UK Healthtech Startup ZOE Secures €13.8M to Expand Its Reach in the US

London-based health and nutrition startup ZOE has successfully raised $15 million (approximately €13.84 million) from Coefficient Capital, a New York-based investor in consumer businesses. This significant funding will enable ZOE to broaden its impact across the United States, addressing pressing health issues with its innovative approach to personalized nutrition.

Jonathan Wolf, co-founder and CEO of ZOE, shared, "Although we weren’t actively seeking investment, Coefficient Capital approached us because they believe ZOE has the potential to improve America’s health." He added, "ZOE membership is already available in the US, but we are at an early stage, and this investment will support us in growing our US business. I want to thank the team at Coefficient Capital for their support and for sharing our vision."

The funds will be instrumental in scaling ZOE's operations, enhancing its services, and reaching a broader audience. This move comes at a crucial time when the United States is grappling with high rates of chronic conditions, widespread childhood obesity, and a diet heavily reliant on ultra-processed foods, which make up 60% of the average diet.

ZOE was founded in 2017 by Tim Spector, Jonathan Wolf, and George Hadjigeorgiou. The company focuses on leveraging scientific research to offer personalized dietary guidance aimed at reversing these alarming health trends. Wolf emphasized the urgency of their mission by noting the severe health crisis in America and the need for science-backed, smarter food choices.

ZOE provides at-home testing kits to analyze blood fat, blood sugar, and gut health. The company scores foods from 0 to 100, helping users make better dietary choices and suggesting food swaps for optimal health. Progress is tracked through ongoing gut microbiome tests, ensuring users receive up-to-date insights into their health.

The company's model emphasizes the importance of individualized nutrition in combating the country's escalating health challenges. While ZOE does not offer medical advice or nutrition therapy, its coaches, who all hold degrees in nutrition science, provide personalized support. They help users tailor their plans and offer accountability in achieving health goals.

The ZOE program is available to residents of the continental United States and Hawaii, though it is not yet available in New York due to state regulations. It is also accessible for early access in the UK. The program's cost structure includes a testing kit priced at $294, or six monthly installments of $49. This includes a gut microbiome test, blood fat test, standardized test meals, an optional real-time blood sugar sensor, a gut health report, and a personalized insights report.

Membership options, which leverage these insights to guide long-lasting healthy habits, are priced at $59 per month, $39 per month for four months (paid upfront), or $29 per month for twelve months (paid upfront).

This recent investment will significantly bolster ZOE's ability to address critical health issues in the US. By expanding its reach and enhancing its services, ZOE aims to make a substantial impact on the health and well-being of millions of Americans. The company’s innovative approach and commitment to science-backed solutions position it well to tackle the nation’s pressing health challenges head-on.

In conclusion, ZOE's new funding from Coefficient Capital marks a pivotal step in its mission to improve health outcomes across the United States. As Wolf noted, the support from their new investors underscores the potential of ZOE's vision and the urgency of addressing the country's health crisis with personalized, research-based dietary guidance.