Kulbeckia, a placental mammal from the late Turonian–Coniacian (Late Cretaceous) of Uzbekistan, was originally placed in the monotypic Kulbeckiidae. Important new material indicates that Kulbeckia is the basal most member of “Zalambdalestidae”, which also includes Zalambdalestes, Barunlestes, and the poorly known Alymlestes, all from the Late Cretaceous of Asia. Kulbeckia shares with other zalambdalestids: a narrow, somewhat elongated snout; procumbent, enlarged, and open-rooted medial lower incisor with enamel restricted to the more ventrolabial surface; and anteroposteriorly compressed and centrally pinched molar trigonids. Commensurate with its 10-million-year earlier age relative to other zalambdalestids, it is notable in its smaller size, probable retention of four lower incisors, bifurcated or two-rooted lower canine, relatively smaller or absent diastemata between anterior teeth, more lingually placed cristid obliqua, less reduced M3 and m3, and more dorsal and posterior placement of the angular process in adults. Kulbeckia kansaica (Tadjikistan) and Kulbeckia rara (Uzbekistan) are regarded as synonyms of Kulbeckia kulbecke, the only recognized species of Kulbeckia.