Lifesum Acquires Lykon, Adds Biomarker Testing
With the deal, the healthy eating platform gives its 65 million users worldwide access to personalized health insights
Nutrition app Lifesum has acquired Lykon, a biomarker-based personalized nutrition company hailing from Germany, a move that Lifesum CEO Markus Falk calls a “game-changer.”
Lifesum users (65 million worldwide) will soon be able to validate their health with Lykon’s at-home biomarker testing, ensuring they are staying on track and maintaining healthy habits.
“By combining Lykon’s biomarker testing capabilities with world-class software design, our users will gain unparalleled insights into their nutritional needs, metabolic type and overall well-being,” Falk said.
Lifesum, founded in 2013 by tech entrepreneurs in a bid to democratize healthy eating, counts high-profile employers such as Amazon, GE and PayPal among its corporate wellness partners.
As Lykon founder Tobias Teuber explains, biomarkers offer real answers beyond just weight, providing a deeper perspective on the state of wellness and progression. The company has raised €16 million ($17.2 million) in venture funding since its launch in 2018.
“Combining biomarkers with innovative technology enables personalized supplements and coaching to truly empower people to take care of their health,” Teuber said. “Joining forces with Lifesum allows us to provide consumers with unparalleled insights (into) their health. Our shared vision to improve health and well-being through a personalized approach makes it possible to leverage our offerings at scale.”
Last month, Lifesum highlighted a growing concern following a survey of 5,000 individuals: one in six U.S. employees consider themselves addicted to ultra-processed foods. Aside from the impacts of ultra-processed foods (such as packaged baked foods, sugar-based cereals and ready meals) on mood, energy and cognitive function, such foods in this group are associated with a higher risk of cardiometabolic issues, according to one study.
Lifesum Eyes ‘Advanced Wellness’
The healthy eating platform has launched several initiatives in the last year, including hormonal meal plans and safe fasting plans, but Falk says the Lykon deal defines the next chapter.
“This is more than an acquisition; it marks the next important stage in Lifesum’s transformation into an advanced wellness platform,” he said. “Through this transaction, we can integrate Lykon’s pioneering technology to revolutionize our service and value delivered to our users.”
Biomarker Testing on the Rise
Biomarker testing is on its way to becoming as commonplace as dumbbells in gyms. In recent months, Equinox and Fitness SF have both announced intentions to offer members biomarker testing, using the results to inform and hyper-personalize training.
Companies like Biostarks, which offer self-collection biomarker test kits, are already laying the groundwork, targeting gym owners to provide members with recommended dietary regimes, fitness routines and lifestyle improvements based on biomarker results.
