Spadel, the Belgium-based waters group, has invested in UK prebiotic-soda business Living Things.

Former Coca-Cola executive Kris Robbens and Fulfil Nutrition founder Barry Connolly also took part in the latest funding round at Living Things.

The financial terms of each party’s investment were not disclosed and Living Things declined to comment on the details when approached by Just Drinks.

Previous investors in Living Things, which was set up in 2023, have included BrewDog founder James Watt.

Living Things co-founder Ben Vear told Just Drinks the latest round of funding would be used to “significantly uplift marketing investment and invest behind team expansion”.

He added: “Spadel has a long history of deep understanding and success in their waters business across a number of European markets where they have a leading category position. Both Kris and Barry have deep drinks experience scaling consumer brands across Europe.”

Spadel made its investment through in-house VC arm The Source Ventures. In a statement, the company said the gut‑health soda category was “booming globally”.

“Living Things is positioned at the forefront of this shift,” Clément Yvorra, Spadel’s global business development manager and the head of The Source Ventures, said. “The company plays within the broader better‑for‑you soda movement, bringing flavours, natural ingredients and a lifestyle‑driven brand identity that resonates with young, bold and socially conscious consumers.”

Living Things sells in more than a dozen markets, with the UK its largest. The brand has a “significant presence” in Ireland, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the Czech Republic, Vear said. “International expansion and market testing continues at pace,” he added.

The company has a “medium-term ambition” to reach revenue of at least £100m ($132.8m), although it declined to disclose its most recent annual sales and profits.