Biotech Company BoobyBiome Raises £2.5m Led by Empirical Ventures and The Helm
This article covers a seed funding round on 8 September 2025 for BoobyBiome, a London-based biotechnology company advancing the science of breast milk and the microbiome, founded by Dr Lydia Mapstone, Dr Sioned Jones and Dr Tara O’Driscoll. It raised £2.5m in a round led by Empirical Ventures and backed by The Helm.
What does BoobyBiome do?
A patented bottle-compatible storage device that removes oxygen from expressed breast milk to preserve its microbiome and nutrients. It is used to maintain milk quality during storage by reducing contamination and protecting vitamins and beneficial bacteria.
Why is BoobyBiome useful?
Problem
Parents storing expressed breast milk risk losing beneficial bacteria, antioxidants and vitamins during storage. Formula-fed, C-section or preterm babies can miss key microbes needed for healthy gut and immune development.
Solution
BoobyBiome developed a storage device that preserves milk microbiome, antioxidants, vitamins and prevents contamination. It is also creating a live microbiome drop containing beneficial breast milk bacteria to support babies missing those microbes.
How much did BoobyBiome raise?
BoobyBiome raised 2.5m in a seed round led by Empirical Ventures alongside The Helm.
Who invested in BoobyBiome?
The company's key investors include the following backers.
- Empirical Ventures: a venture firm backing early-stage life sciences and healthtech across the UK and Europe.
- The Helm: a firm noted for supporting female founders and healthcare innovators within the UK.
- XFactor Ventures: an early-stage investor active across the UK startup ecosystem that often backs accelerator graduates.
- Lavender Ventures: a US-based fund focused on female-led consumer and health startups.
- Kayan Ventures: a VC investing in early-stage health and consumer technology companies across Europe and beyond.
- Evenlode Investment: a UK investment firm known for a long-term, growth-oriented approach to public and private market opportunities.
- Dominic Hollamby: angel investor bringing expertise in healthcare operations and commercial strategy.
- Lord Ara Darzi: angel investor with a background in surgery and health policy.
- Yael Cohen: angel investor known for her work in health advocacy and social entrepreneurship.
- Vanessa Colomar: angel investor specialising in commercial strategy and scaling consumer health companies.
- Other investors: additional unnamed angel and institutional backers supporting the company’s growth.
If you're researching potential backers in this space:
- Explore our list of biotech venture capital firms in the UK
- Browse our directory of biotech angel investors in the UK
Who founded BoobyBiome?
The founders of BoobyBiome are Dr Lydia Mapstone, Dr Sioned Jones and Dr Tara O'Driscoll.
Where is BoobyBiome based?
BoobyBiome is based in London, UK.
What sector is BoobyBiome in?
BoobyBiome operates in the biotechnology sector. The sector develops treatments, tests and products using living cells and microbes. In plain terms, it uses natural bacteria and cells to make health-supporting products.
Key trends and challenges in infant microbiome biotechnology:
Growing interest in microbiome-based infant interventions
Scientists and companies are developing products like probiotic drops and milk-preservation devices to support infant gut health.
Regulatory and safety hurdles for live microbiome products
Live microbe products for infants need rigorous clinical trials and regulatory approval because babies, especially preterm, are vulnerable.
Manufacturing and adoption challenges
Scaling beneficial strains requires GMP manufacturing, cold-chain logistics, and clear evidence to convince parents and health services.
For a deeper look at innovation in this space, see the biotech startups in the UK.
They've invested in BoobyBiome
Get to know these biotech investors
| Investor | Sector | Stage | Activity | Team | Connect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Empirical Ventures | 10 investments investments | 5 contacts contacts | |||
 The Helm | 1 investment investment | more info | |||
 XFactor Ventures | 1 investment investment | more info | |||
 Lavender Ventures | 2 investments investments | more info | |||
 Kayan Ventures | 1 investment investment | more info | |||
 Evenlode Investment | 2 investments investments | more info |
Click here for a full list of 7,526+ startup investors in the UK