# Laura Katz

> Laura Katz is the founder and CEO of Helaina, a New York biotech company that uses precision fermentation to produce human-identical bioactive proteins. Its first product, effera, is the world's first commercially available human lactoferrin made through yeast fermentation. A food scientist by training and once NYU's youngest adjunct professor in Food Science, Katz started the company in 2019 from her Lower East Side kitchen after hearing a podcast about the black market for breast milk. She has raised more than $80 million to move Helaina from research into a commercial ingredient business.

- **Role:** Founder & CEO at Helaina
- **Organizations:** Helaina, New York University
- **From:** Canada
- **Nationality:** Canadian
- **Education:** B.Sc. in Food Science and Technology, Western University, M.A. in Food Studies, New York University
- **Known for:** Founded Helaina and built the first commercially available human lactoferrin produced by precision fermentation (effera), Raised more than $80 million in equity funding to date, Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 (Food & Drink), 2022 list

## Career timeline

- **2017** — Became NYU's youngest-ever adjunct professor in Food Science & Technology
- **2019** — Founded Helaina in New York City
- **2021** — Featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 (Food & Drink), at age 29
- **2024** — Helaina transitioned from R&D to a commercial business; launched effera human lactoferrin
- **2024** — Raised $45M Series B, bringing total funding above $80M

## Achievements

- Founded Helaina and built the first commercially available human lactoferrin produced by precision fermentation (effera)
- Raised more than $80 million in equity funding to date
- Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 (Food & Drink), 2022 list
- NYU's youngest-ever adjunct professor in Food Science & Technology
- Advanced a partnership with Nestle to develop next-generation nutrition

## Latest updates

- **2024-09** — Closed a $45M Series B to support the market entry of human lactoferrin.
- **2024** — Helaina moved from R&D into a commercial ingredient company and launched effera lactoferrin.

## Links

- Website: https://myhelaina.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahkatz/
- Twitter/X: https://x.com/laurahelaina
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-NyzYMNrkE
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurahelaina/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/laura-katz
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-07-15