PhageLab Targets Global Expansion After US$3M Round led by Kaszek Ventures
PhageLab raises US$3M and appoints a new CEO to scale its bacteriophage technology, targeting antibiotic resistance and expanding in global animal health markets.
PhageLab is entering a new phase of growth following a US$3 million funding round and a strategic leadership transition aimed at scaling its commercial operations and advancing its biotechnology platform for animal health.
Leadership transition to drive science and commercial growth
As part of its evolution, PhageLab has restructured its executive leadership 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 product development.
“This transition allows us to double down on our scientific capabilities while strengthening our commercial execution,” the company suggests through this leadership shift.
Caue Zortea, previously Chief Commercial Officer, has been appointed as the new CEO. With experience at Eli Lilly and an MBA from Stanford, Zortea is expected to lead the company’s next stage of expansion and reinforce its go-to-market strategy.
$3M funding round backed by Kaszek Ventures
PhageLab recently closed a US$3 million bridge round led by Kaszek Ventures, reinforcing investor confidence in its business model and technological approach. With this latest investment, the company has raised approximately US$40 million since its founding.
The new capital will be primarily directed toward expanding its commercial footprint, particularly in Brazil, while also supporting ongoing research and development efforts.
“This funding enables us to strengthen our presence in key markets and accelerate the development of new solutions,” aligns with the company’s stated priorities.
Tackling antibiotic resistance with bacteriophage technology
PhageLab focuses on one of the most pressing challenges in global animal health: antibiotic resistance. Its solution is based on bacteriophages—viruses that specifically target and eliminate harmful bacteria without affecting beneficial microorganisms.
The company combines biology and artificial intelligence to identify and deploy these phages efficiently across livestock applications.
Its current portfolio includes:
- Inspektor, designed to inhibit Salmonella
- Fórmida, which controls E. coli strains in poultry
- Phagein, a feed additive aimed at preventing infectious diarrhea in ruminants
These solutions are already being used by major poultry producers in Chile and Brazil.
Expansion strategy and innovation pipeline
Under Zortea’s leadership, PhageLab aims to increase market penetration and drive significant revenue growth. The company is exploring expansion into new international markets through both direct operations and strategic partnerships.
At the same time, PhageLab continues to invest in its R&D pipeline, with a strong focus on developing new bacteriophage-based applications.
One of its key innovation priorities is the development of new product formulations beyond liquid formats, enabling broader adoption across the livestock industry. These new delivery methods are expected to launch by late this year or early next year.
Positioning for long-term impact in animal health
With fresh capital and a redefined leadership structure, PhageLab is positioning itself to scale both scientifically and commercially. Its dual focus on innovation and market expansion reinforces its role in addressing bacterial diseases in animal agriculture.
By offering targeted alternatives to antibiotics, the company is contributing to improved food safety and animal welfare on a global scale.
