Familybuilder Adds DNA Groups Feature
Familybuilder DNA has added a new feature within their ancestral DNA Test Kits called DNA Groups. This feature allows consumers to create and manage their own groups based on commonalities such as a shared haplogroup, surname, national origin or current location. With DNA tests being a major tool for people searching for more information on their family histories, this feature takes the collaborative nature of genealogists to a digital forum. "By creating groups, users can collaborate with one another to piece together their family stories," said Ilya Nikolayev, CEO of Familybuilder. Recently adding a DNA Matching Tool, this new feature allows consumers to engage with one another in new ways beyond traditional genealogical mechanisms.
The DNA Groups feature was added to enable people to initiate discussion with each other primarily in their search for family history. The new feature, however, also allows groups to be created not only on the basis of surname, but also based on national origin, haplogroup classification and current location. "As this feature was developed, the natural inclination was to further empower consumers to join the research around the story of human history. You don't have to be in the freezing climate of Siberia to contribute," Mr. Nikolayev stated. "Consumers can learn from one another by collaborating on haplogroup findings and even be population geneticists by creating a group for their current location to discover the diversity of their neighborhood," he continued. The latest addition to the site encourages people to use DNA as a kick-off point for their research and then utilize additional Familybuilder tools to work together and learn about their families.
As Familybuilder maintains the highest level of customer confidentiality, customers will continue to have the ability to adjust privacy settings to share their information openly or keep their details private. A customer can keep all details private while still allowing for communication by using Familybuilder's own messaging system.
This latest development enhances the consumer experience to determine ancient genetic relationships with others alive today. Familybuilder looks forward to expanding its product experience for consumers. Once they have purchased the kit, there are no additional charges to have access to the site and it is a lifetime resource for customers. To learn more about the DNA Groups functionality that's part of Familybuilder DNA test kits, please visit: https://dna.familybuilder.com
About Familybuilder
Familybuilder is a NYC-based software company that builds genealogy and family-oriented applications. Familybuilder is the only genealogy service to run a family tree application on all the major social networks (Facebook, Bebo, MySpace, Hi5, and Orkut) and is the only genealogy service to bridge together family trees across these networks and the Internet at-large. Familybuilder is quickly becoming one of the most-used genealogy services online and is ranked as the #4 online genealogy service in the world (per comScore) with over 5 million users and over 25 million family tree profiles as part of its Family Tree application. Per Adonomics, Familybuilder ranks in the top 50 applications found on Facebook (out of 38,000). The company raised its Series A round of financing in February 2008 led by London-based DN Capital. Familybuilder launched in June 2007 and is privately held. Further information on the Familybuilder Global Network, its $59.95 FamilybuilderDNA offerings and links to its Family Tree applications on the various social networks can be found at http://www.familybuilder.com
