London-based biotech startup BoobyBiome has raised a £2.5 million seed round to accelerate its innovations designed to preserve breast milk’s natural qualities and bridge the gap when breastfeeding isn’t possible.
The funding round was led by the specialist deep tech investor Empirical Ventures, with backing from The Helm, XFactor Ventures, Lavender Ventures, Kayan Ventures, Evenlode Investment, and several prominent angels including Lord Ara Darzi.
Founded in 2019 by scientists Dr Lydia Mapstone, Dr Sioned Jones, and Dr Tara O’Driscoll, BoobyBiome aims to address rising infant health issues linked to underdeveloped microbiomes, such as allergies, asthma, type 1 diabetes, and obesity. While breastfeeding is widely known to support infant immunity, many families face barriers to exclusive breastfeeding and often face stigma turning to alternatives.
Over the past five years, the team has built the world’s largest high-resolution breast milk microbiome database and developed a biobank of proprietary strains.
This research underpins two products: a patented storage device that keeps expressed milk closer to its natural state by protecting its microbiome, antioxidants, and vitamins, and a live microbiome supplement drop which supports infants who are formula-fed, born via c-section, or preterm.
The funding will support the commercial launch of BoobyBiome’s storage device, partnerships with global infant bottle companies, and continued development of its live microbiome drop.
