Copenhagen, Denmark, 19 April 2021 – Novo Seeds, the early-stage investment and company creation team of Novo Holdings, today announced that it is leading a EUR 7 million seed investment into Bactolife, a Danish start-up developing novel food ingredients to support gut health in humans and animals, alongside existing private investors.
Founded in 2017, Bactolife has developed a technology, Binding Proteins, to help maintain a healthy and balanced gut microbiota. Its proprietary platform consists of technology for selecting and manufacturing Binding Proteins, designed to support a healthy microbial environment without disrupting natural growth. These Binding Proteins are stable, highly cost-effective, and can be produced at large scale using state-of-the-art biomanufacturing systems.
Bactolife’s lead animal product has shown efficacy in supporting gut stability in piglets during critical growth stages, helping to safeguard productivity and welfare. If unaddressed, gut imbalances can lead to substantial economic losses in industrial animal production.
The animal farming industry currently relies on broad unsustainable interventions to maintain productivity. Bactolife’s approach supports animal health and sustainable practices, aligning with internationally recognized strategies for improving overall conditions.
Aleks Engel, Partner at Novo Holdings, commented: “There is an urgent need and immense potential for alternative and cost-effective solutions. We believe that Bactolife is well-positioned to bring to market a new technology that will benefit both humans and animals with low manufacturing costs and proven effectiveness. We are delighted to initiate a collaboration with this experienced management team, which has a strong track record and exceptional network in the bioindustrial space.”
Mads Laustsen, CEO of Bactolife, said: “To overcome current challenges in gut health, there is a need for new approaches. At Bactolife, we have shown that our novel technology is a innovative way to support microbial harmony. If successful, Bactolife’s pipeline will pave the way for an entirely new paradigm in supporting the microbiome. Our technology would be applicable to both human and animal feed markets. We welcome Novo Holdings as a leading international investor on our journey.”
Søren Møller, Managing Partner at Novo Seeds, added: “Novo Holdings is one of the largest investors in bioindustrials globally. Leveraging our long-standing expertise in various areas of industrial biotechnology, we believe such innovations can deliver solutions to the agricultural and food industries while addressing major global priorities such as environmental sustainability. Our team identifies and invests in disruptive technologies that are scalable and will have a long-term sustainable impact on society. Innovation is essential, but we also believe that the capability to scale up and meet challenging cost targets is critical for commercial success.”
The new investment will help Bactolife advance its pipeline projects and strengthen its first-mover advantage with Binding Proteins, driving a transformation in both animal and human health.
Enquiries
For more information please contact:
Bactolife ApS
Mads Laustsen, CEO
+4529488401
Novo Holdings / Optimum Strategic Communications
Mary Clark, Supriya Mathur, Hollie Vile
+44 (0) 20 3922 1906 novo@optimumcomms.com
About Novo Holdings A/S
Novo Holdings is recognized as a leading international life science investor, with a focus on creating long-term value. As a life science investor, Novo Holdings provides seed and venture capital to development-stage companies and takes significant ownership positions in growth and well-established companies. Novo Holdings also manages a broad portfolio of diversified financial assets. Further information: http://www.novoholdings.dk
About Bactolife A/S
Bactolife is a Danish industrial biotech company with approximately 40 employees. Using its proprietary Binding Protein technology, Bactolife develops innovative ingredients that support gut health and address challenges in maintaining microbial balance. Its unique platform enables the selection and production of Binding Proteins that help promote a healthier gastrointestinal environment.
The company focuses on creating ingredients tailored to the needs of diverse groups, including mothers and children, the elderly, individuals with specific nutritional needs, travelers, and applications in animal health. Bactolife has achieved proof of concept (PoC) for its technology, demonstrated through testing its most advanced animal health product in more than 6,000 piglets, showcasing its potential to stabilize gut function during critical growth stages.
Bactolife is supported by renowned global investors and partners, reflecting strong confidence in its mission to pioneer new solutions for gut health through sustainable and accessible innovations.
Binding Proteins™ are milk-inspired proteins designed to help create balance in the gastrointestinal system. These proteins are produced at scale using advanced biomanufacturing processes, ensuring they can be seamlessly incorporated into regular diets. By combining precision gut microbiome science with accessible food and feed product applications, Binding Proteins™ represent a transformative approach to gut health.
