Blis Technologies Limited (BLIS) is a New Zealand-based, NZX-listed biotechnology company specializing in advanced probiotic strains for targeted health solutions, primarily oral health, immunity, teeth and gums, halitosis, and emerging areas like skin health.[1][2][3] It develops and manufactures proprietary strains BLIS K12™ and BLIS M18™, offering them as ingredients or finished products via B2B partnerships and B2C channels, solving problems like streptococcal throat infections, bad breath, and gum disease through naturally occurring oral bacteria backed by over 70 clinical trials.[1][2][3] The company reported strong growth in its half-year results to September 2025, with revenue up 28% to $7.7 million, driven by double-digit increases in both B2B and B2C sales, alongside progress in strategic partnerships.[1]
Blis Technologies traces its roots to research by Professor Emeritus John Tagg at the University of Otago's Microbiology Department in New Zealand, who discovered Salivaricin B—a natural antibiotic produced by certain oral bacteria that combats streptococcal throat infections.[1][2][3] The company launched in August 2000 by acquiring the university's collection of bacteriocin-producing organisms and listed on the NZX in 2001, marking its pivot from academic research to commercial probiotic development.[1] Early focus on strains like BLIS K12™ and M18™, which naturally occur in the oral cavity but are effective in only about 2% of people, provided pivotal traction through evidence-based innovation.[1][3]
Blis rides the exploding probiotics and microbiome market, particularly the shift toward precision, site-specific biotics amid rising chronic oral health issues like periodontitis—affecting millions globally—and post-pandemic immunity demands.[1][3] Timing aligns with growing consumer and pharma interest in natural, clinically validated alternatives to antibiotics, amplified by orthodontic trends (e.g., braces-related halitosis) and skin health extensions.[3] Market forces like evidence-based wellness demands and B2B pharma partnerships favor Blis, as its university-rooted IP positions it to influence the oral microbiome ecosystem, pioneering "gateway" health solutions that link mouth health to systemic immunity.[2][3]
Blis is poised for accelerated expansion through B2B scaling in key regions, leveraging its H1 2026 momentum into full-year growth via new clinical validations and partnerships in immunity and skin probiotics.[1][3] Trends like personalized microbiomics, orthodontic integrations, and global gum disease awareness will propel it, potentially evolving its influence from oral pioneer to broader biopharma player. With revenue surging and pipelines converting, Blis exemplifies how targeted biotech innovation turns academic discovery into a healthier world.[1][3]
Blis has raised $26.9M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Blis's investors include Beringea, Cambridge Innovation Capital.
Blis has raised $26.9M across 3 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $25.0M Series B in April 2016.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 1, 2016 | $25.0M Series B | Beringea, Cambridge Innovation Capital | |
| Nov 1, 2011 | $1.0M Series A | Beringea | |
| Dec 1, 2006 | $940K Seed | Beringea |
