Danish biotech company Bactolife has raised $35 million in a Series B financing round aimed at accelerating the commercialization of its innovative gut health technology. Novo Holdings, a long-time investor, participated alongside new backers Cross-Border Impact Ventures and the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO), as well as existing investor ATHOS. The funding will support clinical trials, regulatory submissions, and expansion into new markets, positioning the company for significant international growth.
Expanding Investor Support for a Precision Biotechnology Platform
Novo Holdings first backed Bactolife in 2021 with seed funding and continued its support through the Series A round in 2023. Sophia Heyde, Vice President of Planetary Health Investments at Novo Holdings, highlighted the company’s commitment to precision biotechnology and healthy gut flora. She emphasized that the Series B funding will help bring Bactolife’s first products to market, benefiting both human and animal health in alignment with Novo Holdings’ Planetary Health mission.
Innovative Binding Proteins for Gut Health
Bactolife develops Binding Proteins™, small antibody fragments designed to neutralize harmful toxins in the gut without disturbing the natural microbiota. These proteins selectively bind undesirable metabolites and flush them out through the gastrointestinal tract, preventing infections and supporting gut resilience. Inspired by camelid immunoglobulins, the technology is scalable through precision fermentation, enabling broad application in food, feed, and nutraceutical products for humans and animals.
Leadership Insights on Growth and Commercialization
CEO Sebastian Søderberg expressed excitement over the Series B close, describing it as a pivotal moment for Bactolife’s upcoming product launches in 2026. He noted that the funding will enable clinical validation, scale-up of manufacturing, and commercialization across multiple markets. Søderberg also welcomed new investors to the company while acknowledging the ongoing support from existing backers, highlighting their confidence in Bactolife’s mission.
Cross-Border Impact Ventures Leads Investment
Donna Parr, Managing Partner at Cross-Border Impact Ventures, emphasized the global impact potential of Bactolife’s Binding Proteins, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. She pointed to opportunities for integrating the proteins into everyday nutrition to strengthen gut resilience for vulnerable populations. At the same time, Parr noted the substantial growth potential in North America, Europe, and Asia, reflecting the company’s scalable and evidence-based technology.
Strategic Market Entry and Product Development
Bactolife plans to secure GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status for its first two binding proteins in the United States, followed by submissions in the EU and Asia. The company is also conducting human clinical studies to validate its products’ effectiveness and is collaborating with global partners to ensure scalable manufacturing. Early commercial partners are exploring applications in dietary supplements, functional foods, beverages, and animal feed.
Addressing Key Gut Health Challenges
Binding Proteins offer a distinct advantage over probiotics and antibiotics by selectively targeting harmful metabolites without disturbing beneficial bacteria. This approach has particular relevance for individuals with compromised gut health, including those recently treated with antibiotics, the elderly, and populations susceptible to digestive stress. By providing a proactive way to rebalance the gut, Bactolife aims to complement existing gut health solutions and expand access to effective interventions worldwide.
Bactolife is positioning itself at the forefront of gut health innovation, combining scientific precision with scalable and accessible solutions. With the Series B funding, the company is poised to bring its Binding Proteins to global markets, supporting both human and animal health. As awareness of gut health continues to rise, Bactolife’s technology offers a transformative approach that could redefine preventative healthcare and nutraceuticals.