ZBiotics raises $12m Series A for its 'proudly GMO' probiotics targeting gut health, hangovers and more
Summary
San Francisco-based ZBiotics, which makes genetically engineered probiotics, has raised a $12 million Series A round of funding. This is largely the culprit behind those nasty morning hangovers after a night of drinking, says ZBiotics.The company has made a genetically engineered probiotic that can produce the same type of enzyme as the one in the liver and thus quickly break down acetaldehyde in the gut, relieving the after-effects of drinking.We use modern biotechnology, and thats why the product is good, ZBiotics founder Dr. Zachary Abbott said in an interview last year with AgFunderNews. The first step is to make products that people want, that benefit the consumer.There are plenty of known hangover cures on the market, most of which are vitamins or hydration aids, said Dr. Abbott, who added that such offerings have no effect despite what their marketing messages suggest.Major healthcare players, including the May Clinic, agree that studies have yet to find any natural remedies that consistently or effectively improve hangover symptoms.Granted, ZBiotics doesnt explicitly claim to be a hangover cure, sticking instead to marketing-friendly lines about being able to improve daily life and setting you up for a great next morning.Nonetheless, the company recommends taking a shot of its Pre-Alcohol Probiotic Drink before drinking. (It also goes to great lengths to explain how taking a shot of Pre-Alcohol doesnt make alcohol safer or change ones level of intoxication. ZBiotics is also exploring other areas including sleep, vagina health and athletic performance.Genetic engineering allows us to make totally new products that address real-world consumer needs, and were witnessing a growing interest in our technology and brand, states Abbott.ZBiotics launched as a direct-to-consumer offering in 2019; last year, it started selling via Amazon and also has products in a handful of brick-and-mortar shops.The company says it has more than doubled sales every year and reached company-wide profitability in 2023.