The Population Genetics Equation: Data + Product Focus = Funding

Given the ho-hum attitude investors have shown toward population genetics, Xenon Genetics' $45 million private placement is notable. Now that the dust has settled on two of the older companies in the field, deCode Genetics and Gemini Genomics, which went public in July 2000, it is clear that the market gives them little technology value. But Xenon believes it can differentiate itself by the breadth of its data, which come from 28 populations, and its product-oriented approach.