Former radio presenter behind gut-health podcast raises €2 million to scale microbiome-friendly toothpaste brand Gutology

A former radio presenter who launched a gut-friendly toothpaste after suffering health problems, has raised €2 million (£1.8 million) to expand international sales of the Alcester-based Gutology and its Oral Biome+ toothpaste.

Ollie Gallant, who also runs the Gutology Podcast, has secured funding from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II through fund manager Mercia Ventures, alongside Active Partners and existing angel investors.

Ollie, founder of Gutology, says: “For decades, toothpaste has been designed to sterilise the mouth and kill bacteria, but we now know the important role that microorganisms play. This funding enables us to accelerate innovation in oral care while building products that deliver performance and integrate seamlessly into daily routines.”

Gutology’s funding round positions the oral-care startup within a wider set of microbiome-focused funding announcements covered by EU-Startups in 2025, spanning both consumer health and clinical applications.

In the UK, BoobyBiome raised €2.8 million to scale infant health solutions based on breast-milk microbiome research, with the funding earmarked for product development and international expansion. Elsewhere in Europe, Belgium-based MRM Health secured a substantially larger €55 million Series B to advance its microbiome-derived biotherapeutic pipeline targeting inflammatory and immune-related diseases.

Taken together, these rounds account for approximately €58 million of disclosed funding moving through the microbiome and adjacent health sector in this period, highlighting continued investor interest across a spectrum ranging from consumer-facing health products to late-stage therapeutic platforms.

Within this context, Gutology’s raise reflects a smaller UK-based bet on microbiome science, focused specifically on oral care and gut health rather than clinical drug development.

Rafael Joseph of Mercia Ventures adds: “Consumers are increasingly aware of the link between the gut microbiome and overall health and are actively seeking credible alternative products. Gutology has emerged as a thought leader in this space, building a strong brand that is rapidly gaining traction.

“We were particularly attracted to the authenticity of their story and the strength of their engaged social media and podcast audience. This funding will help the company accelerate its international expansion and further establish itself as a leader in its category.”

Gutology was founded when Ollie, a former breakfast host on Touch FM and Capital Radio, recognised the role of ‘good bacteria’ in maintaining health after years of digestive problems. He started the podcast in 2019 with his practitioner, nutritional expert Julia Davies, and launched his first product in 2024.

Oral Biome+ toothpaste uses hydroxyapatite (HAP), a naturally occurring mineral in tooth enamel, and Truebiotic parabiotics, and is designed to support rather than disrupt the microbiome, the delicate balance of organisms within the mouth and the gut.

Bethan Bannister, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank, says: “We are pleased to be investing in a business like Gutology, which is leveraging its brand to support people with gut health issues in a truly distinctive way. It is encouraging to see the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II backing a company that is addressing a gap in the market and delivering solutions to customers who need them the most.

“We look forward to working with Ollie and the team and wish them every success as the business grows and expands.” 

According to the company, the toothpaste now ranks in the top 10 on Amazon UK and is the best-selling toothpaste at Planet Organic.

Gutology currently employs ten staff, offers a full oral care range, and sells direct to customers online and through specialist health stores.

The funding will enable it to develop partnerships with major retailers, expand into the US and German markets and step up clinical research to develop new and improved products.

It plans to expand its range to include other healthcare and home cleaning products and expects to create five new jobs in the year ahead.

Anna Sweetman of Active Partners, adds: “We believe Gutology is well-positioned to lead the shift towards personal care products designed to better align with the microbiome, from what we use on our bodies to what we bring into our homes, and we’re excited to support the company as it enters its next phase of growth.”

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