Helaina, a biotechnology company specializing in human-equivalent bioactive proteins, has raised $45 million in series B funding, bringing the company’s total equity funding to $83 million. The round was led by Advidity Partners with additional investment from Spark Capital, Ingeborg Investments, Tom Williams of Heron Rock, Barrel Ventures, Siam Capital, Relish Works, CF Private Equity and Primary Venture Partners, among other strategic partners.
 
Helaina will use the funding to scale effera, a human-equivalent, yeast-derived lactoferrin ingredient designed to support women’s health, active nutrition, and healthy aging. The ingredient is formulated to support iron homeostasis and metabolism, a balanced immune response, and microbiome support. The ingredient will soon be available in consumer products from Kroma Wellness, The Feed, Levelle Nutrition, Healthgevity, and Mitsubishi International Food Ingredients, Inc.
 
“This infusion of new capital marks the next phase of growth for Helaina in which we are accelerating the availability of our first ingredient through new partnerships – the result of years of work to drive innovation and scientific rigor within nutrition,” said Laura Katz, CEO and Founder, Helaina. “At this pivotal moment in our company’s journey, we’re proud to partner with Avidity Partners, an investment firm with an outstanding reputation for supporting best-in-class biotechnology companies rooted in clinically-backed science.”
 
Helaina was founded in 2019 by food scientist Laura Katz, who saw an opportunity to leverage precision fermentation to create new ingredients to support vitality for all ages. Helaina also has plans to launch an infant formula in partnership with manufacturers, along with other solutions through its bioactive protein pipeline.
 
“We are thrilled to support Helaina’s innovative approach to nutrition, which aligns with pressing health and wellness priorities, from immune system support to fostering a balanced gut microbiome,” said Jacob Garfield, managing director at Avidity Partners. “We are confident that Helaina’s technology and business model are well positioned to meet the growing demand for high quality nutritional ingredients that promote vitality across all age groups.”