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The Source Ventures, the venture capital arm of the Spadel Group, has announced an investment in UK-based beverage brand Living Things, signalling continued momentum behind the gut health soda category in Europe.

The investment aligns with The Source Ventures’ strategy to support innovative European founders developing healthier, more sustainable beverage solutions.

Living Things, launched just over two years ago, has quickly positioned itself as a player in UK's the 'better-for-you' soft drinks space. The brand produces lightly sparkling sodas formulated with gut health in mind. Its drinks are low in sugar, high in fibre and contain both prebiotics and probiotics, marketed as delivering billions of live cultures per can.

Jonathan Relph, who co-founded the business with Ben Vear, said: “Tasting good and doing good don’t have to be in conflict. Consumers increasingly expect drinks that combine great taste, functional benefits and environmental responsibility.”

Living Things has scaled rapidly since launch, securing distribution in approximately 25,000 outlets across the UK. The brand is now listed with major retailers including Tesco, Waitrose and Boots, alongside a growing presence in cafés, delis and foodservice channels.

Its core audience – health-conscious consumers seeking alternatives to traditional diet sodas, alcohol and artificially formulated beverages – reflects a broader shift in consumption habits. Increasing awareness of fibre intake and digestive health is helping to drive the expansion of the gut health soda segment across the UK and wider European markets.

Living Things' latest funding round, featuring backing from The Source Ventures alongside existing investors, will support the brand's next stage of development. Key priorities include international expansion, increased marketing investment, team growth and scaling operations.

The company has set its sights on becoming an over €100 million brand within the European soft drinks market over the medium-term.

“We’re delighted to support Living Things’ ambition to become a leading player in the fast-growing gut-health soda segment,” Yvorra added. “The brand embodies the core values shaping the future of beverages: naturality, functionality, sustainability and great taste.”