BlossomUp: The Venture Leader Biotech changing the course of respiratory allergies through novel combinations of natural ingredients

23.04.2024 10:00, Rita Longobardi

Meet Ian Metcalfe, CEO of BlossomUp. The Biotech startup is on a mission to develop innovations to change the course of respiratory allergies through novel combinations of natural ingredients, production processes, and user convenience, for a balanced immune system. In May, Ian will join nine other Biotech innovators on a business development and investor roadshow in Boston.

Name: Ian Metcalfe
Location: Freienbach, Canton of Schwyz
Nationality: Swiss & UK
Education: BSc Applied Biology, MSc Marketing
Job title: Co-Founder & CEO
Number of employees: 4
Money raised: 3 Million
First touchpoint with Venturelab: Venture Kick

 

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Can you tell us who your product or solution helps and how?
About 25% suffer from pollen allergies, causing symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes, with severe impacts like sleep loss and depression. While pharmaceuticals like antihistamines have side effects, BlossomUp offers a natural solution. It boosts immune function and reduces fatigue with its blend of polyphenols, probiotics, and vitamins in a convenient drink format, scientifically proven for daily use during the pollen season.

What market are you addressing, and what is the potential of your startup in that market?
Globally, allergic rhinitis is a USD 12 bn industry with a projected 5% CAGR over the next decade. Recent data indicates that the pollen season is lengthening and intensifying due to global environmental changes, alongside rising trends in dust mite, pet, and mold allergies. Respiratory allergies are on the rise, costing Europe over 150 billion Euros annually. BlossomUp offers a natural alternative to manage respiratory allergies, utilizing scientifically proven ingredients to rebalance the immune system and improve quality of life. With a market potential reaching tens of millions within a few years, BlossomUp presents a promising solution.

How did you come up with the idea for your startup?
BlossomUp is fueled by our lifelong allergies. Sébastien, an immunologist with 17+ years of experience, specializes in respiratory allergies. Together, we've sought solutions for years. I struggle with antihistamine side effects, so a natural immune-friendly option is crucial. Sébastien Holvoet, BlossomUp founder, has curated top natural ingredients for allergic rhinitis. By patenting a polyphenol-probiotic blend, we've created a consumer-friendly drink that could help many like us.

How do you think the Venture Leaders roadshow will help you achieve your vision?
Joining the Venture Leaders Biotech 2024 team will boost our profile and attract interest in our innovative product, www.blossomup.com, amidst the challenging fundraising landscape. The roadshow offers invaluable advice on brand growth, product development, and investor presentations. It also facilitates market awareness in Switzerland and showcases Swiss innovation.


What are your team’s key achievements to date?
We have patented a consumer-friendly product, BlossomUp, launched in 4 European markets and expanding to the UK. Our lineup now includes Raspberry-Hibiscus and Ginger flavors, offering health benefits. With a skilled team and agency support, we're navigating e-commerce and international markets effectively.

Is there a key principle or value that guides you as you build your company?
Our values are centred around being true to ourselves. We've created this company to aid allergy sufferers, prioritizing consumer needs and scientific rigor. Partnering with top institutions and specialists, we're dedicated to enhancing quality of life. Encouraging customer feedback fuels our determination to expand our reach and impact with BlossomUp.

What is the most important lesson you have learned as a founder?
Every day is a new day! As I go through my morning routine I challenge myself with what I did well the day before and what I will drive in the next 24 hours to make our company even better. So while there have been too many learnings to count, I would say that motivation to face each new day with a fresh outlook, build on the past and end each day having added incremental value to your company is up there as a top lesson!

Tell us something people don't know about you.
I love climbing frozen waterfalls! Ice climbing has given me so much joy and feelings of success over the years - overcoming hurdles and pushing limits, while managing risks and being at one with the power and beauty of nature, definitely a hobby that has its ups and downs!

Any podcasts or books you want to share with us?
I’ve always been fascinated by how the business world that we operate in mirrors the natural world we are surrounded by. I love books that reflect components of this, such as “The Selfish Gene” and “The Blind Watch Maker” alongside classics like “Barbarians at the Gate” and “How to Win Friends and Influence People”.