The latest way to stay healthy? Top-of-the-line water.
Miami-based Weo says it is bringing immunity-boosting water to the masses with a portable bottle that enhances water's natural properties. Investors also see the potential: The startup recently raised $15 million in a series A funding round led by Korelya Capital, a venture capital firm based in France.
The Weo Bottle uses electrolysis technology and diamond-coated silicon to activate all of the biomolecules in water, the company reports. Enhancing those molecules – including hydrogen, oxygen, hydrogen peroxide and ozone – can support immunity, vitality, and gut and skin health.
"This new funding propels us into a new phase of growth, reinforcing our ambition to become the next deep tech champion in the U.S., Europe and Asia," Weo founder and CEO Anthony Ginter said.
The company's previous investors include entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals. The 22-ounce Weo Bottle, which also includes self-cleaning and hydration-tracking functions, is now ready to sell, and retails for $390.
Weo is based at 1951 N.W. Seventh Ave. in downtown Miami, where its executive, product design and research teams are located. The firm, which has 20 employees, has plans to ramp up hiring in the coming months. Its diamond-coated electrodes are made in Switzerland and its bottles are produced in Taiwan.
The company reports its technology is based on more than 15 years of research into water science and innovation to include benefits such as improved energy, healthy aging and exercise performance.
In addition to humans, Weo reports its enhanced water can support immunity in animals and plants. In 2015, the company began working with the agriculture industry in France to see how its patented water benefited livestock, according to its website. After one month, cattle produced more milk and protein, and after six months, farmers had reduced the amount of chemical and antibiotics administered to animals.
"As advocates of a sustainable tech ecosystem, we have been deeply inspired by the founder's unique approach to water science and by Weo's [environment, social and governance] roadmap including health impact, sustainable agriculture, healthy foods and animal welfare," said Fleur Pellerin, co-founder and chairwoman of Korelya Capital.
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