At S2G, we are passionate about the intersection of food and health. We believe products that have science-backed functional ingredients, are delicious and nutrient dense, and are produced in a way that considers the health of the environment, will continue to gain market share. In our latest report in our Future of Food series, we highlighted our view that consumer mindsets continue to shift away from cheap calories toward affordable nutrition as consumers are expecting more from their food and from the businesses that produce it. As this shift continues and innovators find new ways to tap into the health benefits of food we see tremendous potential for solutions that acknowledge the function of food as medicine. We are thrilled to announce our first investment in this space - Solarea Bio.
Solarea Bio is a biotech company developing microbial-based solutions to aid human health. Solarea has built a platform to rapidly identify novel products that address widespread chronic health disorders. The company has generated a large and unique database of the complete genomic sequences of microbes derived from healthy foods. Using computational approaches, Solarea generates synergistic combinations of bacteria, fungi, and prebiotic fibers with powerful anti-inflammatory capabilities to address specific chronic conditions that afflict large numbers of people. These combinations have been validated in-vitro and in-vivo in preclinical mouse models. Solarea’s first application aims to aid in the dietary management of the metabolic processes that cause osteopenia and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. This application provides a nature-based solution to improving women’s health and well-being.
Musculoskeletal disorders, including osteoporosis, osteopenia and osteoarthritis, are a leading cause of disability worldwide. In the U.S., approximately 10 million Americans are currently living with osteoporosis or osteopenia, and one in three women over age 50 will experience an osteoporosis related fracture. Tragically, hip fractures have a one-year mortality rate of 30% and a two-year rate approaching 56%. Solarea believes a natural, microbial-based solution will have a positive impact on the quality of life of millions of women worldwide who are at risk for these musculoskeletal disorders and aid in improving health outcomes.
S2G’s investment into Solarea provides an opportunity for S2G to support the next wave of functional foods. While we continue to support businesses and ingredients that promote general overall health and wellness, what is interesting and somewhat unique about Solarea’s platform is that it’s solutions are expressly designed for specific indications and will be backed by clinical studies highlighting their efficacy in treating specific health problems. We see Solarea’s work as further establishing the value of natural, food based solutions as true medical interventions that can treat the diseases of inflammation by working in concert with the body’s natural systems.
S2G’s led Solarea’s Series A fundraise with Bold Capital Partners, along with continued investment from Viking Global Investors and the Gisev Family Office. Solarea will use the proceeds to advance its bone health solution through a clinical proof of activity trial as well as continue the discovery and development of its ongoing pipeline of microbial-based products.
Welcome Solarea Bio team to the S2G Ventures Community! We look forward to our journey together as you advance the field of food as medicine.
At S2G, it's our mission to back trailblazing entrepreneurs who are working to build a healthier and more sustainable food system. Entrepreneurs are on the frontlines every day, working hard to innovate and bring new products to market that are making food healthier, more sustainable and more accessible. It’s our goal to support them in their journey and we look forward to continuing to support entrepreneurs that create better outcomes for human health and well-being. We invite you to learn about the innovative companies in our portfolio and hear their stories on our blog Seeding Change and podcast Where We Grow From Here.
