Jonathan Cohen is the Founder and CEO of 20/20 GeneSystems, a digital diagnostics company with the core mission of reducing cancer mortality in the U.S. and around the world through early detection. The company is currently raising its Series B round on SeedInvest under Regulation A+. In this post, the latest in our founder profile series, Jonathan tells us what led him to start his early cancer detection company, why it’s so vital for the U.S. market, and how he sees the future of the industry unfolding. 

Why did you start 20/20 GeneSystems?
After seeing many family members and friends succumb to cancer, many before age 60, I decided to migrate from a traditional patent law practice into the world of entrepreneurial biotech companies. After extensive research and observation, I became convinced that early detection was the best way to reduce cancer mortality.

What has been the biggest challenge along your journey and how was that challenge overcome?
Before passage and implementation of the JOBS Act a few years ago, fundraising was an arduous process and a significant distraction from our core business.  With the advent of equity crowdfunding (especially the new Regulation A+) we can raise capital from thousands of individuals at various income levels who support our mission of reducing cancer mortality through early detection. Many have already ordered our cancer tests. Cancer does not discriminate based on income or net worth, so it is great to win shareholders from both accredited and non-accredited investors.

You’ve said that early cancer detection is more prominent in other countries than in the U.S. Why do you think that is?
While in the West we have a culture of treatment, in the Far East there is a centuries old culture of prevention. An ancient Chinese proverb reads as follows: “The superior doctor prevents sickness; the mediocre doctor attends to impending sickness; the inferior doctor treats actual sickness.” In some ways we in the U.S. have this exactly backwards.

What is the future of 20/20 GeneSystems and cancer detection in the U.S.?
I believe we have the ability to deliver shareholder value while saving or extending lives around the world. We envision a future where Americans will visit retail clinics and check their cancer biomarkers routinely, at least annually, helping them to catch earlier stage cancers that can be effectively treated with surgery and less toxic immune system enhancement therapies. While we anticipate robust competition going forward, our approach is quite unique, and we have every intention of emerging as a dominant player in this multi-billion global market.

20/20 GeneSystems is currently raising its $12mm Series B round in preferred equity. If you are interested in learning more about this investment opportunity, you may view the company’s profile here.

20/20 GeneSystems is offering securities through the use of an Offering Statement that has been qualified by the Securities and Exchange Commission under Tier II of Regulation A. A copy of the Final Offering Circular that forms a part of the Offering Statement may be obtained from here.

These statements represent management’s opinions. They do not represent guarantees of future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. This figure reflects management’s current views with respect to future events based on information currently available and is subject to risks and uncertainties. This figure is meant for illustrative purposes and does not represent guarantees of future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements.