Element Biosciences CEO and co-founder Molly He has been selected to be part of the inaugural CNBC “Changemakers” list of trailblazing female leaders.
As a first-generation Asian female leader, He was honored by CNBC for spearheading a undertaking to democratize sequencing and biological tools globally.
Her team has grown to over 300 people and has sold over 160 instrument placements across 20 countries, opening access to emerging markets like India and Vietnam.
From the founding of the Sorrento Valley company in late 2017, He has led the company during the COVID-19 pandemic, market downturns and while navigating a highly competitive sequencing market.
She called the recognition “a great honor and a true testament to the journey the Element team has embarked on together since the company’s founding.”
“It was a daunting decision to chart a new path as a CEO and co-founder, especially when starting a company in a 1200-square-foot basement with no air conditioning and an idea that only existed on paper,” He said. “But through grit and persistence, we have shattered stereotypes and created a company that is going against the odds to make a positive impact in the world.”
He, Michael Previte, and Matthew Kellinger founded Element to disrupt and democratize life sciences research and development through innovative tools for sequencing and beyond. In 2022, Element launched the AVITI System to make high quality affordable sequencing available to labs of all sizes.
Less than a year after launch, Element was the first to make whole genome sequencing available for $200 per genome.
“Molly’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in driving Element’s mission to empower science through pioneering technologies,” said Bryan Roberts, a partner at Venrock and member of Element’s Board of Directors. “This is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her success in revolutionizing the field.”
Previte also lauded He’s management style.
“She practices and leads with a team-first commitment that has allowed all of us to overcome significant challenges and obstacles in a highly competitive landscape,” he said. “These commitments have created a company culture that strives to overdeliver on promises and continue to provide the best value for the customers.”