BoobyBiome raises £2.5 million to harness breast milk microbiome and support feeding choices
A patented storage device and live microbiome supplement are in development
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.
Two products in development
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.
Dr Lydia Mapstone, CEO of BoobyBiome, said:
“This funding marks a major milestone in our mission to revolutionise infant feeding and ensure every baby has equal access to a healthy future. It represents five years of dedication to understanding breast milk and harnessing its power for infant health.”
Investor confidence in the company is strong. Dr Ben Miles, Co-Founder and General Partner at Empirical Ventures, said:
“We’re proud to support the brilliant team at BoobyBiome as they advance their research and bring their groundbreaking technology to market.
“Lydia, Sioned, and Tara’s combined expertise makes them exceptionally well placed to transform infant health, and their work addresses a critical gap that has been overlooked for too long.”
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.