Helaina, a NYC-based company using precision fermentation to recreate immune-equivalent proteins previously only available in breast milk, raised $20m in Series A funding.
The round, which brought total capital raised to $24.6m, was co-led by Spark Capital and Siam Capital, with participation from Primary Venture Partners, Plum Alley Investments, Tom Williams, Hannah Bronfman, Gabrielle Union, Matt Rutler and Barrel Ventures, among other strategic partners.
The company intends to use the funds to begin its manufacturing and commercialization process and execute its go-to-market strategy, as well as further its talent acquisition efforts.
Founded in 2019 by food scientist and entrepreneur Laura Katz, Helaina leverages a proprietary fermentation platform to create a suite of functional proteins that are clinically proven to boost immunity. For its first product, the company will utilize its bioactive proteins to deliver the first humanized infant formula — a $50B market that is estimated to be worth $109B by 2027 — with proven immune benefits for newborns.
