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Bactolife

Biotech & Life Sciences · Copenhagen, Denmark · Founded 2017

Bactolife is a Danish bioindustrial company operating in the gut health market for both humans and animals. Founded in 2017, the company's genesis traces back to a 2016 family vacation where father and son, Mads Laustsen and Andreas Laustsen-Kiel, conceptualized the venture. They combined Andreas's research on toxin neutralization with Mads's extensive experience in industrial biomanufacturing of enzymes and proteins. They were joined by co-founders Per Falholt, David Kauffman, and Sandra Wingaard Thrane, who brought expertise in industrial biotech, microbiology, and investments. Mads Laustsen has a background in the pharmaceutical industry, including founding CMC Biologics and holding senior roles at Novozymes and Symphogen. The company is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. The core of Bactolife's business is the development and production of a food ingredient called Binding Proteins. These proteins are designed to selectively bind to and neutralize harmful microbial activity and toxins in the gastrointestinal tract without disturbing the beneficial microbiome. This targeted approach aims to strengthen gut health and serves as an alternative to antibiotics, addressing the growing issue of antimicrobial resistance. The technology was inspired by IgG fragments found in the milk of camelids and is produced at scale using precision fermentation, making the final product vegan-friendly, allergen-free, and lactose-free. The Binding Proteins are stable, able to withstand harsh pH and temperature environments, and can be incorporated into a wide variety of foods, beverages, and supplements. Bactolife operates on a business-to-business (B2B) model, partnering with companies in the dietary supplement, medical nutrition, and functional food and beverage industries. Its target end-users are diverse, including mothers and children, the elderly, immune-compromised individuals, travelers, and the animal health sector. A significant milestone was the proof-of-concept demonstration with their animal health product, which was tested in over 6,000 piglets and showed efficacy in stabilizing gut function. Since its inception, Bactolife has secured significant funding, raising a total of $43.6 million over five rounds. Key funding events include a €7 million seed round in April 2021 and a €30 million Series A round in August 2023. The company is backed by prominent investors such as Novo Holdings, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and ATHOS. Keywords: Binding Proteins, gut health, microbiome, antimicrobial resistance, food ingredients, B2B, animal health, human health, precision fermentation, functional foods, dietary supplements, gut stability, pathogen neutralization, microbial metabolites, biomanufacturing, Novo Holdings, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Danish biotech, gut-brain axis, food tech