# Helico Bio

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/helico-bio

- Industry: Biotechnology
- Headquarters: Auckland, New Zealand
- Website: www.helico.bio
- Total disclosed funding: $1.3M
- Latest round: Seed (May 17, 2022)
- Investors on record: 2

## About

Founded in 2020 and based in Auckland, New Zealand, Rau Bio Limited, dba Helico Bio, is a biopharmaceutical company that produces therapeutic compounds from plants. Ilya Vensky (CEO), Wayman Puna (CTO), and Xiaoming Wang (CIO) are the co-founders of the company. In May 2022, Rau Bio Limited raised AUD 1.8 million in seed funding from Icehouse Ventures and Custos Privatstiftung.

The company specializes in computational algorithms that enable swift and precise identification of target molecules. These algorithms reduce the need for experimentation on living organisms. Helico combines advanced computational science with plant biology to produce environmentally friendly compounds, including proteins, antibodies, and enzymes. The company's expertise lies in the development of stable production lines, selecting host plants, cellular compartments, and growth timelines to maximize yields. Its line of services includes the design of molecular production, computational biology and bioinformatics, plant physiology improvements, and contract manufacturing of biologics. In addition to production, Helico collaborates with partners to pioneer extraction and purification methods, ensuring end products.

## Funding rounds

- Seed, May 17, 2022, $1.3M — Icehouse Ventures, Custos Privatstiftung

## Investors

- Icehouse Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/icehouse-ventures) — Seed
- Custos Privatstiftung — Seed