenotype prediction, and FIGG database matching through GEDmatch PRO.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• GEDmatch: A genetic genealogy database that allows users to upload genetic profiles created by other genealogy sites to expand the search for familial links; contains more than 1.8 million genealogical profiles. Stewarded by Verogen.
• GEDmatch PRO

Products and services

• ForenSeq DNA Signature Prep Kit NGS library preparation kit targeting core autosomal and Y-STR loci accepted by global databases, plus advanced forensic intelligence markers for hair color, eye color, and biogeographical estimations. Evaluates up to 230 STRs and SNPs in a single workflow for forensic laboratories performing comprehensive human identification analysis.
• ForenSeq MainstAY Product Line NDIS-approved workflow generating 27 autosomal STR and 25 Y-STR markers compatible with regional database requirements for routine forensic casework, with approval for upload to the U.S. National DNA Index System (NDIS).
• ForenSeq Kintelligence Kit The only ANAB-accredited sequencing-based assay designed for forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG). Generates SNP profiles that can be uploaded to GEDmatch PRO and FamilyTreeDNA for familial matching to solve violent crimes and identify missing persons.
• ForenSeq Imagen Kit Fully-validated appearance and biogeographical ancestry estimation tool using community-approved single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Generates phenotypic trait estimates including hair color, eye color, and biogeographical ancestry for investigative lead generation from crime-scene DNA samples.
• ForenSeq Enhanced PCR1 Buffer System Enhanced PCR1 buffer system for improved performance when preparing ForenSeq libraries, designed to work with all ForenSeq kit workflows.
• ForenSeq mtDNA Whole Genome Kit Mitochondrial DNA sequencing kit for analyzing the entire mitochondrial genome, providing maximal variant detection and greater haplotype resolution for challenging forensic samples.
• ForenSeq mtDNA Control Region Kit Mitochondrial DNA sequencing kit targeting the highly mutated control region of mtDNA, maximizing variant detection in challenging forensic samples with degraded or compromised DNA.
• Verogen PrepStation Cost-effective automation platform for forensic use with out-of-the-box scripts compatible with all ForenSeq kits. Designed to minimize human error and variance in library preparation to maximize case success.
• MiSeq FGx Sequencing System The first and only NDIS-approved next-generation sequencing (NGS) instrument developed and validated specifically for forensic genomics. Provides both Forensic Genomics mode (FGx) and Research Use Only (RUO) mode for human identification applications.
• MiSeq FGx Sequencing Reagents Reagent kits and consumables required for sequencing on the MiSeq FGx Sequencing System, including the Reagent Micro Kit optimized for forensic genomics applications.
• Universal Analysis Software All-inclusive data analysis platform supporting all ForenSeq workflows (MainstAY, Kintelligence, DNA Signature Prep, mtDNA). Ships preinstalled on a dedicated Aegis server with no per-seat licenses required. Features application-specific modules, FASTQ generation, alignment, variant calling, and database-friendly report exports.
• Support Plans Extended warranty and support coverage beyond first-year manufacturer warranty for MiSeq FGx System and Universal Analysis Software, including parts and labor coverage, reagent compensation, annual preventative maintenance, and software updates.
• Preventative Maintenance Periodic maintenance service for MiSeq FGx System including pump syringe and air filter replacement, complete component inspection, optical and fluidics testing, and PhiX verification runs to maximize system performance.
• Relocation and Qualification White Glove Service for relocating MiSeq FGx System, including packaging, transport, installation, and system verification. Qualification services include Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ) for laboratory compliance.
• Training On-site instruction for library prep, MiSeq FGx sequencing, and Universal Analysis Software. Includes three-day hands-on practical training with every instrument purchase, plus customized training for new personnel or advanced protocol review.
• Validation Services Guided workflow validation aligned with SWGDAM guidelines. Service offerings include Planned (self-service roadmap), Assisted (expert data analysis support), and Full (white-glove validation, analysis, and reporting). Validates ForenSeq MainstAY, DNA Signature, and mtDNA workflows.

Quantifiable outcome

• More than 500 cold cases solved using FIGG since 2018, including the Golden State Killer identification.
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability1 record

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• Gene by Gene (FamilyTreeDNA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 August 2022Multi-year strategic alliance to standardize forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG) workflows. Gene by Gene supports DNA uploads generated from Verogen's ForenSeq Kintelligence kit to FamilyTreeDNA database, effectively doubling the number of profiles available for FIGG matching. Both organizations collaborate on developing superior algorithms and software for SNP profile generation and bioinformatics cost reduction. Customers can upload ForenSeq Kintelligence profiles to both GEDmatch PRO and FamilyTreeDNA databases. Gene by Gene also provides validated ForenSeq Kintelligence services and white-glove whole genome sequencing services for challenging forensic samples.
• Cellmark Forensic ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 October 2021Verogen partnered with Cellmark Forensic Services to launch the UK's first ISO17025 accredited forensic next-generation sequencing service. Cellmark uses Verogen's MiSeq FGx Sequencing System and ForenSeq DNA Signature Prep Kit to provide advanced forensic DNA analysis services to UK law enforcement. The partnership followed Cellmark's extensive technology validation and consultation with the UK's Forensic Science Regulator, FINDS, UKAS, and other stakeholders. Cellmark has approximately 500 staff and delivers ISO17025 accredited forensic services from laboratories in Abingdon and Chorley, UK.
• QIAGENflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2021QIAGEN and Verogen announced a distribution agreement in June 2021 for the MiSeq FGx sequencer, NGS-based panels, and GEDmatch bioinformatics solutions. The partnership was elevated to a full acquisition in January 2023 when QIAGEN completed the purchase of Verogen for $150 million. QIAGEN gained exclusive distribution rights for the MiSeq FGx sequencer designed for forensics applications and full access to the GEDmatch database. QIAGEN already had a leading position in forensic sample collection and preparation kits, and the acquisition strengthened its leadership in the HID/forensics market segment.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• DNA Labs International: First accredited laboratory to use Forensic Genetic Genealogy for investigation; deploys Verogen's ForenSeq Kintelligence kit and VERSA 1100 automation for cold case resolution. Directly comparable as a forensic services lab operating the Verogen workflow.
• Bode Technology: Forensic DNA services provider offering traditional STR analysis, database uploads, and genetic genealogy services for law enforcement agencies. Comparable as a North American forensic laboratory service peer overlapping with Verogen's FIGG and routine casework offerings.
• Promega Corporation: Established forensic DNA analysis supplier offering STR amplification kits, capillary electrophoresis workflows, and associated reagents for human identification. Directly comparable as a forensics-specialized life sciences reagent and workflow provider competing for the same laboratory budgets.
• Gene by Gene / FamilyTreeDNA: Strategic partner stewarding the FamilyTreeDNA genetic genealogy database, allied with Verogen to standardize FIGG workflows and offer whole genome sequencing services. Comparable as both a database steward and an adjacent forensic genomics service provider.
• Cellmark Forensic Services: UK-based ISO17025-accredited forensic laboratory with approximately 500 staff that partnered with Verogen to launch the UK's first accredited forensic NGS service. Comparable as both an end-customer deploying Verogen's workflow and a peer forensic service provider.

Broad incumbents

• QIAGEN: Verogen's parent company and the acquirer. QIAGEN has a leading position in forensic sample collection and preparation kits and now sells Verogen's NGS workflow exclusively, making it the most directly comparable incumbent expanding into forensic genomics NGS.
• Thermo Fisher Scientific: Major NGS instrument and reagent provider (Ion Torrent) with established human identification and forensic offerings. Comparable as a broad-incumbent sequencing vendor competing for forensic laboratory NGS budgets alongside Verogen's workflow.

Others

• Illumina: Underlying sequencing platform provider for the MiSeq FGx System and supplier of NGS reagents to forensic labs globally. Comparable as the technology backbone Verogen's kits are built upon and a potential platform competitor if Illumina develops forensic-specific kits.

Emerging players

• Othram: Forensic genomics laboratory that applies advanced sequencing and proprietary bioinformatics to help law enforcement identify remains and resolve cold cases. Comparable as an emerging forensic NGS service provider with overlapping FIGG capabilities.
• Parabon NanoLabs: Provider of forensic genetic genealogy, phenotyping, and DNA analysis services to law enforcement through the Parabon GeeGee platform. Comparable as an emerging forensic genomics player offering services that overlap with Verogen's Kintelligence and Imagen kits.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/VerogenBio
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UChl-i6thjoQiODaQNoWsc3w
• Facebookfacebook.com/VerogenBio
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/verogen

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Verogen