NutriLeads

NutriLeads B.V. is a Dutch health ingredients company, established in 2012, that operates in the business-to-business market by developing and supplying clinically substantiated, plant-based nutritional ingredients. The firm was founded by Ruud Albers, a former immunologist at Unilever R&D. The venture originated from Albers's work at Unilever, where his team discovered a promising immunomodulatory nutrient. When Unilever shifted its strategic focus, Albers acquired the patents and know-how for this technology to establish NutriLeads. Erik Dam, with a background from Danone, and Annick Mercenier later joined as co-founders. The company's business model involves identifying and developing crop-derived food ingredients, conducting clinical trials to prove their health benefits, and then licensing these ingredients to manufacturers in the dietary supplement and functional food and beverage sectors.

The company's flagship product is BeniCaros®, a precision prebiotic fiber derived from upcycled carrot pomace, a byproduct of carrot juice production. This ingredient has a dual mode of action: it trains the innate immune system to respond faster and more effectively, and it modulates the gut microbiome by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. Clinical studies have demonstrated its ability to support immune function, improve resistance to respiratory infections, and positively alter gut microbiome composition. A key feature of BeniCaros is its small effective daily dose, as low as 300 mg, which allows for versatile application in various products such as nutritional bars, sports drinks, and gummies without significantly impacting taste or texture.

Financially, NutriLeads has progressed through multiple funding stages. After its founding, it secured a grant in 2013 which was pivotal for preclinical development and attracting investors. The company closed its first seed round in 2015, a Series A in 2017, and a significant Series B round in 2020. Most recently, NutriLeads raised €4.5 million in a Series C round in December 2023, led by existing investor dsm-firmenich Venturing. This capital is aimed at accelerating the global commercialization of BeniCaros, expanding into new markets, and funding further research. Ruud Albers has since transitioned from his role as CSO to chair the company's Scientific Advisory Committee to continue guiding its research initiatives.

Keywords: health ingredients, prebiotic fiber, gut microbiome, immune support, functional foods, dietary supplements, upcycled ingredients, carrot pomace, BeniCaros, food technology, nutritional science, B2B ingredients, clinical trials, plant-based ingredients, food innovation, sustainable ingredients, sports nutrition, functional beverages, gut health, immune function