Startup Of the Week: PentaOmix

In this edition, we present PentaOmix, transforming cancer diagnosis with a system that allows pathologists to analyze a single slide faster and more accurately. Unlike traditional methods that require multiple tissue slices, our technology stains and scans all antibodies on one, preserving tissue and reducing workload. This approach provides deeper insights into tumor behavior, improving diagnostic precision. As a spin-off from an academic project, we collaborate with leading institutions to advance cancer diagnostics.

Tell us about your company.

Boaz Brill: In PentaOmix we are developing a system that will enable pathologists to diagnose cancer using a single slide, faster and better than the current standard of care.  Accurate diagnosis is the key for correctly selecting the best therapeutic option for each patient, however cancer diagnosis is relying on outdated methods that are currently gradually being replaced by more advance digital methods.  Differential diagnosis between different cancer types relies primarily on IHC, a method is which different slices of tissue, taken during a biopsy, are stained by different antibodies.  In the standard method each antibody is stained on a different slice, requiring sufficient tissue which is not always available, creating a significant workload and missing some of the critical information.  With our system, all antibodies are stained and scanned on a single slice, saving time, workload and precious tissue, while providing superior information including how different antibodies are found on the same cells (co-localization) and how neighboring cells interact (tumor microenvironment). 

So far we have won a 2M Euro grant which allowed us to complete a compelling PoC, build a functional prototype, run a pilot clinical study and publish the results. 

PentaOmix was created as a spin-off from an academic project done by my partner, Prof. Yuval Garini.  I joined in order to develop the technology into a product answering market needs. 

We are collaborating with Sheba Medical Center and the Weizmann Institute of Science. 

What made you become an entrepreneur?

Boaz Brill: After serving as VP R&D in a big company I wanted to take a wider responsibility and drive a company from start.  In the specific case of PentaOmix, one of the factors leading me to join this specific project, was that the technology was well within my technical expertise so it gave me added confidence that we will be able to develop a good product.  Clearly, this is not sufficient, as market-product fit is the key for a successful company, but this gave me a good start. 

What is the most challenging part of running your own startup?

Boaz Brill: The biggest challenge is to operate in a state where the amount of unknows is almost infinite:  what is the real need on the market? What product should we develop? How to bring financing? What should be the go-to-market strategy?  and many more.  So many open-ended questions it is hard to know where to focus at any given time. 

What is the biggest challenge you have faced when looking for funding?

Boaz Brill: Looking for funding a tedious process filled with uncertainty and frustration even for the more successful entrepreneurs.  For me it seems that biggest challenge is to open the doors in relevant VCs.  It seems everybody is so busy evaluating tens of companies at any given moment that it is hard to get the attention of VCs to really hear my story, unless I can find a personal introduction.  I wish it was different. 

What is the most rewarding aspect of entrepreneurship?

Boaz Brill: The sense of freedom to shape the path of the company according to my understanding of what is best, is one of the most rewarding aspects of being an entrepreneur.  Clearly, this freedom is very limited by reality - limited resources, partners, regulations, etc, but you still have more freedom than in other situations.  This freedom comes however with a high cost - responsibility, uncertainty and more.  You have to be ready to take those if you are to succeed as entrepreneur and not suffer every single day.

Learn more about the company: http://pentaomix.com