Investment in consumer health startups has gained traction as more individuals seek science-backed wellness solutions. Venture capital firms are increasingly recognizing the potential in this sector, particularly in Europe, where funding has traditionally lagged behind other regions. With growing consumer interest in proactive health management, new financial support mechanisms are emerging to help startups scale. naturalX Ventures has introduced a €100 million fund to address this funding gap, focusing on innovative health solutions.
Past developments in health-focused investment show that Europe has been slower in adopting consumer-driven healthcare models compared to the U.S. American startups have received significant funding, with consumer-centric companies like Oura and Neko Health gaining traction. While European startups in the sector have historically faced challenges in securing investments, recent trends indicate a shift, with increasing venture capital interest in companies that bridge wellness and medicine.
What Is the Focus of the Fund?
The newly launched fund will primarily support consumer health startups in Europe, with select investments in North America. Targeting Series A investments, it will also consider late Seed and Series B rounds. Initial investments will range from €3-5 million per company, with potential follow-on funding of up to €10 million. The focus will be on businesses that integrate wellness with medicine while offering scientifically validated products and services.
Which Startups Have Received Investments?
naturalX Ventures has already invested in several companies, including mybacs, Flow Neuroscience, Kyan Health, and Meela. These startups operate within various consumer health subfields, such as probiotics, mental health technology, and digital wellness platforms. Additionally, naturalX has placed capital into healthcare-focused venture capital funds.
“I am very excited to double down on our thesis with the official launch of naturalX. The consumer health space has been overlooked by investors. We see an inflection point in Europe now, as consumers are finally taking more charge of their own health. Startups in the space need a partner with a shared vision,” said Marvin Amberg, founder of naturalX Health Ventures.
Drawing insights from the U.S. healthcare market, naturalX Ventures believes that consumer-driven health solutions will gain momentum in Europe. Several European consumer health companies, including Oura and Neko Health, have reached significant scale and funding, yet the sector remains underfunded compared to the U.S. market. The firm sees potential for substantial growth as more European consumers prioritize personal health management.
“naturalX led our Series-A round and has been an exceptional partner, bringing not only capital but also invaluable knowledge of the nutritional supplement and broader consumer health market. Their pragmatic, fast decision-making allows us to focus on growing our business,” said Carl-Philipp von Polheim, Founder of mybacs, a DTC probiotic subscription startup.
Investment in consumer health is becoming an important aspect of the broader healthcare industry, with venture capital firms playing a key role in funding innovation. The European market is showing signs of catching up with the U.S. in supporting science-backed health solutions. For startups in this space, securing financial backing from firms like naturalX Ventures can be crucial to scaling operations and bringing evidence-based products to a wider audience. As consumer health continues to evolve, more investment is likely to follow, driving further advancements in the sector.
