Before Brands

About Before Brands

Before Brands is a consumer health company operating at the intersection of nutrition and allergy science, with a core mission to reduce the incidence of childhood food allergies. Founded in 2015 by Dr. Kari Nadeau and Ashley Dombkowski, the Menlo Park-based firm emerged from pivotal scientific insights related to early allergen introduction. Dr. Nadeau, a distinguished pediatric allergist and researcher from Stanford University, brought deep clinical expertise to the venture, informed by her work showing that early, consistent exposure to multiple allergens could help train an infant's immune system. Her personal experiences with allergies and extensive research fueled the company's foundational science.

The company's flagship product line, SpoonfulOne, is a direct-to-consumer nutritional supplement system designed for healthy infants starting around four to six months of age. SpoonfulOne's patented formula incorporates small, precise amounts of 16 different food proteins, which are collectively responsible for over 90% of food allergies, including peanuts, milk, eggs, fish, and various nuts. This enables parents to easily and consistently introduce a diverse range of potential allergens into their child's diet, a practice supported by major clinical studies like the LEAP trial. The products are offered in various formats, such as a powder Mix-in that can be added to breast milk or food and Puffs for babies who can eat solids. The business model relies on direct sales through its website and major online retailers like Amazon, as well as partnerships with pediatricians and placement in national pharmacy chains, including Walgreens and Target.

Before Brands secured significant financial backing to support its research and commercialization efforts. It raised $13.1 million in a Series A round in 2016 and $35 million in a Series B round in 2017, both led by Gurnet Point Capital. A pivotal strategic milestone occurred in 2019 when Nestlé Health Science made a significant minority investment in the company. This partnership granted Nestlé the exclusive rights to license and distribute SpoonfulOne products outside the United States, along with an option to acquire the remaining equity in the future, providing Before Brands with a global footprint to advance its mission.