UCL startup GutSee joins Zinc VC Programme

Co-founded by UCL alumna Dr Joanna Wiecek, GutSee is currently based at the Hatchery startup incubator programme at BaseKX, UCL’s dedicated entrepreneurship hub, run by UCL Innovation & Enterprise.

The company has now been selected to take part in the prestigious Zinc Venture Capital programme. This is aimed at exceptional founders solving some of the most critical challenges facing the health of people and the planet. GutSee has also received £150,000 in investment from Zinc.

Joanna comments: “Globally, hundreds of millions suffer from gut disorders, with over 16 million of severe irritable bowel syndrome cases in the US alone. GutSee is transforming the landscape of gut disorder treatment by developing a targeted microbiome treatment for IBS and other gut disorders in the future.

“With the support of Zinc's acceleration program and key investment, we can advance essential preclinical research to bring these innovative treatments closer to reality.”

Restoring a healthy gut balance

After completing a PhD at UCL in microbiology and molecular biology, Joanna took on a variety of industry and leadership positions, including at Dyson, the Wellcome Trust and Innovate UK.

Drawing on this experience, she established her own venture alongside co-founder Dr Ketaki Mhatre. The unique approach pioneered by GutSee first focuses on decoding the gut microbiome signature using molecular analysis and AI modelling. Their technology then precisely targets harmful bacteria and engineers beneficial bacteria to deliver therapeutic effects.

“Our groundbreaking AI-discovery platform conducts deep, complex analyses of big data to uncover the molecular signature of IBS. Through our unique microbiome therapy, we can restore a healthy gut balance, eradicating IBS symptoms,” explains Joanna.

Providing essential support

The co-founders joined the Hatchery incubator programme at UCL, where they had access to tailored advice, mentors and equity-free office space.

Joanna comments: “UCL’s Hatchery incubator programme played a pivotal role in our growth, providing essential support during our earliest stages when we needed it most. They assisted with fundraising, investor due diligence, hiring legalities, and offered tailored business guidance.”

The company has also retained important research links with UCL, with three academics serving as expert advisors to the company.

Dr Kathryn Walsh, Executive Director, UCL Innovation & Enterprise, commented: “GutSee is a deep science startup that draws on the very latest, cutting-edge research. They’re passionate about using that research to solve an issue that affects the lives of millions of people around the world. With their evidence-based approach, I’ve no doubt that they will make their mark in the field of life sciences, which is vital to the UK economy.”

The company has also received vital backing from Discovery Park Accelerator in Kent, the Female Founder Incubator at Alderley Park and the AI in Health Accelerator (run by Innovate UK). They also made the semi-finals of Santander Awards.

Links

Find out more about:

• GutSee Health
• UCL's Hatchery incubator programme
• Entrepreneurship support for UCL students and recent graduates

Photo © Dr Joanna Wiecek