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§ Private Profile · San Francisco, CA, USA
ZBiotics makes genetically engineered probiotics.
ZBiotics has raised $16.8M across 3 funding rounds.
Key people at ZBiotics.
ZBiotics was founded in 2016 by Stephen Lamb (Founder) and Zack Abbott (Founder/CEO).
ZBiotics has raised $16.8M in total across 3 funding rounds.
ZBiotics is a synthetic biology company founded in 2016 and headquartered in San Francisco, California. The company bioengineers probiotic bacteria for nutraceutical and other applications. They launched the world's first genetically engineered probiotic in 2019 – a probiotic that breaks down a toxic byproduct of alcohol. They are currently developing a pipeline of additional engineered probiotics for other consumer health applications.
ZBiotics was founded in 2016 by Stephen Lamb (Founder) and Zack Abbott (Founder/CEO).
ZBiotics has raised $16.8M in total across 3 funding rounds.
ZBiotics's investors include Spring Tide Capital, Mystic Ventures, Seaside Ventures, Dreamers VC, KRM Interests LLC, Oak HC/FT, Oyster Ventures, Pareto Holdings, Social Capital.
Key people at ZBiotics.
ZBiotics has raised $16.8M across 3 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $12.0M Series A in March 2024.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 1, 2024 | $12M Series A | Spring Tide Capital | Mystic Ventures, Seaside Ventures | Announced |
| Mar 1, 2020 | $2M Seed | — | Dreamers VC, KRM Interests LLC, OAK HC/FT, Oyster Ventures, Pareto Holdings, Seaside Ventures, Social Capital | Announced |
| Jul 25, 2018 | $2.8M Seed | — | — | Announced |
ZBiotics is a pioneering biotech company that develops genetically engineered probiotics designed to solve real-world health problems through modern biotechnology. Its flagship product is a pre-alcohol probiotic drink that mimics liver function by breaking down acetaldehyde, the toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism, thereby reducing hangover symptoms. The company serves consumers seeking effective, science-backed health solutions that traditional probiotics or remedies cannot provide. ZBiotics is experiencing strong growth momentum, having raised $12 million in Series A funding to expand its product line beyond its initial offering, including new probiotics targeting gut microbial diversity and other health aspects[1][2].
Founded around 2017 by Ph.D. scientists Zack Abbott and Oliver, ZBiotics emerged from a desire to leverage genetic engineering transparently and responsibly to enhance human health. The idea originated from modifying *Bacillus subtilis*, a common probiotic bacterium, by adding a gene encoding acetaldehyde dehydrogenase to break down acetaldehyde, a molecule linked to hangovers. The company quickly gained early traction by launching the world’s first genetically engineered probiotic product directly to consumers, bypassing lengthy drug approval processes by marketing it as a food. This approach allowed rapid market entry and consumer feedback, fueling further innovation[1][2].
ZBiotics rides the convergence of biotechnology, consumer health, and personalized nutrition trends. The timing is favorable due to growing consumer demand for scientifically validated wellness products and increasing acceptance of genetically engineered organisms in food and health sectors. Market forces such as advances in gene editing, microbiome research, and regulatory pathways for functional foods support ZBiotics’ growth. By pioneering genetically engineered probiotics for everyday health, ZBiotics influences the broader ecosystem by demonstrating how synthetic biology can create novel consumer products that address unmet health needs sustainably and effectively[1][2][3].
Looking ahead, ZBiotics is positioned to expand its product portfolio beyond alcohol-related probiotics into areas like gut microbial diversity and potentially therapeutic applications such as managing liver diseases (e.g., NASH) through modulation of gut-liver axis pathways. Trends in microbiome science, gene editing, and consumer health personalization will shape its journey. As public acceptance of GMO probiotics grows, ZBiotics could become a leader in a new category of genetically engineered consumer health products, further bridging biotechnology and everyday wellness. Its commitment to transparency and responsible innovation will be key to sustaining trust and influence in this emerging field[1][3][4].