US$4M backing for Himalayan Tartary buckwheat’s personalized immunity potential

10 Mar 2022 --- Big Bold Health has landed US$4 million from S2G Ventures for its organic Himalayan Tartary buckwheat, marketed as offering “unparalleled” levels of immune-active plant nutrients.

This series A funding will go toward advancing the US-based business’ work on human trials investigating the role of specific plant nutrients on markers of immune health. It will also be applied to agricultural research on soil health and plant nutrient output.

Product development is focused on a concept called Immuno-Rejuvenation. It is a natural biological process that can be nutritionally supported through the use of key phytonutrients, omega 3 fatty acids from minimally processed fish oils and prebiotic fiber from Himalayan Tartary buckwheat. 

“Immuno-Rejuvenation opens up a whole new frontier in personal health and a new appreciation for the power of food to heal,” says Walter Robb, senior executive partner at S2G Ventures. 

Expansion afoot
Big Bold Health will also be expanding its platform technologies into digital programs for patients and practitioners.

In particular, the company is planning to launch an educational platform that will translate the science of immunity into accessible and actionable behavioral choices that will be supported via an app, personal health coaching and online interactive events.

President and founder Dr. Jeffrey Bland aims to scale up the organic and agricultural footprint of Himalayan Tartary buckwheat in the US over the next two years.Bland sees immunity as a driver for human health, as well as for the health of the soil, ocean and entire planet. 

A nutritional powerhouse
Big Bold Health says it is the first to offer a US crop of Himalayan Tartary buckwheat. The naturally gluten-free plant contains molecules such as rutin and quercetin, which have been studied for their effects on immune and metabolic function.

It also contains microbiome-supporting fiber that can help promote a healthier gastrointestinal system, as well as magnesium, zinc and B vitamins. D-chiro-inositol is also within the plant, a molecule involved in blood sugar regulation and hormone balance.

Bland argues there has never been a more important time for the world to focus on immunity. 

“While we are facing many crises, we also stand at the crossroads of an unprecedented opportunity to harness the power of food, science, technology and ecology to solve some of our most serious global issues through the development of meaningful and personalized immunity solutions.”

S2G continues food-as-medicine path
Following this investment, S2G chief investment officer and managing director Sanjeev Krishnan has joined the board of directors of Big Bold Health, and he will provide strategic advising alongside other board members. 

“Building on decades as a leader in natural products and functional medicine, Dr. Bland brings scientific rigor to the study of immunity and passion for educating doctors and consumers about the power of immune system rejuvenation,” says Krishnan. 

Last month, S2G also participated in a funding round for food-as-medicine marketplace Project Well. It has also recently worked with Lief Labs to provide recapitalization investments and strategic advisory support. 

Edited by Katherine Durrell