Top gut health startups selected from the Future Leaders of Gut Health initiative, which will run until 15 February, have the chance to pitch for up to $250k investment. They will also receive mentorship, operational support, and industry networking opportunities from Founders Factory and the Johnson and Johnson family of companies.

To apply, startups must be located within Europe, Middle East or Africa, be at pre-seed/seed stage of investment - with a service or product that is direct to consumer or consumer focused. In addition, solutions should have some validation from early users, be scientifically and technologically grounded - and with a functional MVP or prototype.

The call for gut health startups comes as recent statistics show that the global digestive health market is expected to reach almost $72bn by 2027. Hence, on a mission to find and nurture the future leaders in gut health, Founders Factory is calling on pre/seed startups to apply. 

The leading accelerator is especially interested in those working on gut health’s link to: general well being (mental health, sleep, mental acuity and immunity); treatments (women’s gut health and treatments for specific disorders such as IBS); preventions of problematic flare ups and personalised preventions. Founders Factory is also looking to invest in startups working on diagnosis (microbiome diagnosis and hydrogen breath tests) and care solutions  (symptom tracking, digital advice and digital lifestyle support). 

Top startups will pitch to a high-profile expert panel consisting of top consumer health experts, venture capitalists and major corporate partners. These include Dr Fiona Pathirajaas, managing partner of healthtech investment fund Crilla Galli Ventures as well as veteran founder and tech investors Brent Hoberman and Henry Lane Fox.  

Isabela Chick, Chief Strategy Officer at Founders Factory, said: “As a long standing investor and accelerator in health and wellness, we know there’s an exciting opportunity for tech solutions to transform the gut health market. We’re looking to find and nurture the future leaders in gut health who want to make a real difference in poor health prevention, diagnosis and care solutions. 

“As such, we’re calling on the best gut health tech startups across the EMEA region to apply for their chance not only to pitch for up to $250k investment but also benefit from operational support and networking opportunities.”

Shortlisted startups will be selected to pitch in front of experts by 23 Feb, with investments announced in March. 

To apply to Founders Factory’s Future Leaders of Gut Health initiative, click here.