附近上门

started in 2019, partnering with venture foundry , to focus on health, wellness and nutrition, particularly in science as it relates to the gut microbiome.

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鈥淚 say I was 鈥榞ut aware,鈥� but there is so much to it,鈥� Washington, founder and CEO, told 附近上门 News. 鈥淭he true depth of the science and impact across every health condition all has a tie back to the gut.鈥�

Indeed, startups focused on the gut microbiome raised some $233 million in venture capital in 2020, according to 附近上门 data.

UR Labs was one of them. The company closed on an $8.2 million round of Series A funding at the end of December. The round was led by and , as well as several strategic investors, including and . The new funding gives UR Labs $13 million in total funding, which includes an undisclosed seed round in 2019, Washington said.

The company鈥檚 first product line launched in May 2020 and started with a meal replacement shake. It is named Muniq in honor of Washington鈥檚 late sister, Monica, who suffered from diabetes and chronic illnesses, he said. Much of the company鈥檚 business is subscription-based, where consumers can purchase a certain item for $100 for four weeks.

鈥淪ubscriptions are fundamental to our business model because this type of change requires a daily habit,鈥� he added. 鈥淭he funding is helping us advance and achieve our mission to help people regain control of their health.鈥�

The new finding will enable UR Labs to increase awareness around its products and further build out the team and new products, as well as invest in the science around food as medicine, Washington said.

Since launching Muniq in May, UR Labs has experienced quicker traction than anticipated, not only financially, but in feedback from consumers who are using the products regularly. Next up, the company is working on new applications for its products, such as to control blood sugar and weight.

鈥淭here is a community built around it, which tells us we are definitely onto something,鈥� Washington said. 鈥淣ot many businesses around gut microbiome are also accessible to consumers with a brand and product that someone can relate to. That is the space we are playing in.鈥�

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