Biotechnology company One Bio has announced the close of its $27 million Series A funding round, led by Alpha Edison and supported by a range of new and existing investors. The funding round brought together participants such as Leaps by Bayer, Mitsui E12, Morado, ReMY, DSM-Firmenich, and Better, alongside prior investors including iSelect, Skyview Life Sciences, Collaborative, and Acre. The investment underscores growing interest in innovative approaches to addressing global dietary challenges, particularly those stemming from fiber deficiencies in modern diets.
One Bio focuses on integrating short-chain plant fibers into everyday foods and beverages to promote better health. The company has developed a proprietary process that extracts anti-inflammatory short-chain fibers from a wide variety of plants, including seeds, nuts, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains. These fibers are made more bioactive, undetectable in foods, and delivered in higher doses compared to conventional approaches.
This novel method aims to address significant dietary imbalances. Research indicates that modern diets, stripped of the rich diversity of plant fibers humans once consumed, have left 95% of people in a state of chronic fiber deficiency. Over the past two centuries, sugar consumption has skyrocketed to levels ten times higher than what our ancestors experienced, while fiber intake has plummeted by 90%. This seismic shift in dietary patterns has starved our gut microbiomes, the communities of beneficial bacteria that play critical roles in regulating blood glucose, mood, and energy, and providing core health functions. The result? An epidemic of inflammatory diseases—including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and autoimmune conditions—that continues to rise.
One Bio’s solution is deceptively simple: make fiber invisible yet indispensable. By incorporating its short-chain fibers into widely consumed foods and drinks, the company is removing the traditional barriers to fiber consumption—taste, texture, and appearance—while addressing a deep-rooted public health crisis. These fibers do more than fill a nutritional gap; they actively support the gut microbiome, enabling it to produce molecules essential for long-term health.
The Science Behind the Solution
What sets One Bio apart is its ability to bridge the gap between ancient nutrition and modern convenience. For most of human history, our diets were naturally rich in fiber, and our gut microbes co-evolved to break down these fibers, creating the short-chain fatty acids and other compounds our bodies rely on. Today’s processed foods have disrupted this synergy, isolating sugars while discarding fibers. One Bio’s innovation restores what’s been lost, turning the fiber extracted from plants into a health-promoting engine without compromising the taste or appeal of the foods we love.
Beyond its immediate impact on individual health, One Bio’s technology has broader implications for treating and preventing chronic diseases. For instance, by helping consumers increase their fiber intake, the company offers a natural alternative to the growing reliance on GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic for managing metabolic conditions. While these drugs have become a lifeline for many, they treat symptoms rather than addressing root causes. One Bio’s approach, by contrast, seeks to prevent these conditions in the first place through everyday dietary shifts.
Growing Industry Interest
The substantial investment from a diverse group of backers signals confidence in One Bio’s potential to address pressing health challenges. For investors like Nate Redmond of Alpha Edison, the appeal lies in the company’s ability to meet rising consumer interest in gut health.
“Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the connection between gut health and overall wellness,” Redmond said. “One Bio’s technology enables its partners to deliver products that align with these needs, opening up opportunities for both improved global health outcomes and business growth.”
The funding will support One Bio in scaling its operations and forming partnerships with food and beverage companies. By incorporating its short-chain fibers into commonly consumed products, the company aims to make a measurable impact on public health while providing industry players with solutions for creating functional, health-focused products.
A Healthier Future Within Reach
One Bio’s work is part of a broader effort to counter the dietary trends that have contributed to a rise in chronic diseases. The company’s innovations offer a practical way to close the gap in fiber consumption, helping individuals meet recommended intake levels without making major changes to their eating habits.
As investors and industry stakeholders look for ways to address nutrition-related health issues, One Bio’s approach presents a scalable model. With its recent funding, the company is positioned to continue developing solutions that align with evolving consumer demands and improve dietary outcomes on a global scale.
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