Helaina, a US-based biotechnology company developing human equivalent bioactive proteins, has raised $45m in Series B funding, led by Texas-based investment manager Avidity Partners.
Additional investors include 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 Series B funding round brings the company’s total equity funding to $83m.
Helaina intends to use the funding to scale the commercialisation of effera Human Lactoferrin, a novel ingredient that supports women’s health, active nutrition, and healthy ageing.
Avidity Partners managing director Jacob Garfield said: “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.
“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.”
According to the company, effera is the first and only human equivalent bioactive protein for nutrition to be used in functional foods, beverages, and supplements.
It supports iron homeostasis and metabolism, balanced immune response and promotes a beneficial microbiome.
Effera will be sold to consumer brands through strategic distribution partners.
It will soon be offered in several consumer products, including those from Kroma Wellness, The Feed, Levelle Nutrition, Healthgevity and Mitsubishi International Food Ingredients, said the company.
Helaina CEO and founder Laura Katz said: “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 rigour within nutrition.
“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.”
