Gutsy Health secures investment for expansion

Gutsy Health has secured £300,000 of investment from angel investment syndicates Equity Gap and Apollo Informal Investments, alongside economic development agency Scottish Enterprise.

The money should help scale the Edinburgh-based company’s UK presence, accelerate international growth and expand its product portfolio of digestive supplements.

Founded by Gemma Stuart, Gutsy Health was born from her own 15-year battle with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition affecting around one in 20 people in the UK and linked to an estimated £3bn in annual lost sick days.

She set out to create products using clinically-studied postbiotics and targeted nutrients to support bowel regularity and calmer digestion.

The new investment will support the growth of Gutsy Health’s flagship liquid supplement and drive wider distribution across pharmacies, health stores and national retailers. It will also accelerate e-commerce expansion, including Amazon, and fuel new product development, following the launch of its easier-to-store capsule formulation.

“I created Gut Wealth from my own experience of irritable bowels, and in 2026 I’ll be growing our team as we scale from our core direct-to-consumer sales into national retailers and international markets,” said Stuart.

“This investment from Equity Gap, Apollo and Scottish Enterprise means we can reach more people with our science-led digestive supplements that are simple to use and genuinely life-improving.”

Fraser Lusty, managing director of Equity Gap, said: “We’re seeing digestive health become one of the most urgent and underserved wellbeing challenges in the UK, and consumers are increasingly demanding solutions that are science-led, not trend-led.

“Gemma’s understanding of the market, her personal insight into the consumer struggle, and the quality of the science behind her products made this a compelling investment case for us.”

Michiel Smith, director of Apollo Informal Investments, added: “The gut health supplement industry is expanding, with increasing consumer interest in the link between gut health, immunity, and overall well-being.

“Gut Wealth’s unique, science-led formula has received high praise from its customers online.”