Biohm Technologies, a specialist in microbiome research and product innovation, announced that it has received new institutional investment from Praesidium and Sparkfood by Sonae. The company also announced the appointment of John Deaton, PhD, as vice president of science and technology.

Praesidium, a Luxembourg-based company, promotes environmental and social sustainability in the agriculture and food industries. Sparkfood is a subsidiary of Sonae, a multinational Portuguese holding that funds and supports upcoming food and agricultural technology companies with health and sustainability values.

“At Sparkfood, we invest in groundbreaking companies that push the boundaries of health and microbiome science. Biohm Technologies is at the forefront of this space, pioneering solutions that integrate bacterial and fungal research to transform gut health. We are excited to support their mission in shaping the future of wellness through cutting-edge innovation,” said Jean-Baptiste Bachelerie, CEO of Sparkfood.

Deaton brings more than 17 years of experience in microbial and enzyme research, with a career spanning in probiotics, prebiotics, and biotechnological applications. He previously served as vice president of R&D for North America at ADM/Deerland Probiotics & Enzymes, leading innovations in human wellness, agriculture, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and animal nutrition. His work has advanced clinical studies on spores, enzymes, and bacteriophages, advancing microbiome health solutions.

Deaton holds a PhD in biochemistry from Texas A&M University and is a contributor to scientific journals. He served on the board of the Global Prebiotics Association and the International Probiotics and Prebiotics Association. At Biohm, he will lead the expansion of microbiome technology solutions, including ingredients, gut health testing, and data-driven supplement formulations.

“John’s career innovating in the microbiome space is inspiring and his experience is tremendously relevant to our work,” said Sam Schatz, CEO of Biohm.  “As we scale our technologies and expand our industry partnerships, his leadership will be instrumental in driving our next-generation microbiome solutions and reinforcing Biohm’s position as a pioneer in gut health research.”

“Biohm’s unique approach to microbiome science, integrating both bacterial and fungal populations, sets it apart in the industry. I’m excited to join a team that is redefining how we understand and harness the microbiome to improve health. I look forward to advancing Biohm’s mission and delivering cutting-edge solutions backed by robust scientific research,” Deaton said.