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NutriLeads has raised €4.5 million in a Series C investment round to accelerate the commercialisation of its prebiotic ingredient, BeniCaros. The financing round was led by existing investor DSM-Firmenich Venturing, with support from other current investors. Funding will support expansion in the consumer markets and geographies, and the creation of a global brand for the precision prebiotic fibre ingredient, designed to enhance gut and immune health. BeniCaros is made from upcycled carrot pomace. According to the company, its low-dose ingredient is clinically proven to train smarter, faster and stronger innate immune responses and to consistently improve microbiota composition for a more resilient gut ecosystem. NutriLeads, based in Wageningen, the Netherlands, said BeniCaros’ small serving size (as low as 300mg) and attractive formulation profile create numerous product innovation opportunities for food, beverage and dietary supplement companies. In conjunction with the successful completion of the Series C financing, the company has announced a new single-tier board structure. The board consists of CEO Joana Carneiro, chair Alexander Belderok, Florentime Fockema Andreae and two new members: Akshat Kshetrapal, an investment director at DSM-Firmenich Venturing, and Bibilotte Duyvesteyn, a speciality nutrition value chain consultant. NutriLeads’ founder, Ruud Albers, will transition from his current role as chief scientific officer to become chair of NutriLeads’ newly-established Scientific Advisory Committee. The committee will provide guidance for NutriLeads’ research and development initiatives. Carneiro commented: “The financing and board changes support the transition of NutriLeads into a fully commercial company with an emerging global brand of tremendous potential in the health ingredients market. Combined with the additional capital, NutriLeads is well positioned for strong sales growth and profitability.”