A former radio presenter who launched a gut-friendly toothpaste after suffering health problems has raised £1.8m to help him expand sales internationally.
Ollie Gallant, who also runs the popular Gutology Podcast, has secured funding from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II through fund manager Mercia Ventures, alongside Active Partners and existing angel investors.
A former breakfast host on Touch FM and Capital Radio, Ollie 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. It now ranks in the top 10 on Amazon UK and is the best-selling toothpaste at Planet Organic.
Gutology currently employs ten staff at its headquarters in Alcester, Warwickshire. The company 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.
Ollie Gallant, founder of Gutology, said: “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.”
Rafael Joseph of Mercia Ventures added: “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.”
Bethan Bannister, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank, said: “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.”
Anna Sweetman of Active Partners, the investor behind brands including Huel, Honest Burgers and Soho House, added: “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.”
The £400m Midlands Engine Investment Fund II covers the entire Midlands region and provides equity investment up to £5m and debt finance from £25k to £2m to help a range of small and medium sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead.
The purpose of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the Midlands. The Midlands Engine Investment Fund II will increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for smaller businesses in the Midlands, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and help to break down barriers in access to finance.