Ukko

Company Overview

Snapshot

Founded in May 2016 by Anat Binur and Yanay Ofran, Ukko operates with 51–200 employees. The company has raised $47.7 million across three funding rounds from 11 investors. In June 2025, Ukko secured an A Round funding from Sanara Capital.

Business overview

Ukko is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with food allergies and sensitivities by leveraging immunology, machine learning, and protein engineering. The company develops safer proteins for use in food and therapeutics, focusing on designing and controlling molecular interactions between allergen proteins and the immune system. Ukko's technology utilizes patient samples and AI to engineer superior proteins that maintain beneficial properties while eliminating immune responses. Its initial product pipeline targets celiac-safe gluten proteins, allergy-safe and therapeutic peanut proteins, and other allergen proteins, serving the food ingredients, processed foods, and pharmaceutical markets.

Strategic signal

In November 2025, an article highlighted the significant impact of peanut allergies and Ukko's potential solution, underscoring the company's relevance in addressing critical public health challenges. This signals strong market demand for Ukko's innovative approach to creating safer food proteins and therapeutics, positioning the company for potential growth in the food and pharmaceutical sectors.

Company Intelligence Q&A

What was the focus of Ukko's Series B funding round in January 2021?

In January 2021, Ukko completed a Series B funding round led by Leaps by Bayer and Khosla Ventures. The funding was aimed at expanding Ukko's teams in the U.S. and Israel, and accelerating the development of unique food proteins, with a focus on peanut and gluten-related disorders.

What is Ukko's core technology for addressing food allergies?

Ukko utilizes immunology, machine learning, and protein engineering to design and control molecular interactions between allergen proteins and the immune system. This technology enables the creation of safer proteins for food and therapeutics that do not trigger an immune response.

What specific food allergies and sensitivities is Ukko targeting with its products?

Ukko's initial product pipeline includes celiac-safe gluten proteins, allergy-safe and therapeutic peanut proteins, and a pipeline of additional allergen proteins, addressing conditions like celiac disease and peanut allergies.

When was Ukko founded and by whom?

Ukko was founded in May 2016 by Anat Binur and Yanay Ofran.