PhageLab raises US$3 million and appoints new CEO to drive global expansion

PhageLab enters a new phase of growth after closing a US$3 million funding round and carrying out a strategic leadership transition, with the aim of scaling its commercial operations and advancing its animal health-focused biotechnology platform.

Leadership transition to drive scientific and commercial growth

As part of its evolution, PhageLab has restructured its executive team to better align with its long-term vision. Co-founder Hans Pieringer will step down as CEO to take on the role of Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), focusing entirely on innovation and the development of new products.

“This transition allows us to deepen our scientific capabilities while strengthening commercial execution,” reflects this strategic shift.

For his part, Caue Zortea, who served as Chief Commercial Officer, has been named the new CEO. With experience at Eli Lilly and an MBA from Stanford, he is expected to lead the company’s next phase of expansion and consolidate its growth strategy.

US$3 million round led by Kaszek Ventures

PhageLab recently closed a US$3 million bridge round led by Kaszek Ventures, reinforcing investors’ confidence in its business model and technological approach. With this investment, the company has raised approximately US$40 million since its founding.

The new funds will primarily go toward strengthening its commercial presence, especially in Brazil, and advancing its research and development efforts.

“This funding allows us to consolidate our presence in key markets and accelerate the development of new solutions,” in line with the company’s priorities.

Bacteriophage technology to combat antibiotic resistance

PhageLab is tackling one of the most urgent challenges in global animal health: antibiotic resistance. Its solution is based on bacteriophages, viruses that specifically target harmful bacteria without affecting beneficial microorganisms.

The company combines biology and artificial intelligence to identify and efficiently apply these phages in the livestock industry.

Its current portfolio includes:

• Inspektor, designed to inhibit Salmonella
• Fórmida, which controls E. coli strains in poultry
• Phagein, a feed additive to prevent infectious diarrhea in ruminants

These solutions are already used by major poultry producers in Chile and Brazil.

Expansion and innovation strategy

Under Zortea’s leadership, PhageLab aims to increase its market penetration and achieve significant sales growth. The company is considering expanding into new international markets, either directly or through strategic partnerships.

At the same time, it continues to strengthen its research and development pipeline, focusing on new bacteriophage-based applications.

One of its main goals is to develop new formulations beyond the current liquid formats, which will enable broader adoption of its technology. These new products could launch toward the end of this year or early next year.

Positioning for long-term growth

With new capital and a redefined leadership structure, PhageLab is positioned to scale both scientifically and commercially. Its dual focus on innovation and expansion reinforces its role in the fight against bacterial diseases in animal production.

By offering alternatives to antibiotics, the company contributes to improving food security and animal welfare worldwide.