Warsaw-based Evidose has secured $500K (approximately €455,187) in funding from Inovo VC and 500 Emerging Europe. The company specialises in conducting decentralised effectiveness trials for dietary supplements and wellness products.
Providing science-backed marketing claims for products
Founded in 2023 by CEO Anna Litwińska and COO Kacper Zambrzycki, Evidose’s platform enables manufacturers of dietary supplements and wellness products to scientifically validate the actual effects of their products on consumer well-being.
In contrast to the industry’s current reliance on EFSA-approved claims or unverified effects, Evidose manages every aspect of the testing process. This includes study design, participant recruitment, test supervision, and results analysis.
Evidose offers manufacturers scientific evidence of product effectiveness and valuable consumer insights, using advanced statistical algorithms for accurate comparisons against placebos while considering factors like demographics and lifestyle.
Co-founder Litwińska says, “Understanding the true effectiveness of supplements is crucial for both consumer trust and industry credibility. While we often rely on generalised scientific research or EU regulatory approvals to gauge effects, the actual effectiveness of a supplement is influenced by multiple factors.”
“These include not only the source of the substance and its chemical and physical properties but also individual differences such as genetics, lifestyle, and existing nutrient deficiencies.”
“For instance, magnesium, which exists in at least 12 different forms, each with unique bioavailability, can be found in various formats like liquids, tablets, and capsules, offering different levels of absorption. We take all these factors into account to accurately assess each supplement’s effectiveness.”
A holistic approach to supplement testing
Participating in Evidose’s study enhances transparency in the supplement industry and provides insights into the impact of supplements on the body.
Participants receive the tested supplement and access to a platform for activity logging and periodic health questionnaires. Evidose integrates with wearables such as Apple Watch, Fitbit, Whoop, and Oura Ring, incorporating objective data from blood tests and home cognitive tests.
At the study’s conclusion, participants receive a personalised report detailing the supplement’s efficacy and key data from the conducted tests.
Co-founder Zambrzycki says, “The supplement industry is facing a big challenge, as there’s not enough clear and reliable information regarding the true effectiveness of these products.”
“Consumers add supplements to their diets based on perceived benefits, only to discover through firsthand experience that many simply fall short of their promises.”
“Brands that genuinely want to prove that their supplements work are in a tough spot. They have the option to test their products in clinical trials, just like pharmaceuticals, but this route is often prohibitively expensive and time-consuming.”
“We plan to introduce a new kind of effectiveness study for supplements, one that is truly useful and trustworthy,” adds Zambrzycki.
Capital utilisation
Evidose says it will use the funds for its platform’s further development, focusing on automation and broadening its scope to include functional foods, cosmetics, and wellness devices and apps.
The company is currently in the pilot phase with its initial Polish clients and plans to launch in European markets, starting with the UK, Germany, France, and Benelux countries early next year.
Tomasz Swieboda, Managing Partner at Inovo VC says, “Our decision to invest in Evidose stems from our confidence in the team’s capability to innovate a distinctive product.”
“The combination of Anna and Kacper’s skills, coupled with their in-depth market insight, positions Evidose to potentially transform the use of supplements and wellness products by both consumers and manufacturers.”
01
From port to startup fort: How Lars Crama is ‘Making it Happen’ in Rotterdam