Begin Health

Begin Health operates in the pediatric health and wellness sector, focusing on the development and sale of prebiotic products for toddlers and children. The company was founded in 2018 by Madeline Lauf, who also serves as the CEO. The inspiration for the company stemmed from Lauf's personal health journey, where she resolved her own severe digestive issues through prebiotics, leading her to question why such nutritional interventions weren't more accessible for children.

The company's business model is direct-to-consumer, selling its products through its website via one-time purchases or a subscription model that offers a discount. Begin Health's target market consists of families with children, particularly those dealing with common digestive problems like constipation, irregular bowel movements, and picky eating. The firm initially aimed to produce a healthier infant formula but pivoted due to regulatory and capital-raising challenges. This strategic shift led to the creation of its flagship product, 'Growing Up Prebiotics', after discovering a strong customer need for solutions to constipation in kids.

The 'Growing Up Prebiotics' product is a tasteless powder that contains two primary ingredients: human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) 2'-FL, which is structurally identical to a component in breast milk, and chicory root fiber. This formulation is designed to support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, aiming to improve digestive comfort, promote regularity, and lead to softer stools. The product is sold in single-serving packets and can be mixed into drinks or soft foods. The company has since expanded its product line to include 'Growing Up Magnesium' and a 3-in-1 prebiotic and probiotic blend with HMOs for infants aged 0-12 months. The company has secured funding from investors including Access VC, Great Oaks Venture Capital, and New Age Capital.