Helaina has announced a successful $45 million Series B funding round, bringing its total equity funding to $83 million, which will be used to further the development of effera Human Lactoferrin, a protein product designed to support women’s health, active nutrition and healthy aging.
Lactoferrin is a globular glycoprotein, naturally produced by the human body in women, and is found in high concentrations in human colostrum, the milk produced in breast tissue immediately after the delivery of a newborn. Lactoferrin is a powerful antimicrobial agent, and thus vital for the health of the child, and is now being investigated for its health benefits in adults. In addition to its potential in improving immunity, it may also help improve cognitive function, optimize the body’s use of iron, and promote gut health. It may also have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-senescence properties.
Helaina was founded in 2019 by food scientist Laura Katz, with the goal of improving nutrition standards through the use of human-equivalent bioactive proteins.
The effera lactoferrin product is produced at scale by using fermentation, with the aim of making human lactoferrin available for use in various food products, beverages and nutritional supplements. Helaina says it will facilitate this goal through partnerships with consumer brands and distribution through companies like Mitsubishi International Food Ingredients to broaden the market for scientifically-backed nutritional ingredients.
The funding round was led by Avidity Partners and included contributions from Spark Capital, Ingeborg Investments, Tom Williams of Heron Rock, Barrel Ventures, Siam Capital, Relish Works, CF Private Equity and Primary Venture Partners, along with other strategic partners.
Source: Helaina Raises $45 Million in Series B Funding to Accelerate the Commercialization of Human Bioactive Proteins Starting with effera™ Human Lactoferrin
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240925697200/en/Helaina-Raises-45-Million-in-Series-B-Funding-to-Accelerate-the-Commercialization-of-Human-Bioactive-Proteins-Starting-with-effera%E2%84%A2-Human-Lactoferrin