Startup MoldCo Secures $8M Seed Funding to Revolutionize Mold-Related Illness Treatment

MoldCo, a pioneering virtual clinic addressing mold toxicity, has successfully raised $8 million in seed funding to scale up its innovative approach to diagnosing and treating mold-related illnesses. The funding round, co-led by Cantos and Collaborative Fund, brings the startup's total funding to $11 million since its launch in 2023.

A Personal Journey Sparks Innovation

MoldCo's inception stems from founder Ariana Thacker's personal battle with mold-related health issues. Thacker, a former chemical engineer turned venture capitalist, experienced debilitating symptoms including fatigue, brain fog, hair loss, weight gain, and mood changes after exposure to high levels of mold in her Miami apartment.

"Even to this day, I'm still taking medication on an ongoing daily basis. So I developed what seems to be a chronic condition just from six and a half months of mold exposure in my unit," Thacker revealed in an exclusive interview.

Her struggle to find appropriate care through conventional medical channels highlighted a critical gap in the healthcare system, inspiring her to create MoldCo as a solution for others facing similar challenges.

Bridging the Gap in Mold-Related Healthcare

MoldCo's virtual clinic model aims to address the accessibility barriers inherent in treating mold toxicity. The platform offers:

1. Access to certified specialists in mold toxicity
2. Specialized biomarker testing for key immune and inflammation markers
3. Prescription-strength binders, targeted peptides, and specific compounded therapies
4. Support from dedicated care navigators

Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, a recognized expert in biotoxin-related illness, emphasized the importance of MoldCo's approach: "The profound impact of environmental factors, like those found in water-damaged buildings, on human health and the immune system has been documented for decades. The days of simply living with mold and biotoxin-related illness have been replaced by peer-reviewed treatment protocols, developed from nearly 30 years of research and evidence-based care, and now being made accessible through MoldCo."

Expanding Access and Awareness

With the new funding, MoldCo plans to:

• Expand its virtual clinic services, aiming for full nationwide access by 2026
• Further develop its proprietary care technology
• Scale patient onboarding and support operations
• Invest in clinical research collaborations
• Increase public and physician awareness of mold toxicity

The company's long-term goal is to standardize mold detox as a routine part of preventive care, making it as common as a physical or dental exam.

MoldCo's treatments currently cost between $150 to $300 per month for most patients, with lab testing ranging from $99 for a starter panel to $799 for a comprehensive panel testing 16 biomarkers. The company has already piloted its advanced lab testing in 46 states and offers virtual healthcare services in Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, and Texas.

As MoldCo continues to grow, it faces the challenge of integrating mold-related illness into standard medical practice. Thacker noted, "There isn't an ICD-10 code for mold-related illness. We've actually drafted a policy to help cover that blind spot essentially in standard medical practice. We've introduced a policy to introduce an ICD-10 code for mold-related illness, as well as environmental health screening questions at the annual visit as a preventative measure."