Biotech

Helaina Raises $45 Million in Series B to Advance Human Bioactive Proteins Commercialization

Editorial Team
September 25, 2024

Helaina, a biotechnology company pioneering human-equivalent bioactive proteins, has raised $45 million in Series B funding, bringing its total equity funding to $83 million. The round was led by Avidity Partners, with participation from Spark Capital, Ingeborg Investments, Tom Williams of Heron Rock, Barrel Ventures, Siam Capital, Relish Works, CF Private Equity, and Primary Venture Partners, among others.

The new funding will enable Helaina to accelerate the commercialization of its novel ingredient, effera™ Human Lactoferrin, aimed at supporting women’s health, active nutrition, and healthy aging. effera™ promotes iron homeostasis, a balanced immune response, and a beneficial microbiome. It is the first human-equivalent bioactive protein designed for use in functional foods, beverages, and supplements. The ingredient will soon be featured in products from brands like Kroma Wellness, The Feed, Levelle Nutrition, and Healthgevity, as well as distributed by Mitsubishi International Food Ingredients, Inc.

“This infusion of new capital marks the next phase of growth for Helaina, where we are accelerating the availability of our first ingredient through new partnerships,” said Laura Katz, CEO and Founder of Helaina. Katz emphasized the importance of the investment firm’s reputation for backing biotechnology companies grounded in clinically-backed science.

Founded in 2019 by food scientist Laura Katz, Helaina is on a mission to redefine nutrition using precision fermentation. The company’s bioactive protein pipeline is designed to advance human health across all life stages. Helaina is also working towards launching an infant formula in collaboration with formula manufacturers.

“We are thrilled to support Helaina’s innovative approach to nutrition, which aligns with pressing health and wellness priorities,” said Jacob Garfield, Managing Director at Avidity Partners. He expressed confidence in Helaina’s ability to meet the growing demand for high-quality nutritional ingredients that promote vitality across all age groups.

With this Series B funding, Helaina is set to lead the way in transforming the nutritional landscape, bringing scientifically rigorous, human-equivalent bioactive proteins to market.