Akkermansia: Danone Acquires Microbiome Pioneer
Deal News | Jun 25, 2025 | Innovation Industries Manageme
Innovation Industries, a leading European deeptech venture capital firm, has announced its successful exit from The Akkermansia Company, which has been acquired by French multinational food company Danone. This transaction underscores a strategic expansion for Danone in gut health, aligning with rising consumer demand for healthy products and reinforcing Danone's commitment to science and innovation. The Akkermansia Company, spun out from UC Louvain and Wageningen University, is a pioneer in microbiome technology and has developed a proprietary biotic strain, Akkermansia muciniphila MucT. This strain has been clinically proven to strengthen the gut barrier and reduce inflammation related to chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes. The acquisition will enable The Akkermansia Company to scale globally and further its impact on public health. The transaction also marks a significant milestone for Innovation Industries, highlighting its role in supporting deep tech pioneers addressing fundamental global challenges.
Sectors
- Biotechnology
- Health and Nutrition
- Venture Capital
Geography
- Europe – Both The Akkermansia Company and Innovation Industries have roots in Europe, with the former originating from research conducted at European universities.
- France – Danone, the acquiring company, is headquartered in France.
- Netherlands – Innovation Industries, a key investor in The Akkermansia Company, is based in the Netherlands.
Industry
- Biotechnology – The Akkermansia Company is involved in biotechnology through its development and clinical validation of the Akkermansia muciniphila MucT strain.
- Health and Nutrition – Danone's strategic acquisition of The Akkermansia Company integrates into their broader health and nutrition strategy focused on gut health.
- Venture Capital – Innovation Industries, as a venture capital firm, facilitated the growth and eventual exit of The Akkermansia Company.
Financials
- 1 billion – Capital under management by Innovation Industries, emphasizing its capacity in supporting deeptech ventures.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Akkermansia Company | Target | Company | A microbiome pioneer focused on developing the Akkermansia muciniphila MucT strain. |
| Danone | Bidding Company | Company | A global leader in the food industry acquiring The Akkermansia Company to expand its gut health offerings. |
| Innovation Industries | Private Equity Firm | Company | European venture capital firm that invested in The Akkermansia Company. |
| UC Louvain | Other | University | One of the research universities where Akkermansia muciniphila research originated. |
| Wageningen University | Other | University | Another research university involved in the foundational work on Akkermansia muciniphila. |
| Michael Oredsson | CEO | Person | CEO of The Akkermansia Company. |
| Professor Willem M. de Vos | CTO and Co-Founder | Person | CTO of The Akkermansia Company, who discovered Akkermansia muciniphila. |