Microbiome-focused nutrition company Zoe raises $15 million for US expansion plans

Nutrition Company Raises $15 Million to Expand Presence in the United States

London-based nutrition company Zoe has raised $15 million in a Series B extension, bringing its total funding to date to $118 million. This significant investment will enable Zoe to expand its presence in the United States, where it is already available in most states except New York due to regulatory challenges.

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How Zoe Works

Zoe’s innovative approach to nutrition involves sending customers at-home testing materials to collect blood or feces samples. These samples are then used to test blood fat, blood sugar, and gut microbiome health. Based on these results, the company scores every food item on a scale from 0 to 100, allowing users to make informed choices about what to eat.

Zoe’s Nutrition-Tracking Programs

Zoe’s nutrition-tracking programs include glucose monitoring, which helps users track their blood sugar levels and make adjustments as needed. The company also teaches users how to swap, add, and combine foods to create personalized meal plans that suit their nutritional needs.

For example, Zoe might advise a user to swap out toast with peanut butter, bananas, and sliced almonds for toast with cream cheese, avocado, and chia seeds. This approach not only helps users make better food choices but also tracks their progress through continued gut microbiome testing.

Randomized Controlled Trial

The latest investment comes after Zoe completed a randomized controlled trial published in Nature Medicine in May 2024. The trial examined the effects of personalized nutrition on cardiometabolic health, a topic that has been extensively studied by researchers at Zoe over the past seven years.

This trial is notable for its design, which is considered the "gold standard" in medicine. It involves comparing an intervention (in this case, Zoe’s membership) against a control group, where participants receive basic care and dietary guidelines. The researchers involved in the trial are obligated to publish their findings, regardless of the outcome.

Results of the Trial

The results of the trial were overwhelmingly positive, showing that using Zoe can improve biological markers after three to four months. Moreover, users reported significant improvements in mood, sleep, and energy levels, which was an unexpected finding.

CEO Jonathan Wolf emphasized that Zoe’s focus is on nutrition, not weight loss. While better nutrition often leads to weight loss, the company’s primary goal is to provide users with personalized guidance on making informed food choices.

Company Growth

Under Wolf’s leadership, Zoe has experienced significant growth, with its paid customer base rising to over 100,000 in just two years. Most of these customers are purchasing a 12-month subscription, which costs $29 per month or $348 per year in the United States.

The company plans to use the new funding to increase its marketing efforts and expand its presence in the US market.

Conclusion

Zoe’s innovative approach to nutrition has resonated with users, who are seeking personalized guidance on making informed food choices. With its latest investment, the company is poised to continue growing and expanding its reach in the US market. As the demand for personalized health solutions continues to rise, Zoe is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend and become a leader in the nutrition industry.