Helaina raises $20m in Series A funding round

US natural protein company Helaina has raised $20 million in a Series A funding round, co-led by Spark Capital and Siam Capital.

Additional investors include Primary Venture Partners, Plum Alley Investments, Tom Williams, Hannah Bronfman, Gabrielle Union, Matt Rutler and Barrel Ventures, among others.

Helaina has created a new category of infant milk with natural, immuno-identical proteins that are 99% identical to those found in breastmilk. This is done through the use of precision fermentation to manufacture proteins. 

The investment will be used to initiate the company’s manufacturing and commercialisation process, execute its go-to-market strategy, and further its talent acquisition efforts.

Laura Katz, founder of Helaina, said: “We’ve seen a lot of innovation and advancement in the alternative meat and dairy space, however, the infant formula category has been stagnant for decades. I’m proud to be part of the team bringing a new solution to parents that empowers and equips them with more choice in their infant’s nutrition”.

The funding round brings the company’s total capital raised to $24.6 million.