WeedOUT is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing innovative weed control solutions that minimize reliance on toxic herbicides. The company specializes in creating novel bio-herbicides designed to combat resistant weeds through a unique approach that leverages sterility. By utilizing weed pollen applied during the flowering period, WeedOUT's products effectively prevent the generation of viable seeds from resistant weeds, offering a natural method for their eradication. This approach not only addresses the challenge of chemical-resistant weeds but also promotes environmentally friendly practices within the agricultural sector.
Lingrove, LLC is a manufacturer of bio-composite materials based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2014. The company specializes in producing high-performance natural fiber composites using plant-based fibers and resins through a proprietary process. Its flagship product, Ekoa, combines flax linen fibers and resin derived from industrial waste, offering an eco-friendly alternative for various applications, including guitars and musical instruments. Lingrove's product line also includes thermoplastic pre-impregnated composites and dry linen reinforcements, catering to industries such as commercial interiors, transportation, and construction. The company focuses on reducing deforestation and carbon emissions associated with building materials, providing sustainable and carbon-negative solutions that mimic the strength and appearance of traditional wood.
Arzeda
Venture Round in 2023
Arzeda Corporation is a synthetic biology company based in Seattle, Washington, that focuses on the development and manufacture of enzymes and specialty chemical products. Established in 2008, Arzeda employs intelligent protein design technology, integrating physics-based methodologies with artificial intelligence to create innovative designer proteins and enzymes. Its product portfolio caters to various industries, including polymers, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals, enabling clients to access high-performance solutions that also emphasize cost-effectiveness and sustainability.
Agrotoken
Seed Round in 2023
Agrotoken is a company that specializes in the tokenization of agricultural commodities, providing a digital asset backed by grains. This system enables the creation of stablecoins that facilitate financial transactions within the agribusiness sector. By offering services such as grain tokenization, token trading, and liquidity creation, Agrotoken allows farmers and investors to digitize the value of their grain, making transactions more efficient and reliable. The company aims to create a secure ecosystem that simplifies the exchange of commodities and supports a digital economy for agriculture, ultimately enhancing the overall trading experience for its users.
Sentara Group
Series A in 2023
Nutrition Technologies Ltd. is a biotechnology company based in High Wycombe, United Kingdom, focused on producing sustainable insect-based products derived from black soldier fly larvae. Incorporated in 2016, the company specializes in creating high-quality ingredients for aqua and animal feed, including protein, oils, and frass, which serve as natural fertilizers. Its flagship products, such as Hi.Protein®, Hi.Oil®, Hi.Dried™, and Hi.Frass®, are designed to enhance the nutritional value of animal diets and improve plant health. By utilizing a zero-waste, intensive vertical farming system, Nutrition Technologies aims to integrate insect products into the global food supply chain, providing a significantly more efficient source of protein compared to traditional methods. The company emphasizes sustainability by upcycling organic waste and boosting agricultural productivity, thereby contributing to the revolution of the agriculture sector. Founded by Nick Piggott and Tom Berry, Nutrition Technologies has rapidly expanded its team to over 150 individuals from diverse backgrounds, all dedicated to improving global food systems.
Growers Edge
Series B in 2023
Growers Edge, established in 2017 and based in Johnston, Iowa, specializes in developing data-driven financial technology solutions for the agricultural industry. The company's core business involves creating customized, risk, and crop management solutions for farmers, agricultural retailers, and agencies. Growers Edge achieves this by offering a software and analytics platform, cash flow lending for inputs and ag technologies, and innovative risk management solutions that leverage crop management plans. By utilizing data science, public and private datasets, and deep learning algorithms, Growers Edge empowers farmers to adopt new technologies, increase profitability, and bridge financial gaps in the agricultural sector.
EnginZyme
Series B in 2022
EnginZyme AB is a biotechnology company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2014. It specializes in biocatalysis and cell-free synthetic biology, providing sustainable alternatives to traditional materials such as plastics, nylons, and rubbers. EnginZyme's innovative platform utilizes enzymes to facilitate the green manufacturing of products essential to various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food, chemicals, flavors, and fragrances. By replacing fossil-based manufacturing processes with its patented cell-free technology, the company aims to contribute to climate change mitigation and promote sustainable biomanufacturing practices. EnginZyme has garnered recognition as a Global Cleantech 100 company and has been acknowledged as a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum, underscoring its commitment to advancing green chemistry across multiple sectors.
Equinom is an innovative food-tech company focused on developing non-GMO plant-based ingredients through a unique combination of agricultural expertise, culinary knowledge, and advanced technology. By addressing the historical emphasis on crops primarily for animal feed, Equinom aims to meet the increasing demand for plant-based foods, which is projected to only meet half of the expected market needs. The company employs proprietary Manna™ technology, utilizing artificial intelligence to accelerate the breeding of high-yield crops naturally, without genetic modification. This approach not only enhances the flavor and nutritional value of meat and dairy alternatives but also promotes biodiversity and climate resilience, essential for future food security. Collaborating with partners such as Meatless Farm and Roquette, Equinom has established itself as a trusted supplier of superior ingredients, supported by significant investments from industry leaders like BASF and Roquette. Through its commitment to sustainable development and precision breeding, Equinom is positioned to play a critical role in the evolving landscape of plant-based consumption.
Phospholutions
Convertible Note in 2022
Phospholutions LLC, founded in 2016 and headquartered in State College, Pennsylvania, specializes in the production of sustainable fertilizers aimed at turf maintenance, ornamental and agricultural crops, animal production, and wastewater treatment. The company has developed patented technology that enhances the efficiency of phosphorus delivery to plants while minimizing environmental losses, thereby addressing the adverse effects of traditional phosphorus fertilizer on water quality. Its products are formulated from a mixture of common earth minerals that optimize nutrient absorption from both synthetic and organic sources. This innovative approach not only improves fertilizer efficiency and crop yield but also supports sustainable agricultural practices by reducing application rates and environmental impact, contributing to the long-term health of ecosystems.
CoverCress
Series C in 2022
CoverCress Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Saint Louis, Missouri, founded in 2013. The company focuses on developing and commercializing field pennycress as an oilseed crop, which is utilized for producing oil for renewable fuels and meal for livestock feed. By genetically improving pennycress, CoverCress aims to create a sustainable cover crop that enhances soil health and offers benefits for farmers during corn and soybean planting seasons. The company’s efforts are centered on sustainable agricultural practices, allowing farmers to maximize yields while minimizing input and carbon emissions. Formerly known as Arvegenix Inc., CoverCress reflects a commitment to innovation in agriculture, biotechnology, and renewable energy solutions.
Arzeda Corporation is a synthetic biology company based in Seattle, Washington, that focuses on the development and manufacture of enzymes and specialty chemical products. Established in 2008, Arzeda employs intelligent protein design technology, integrating physics-based methodologies with artificial intelligence to create innovative designer proteins and enzymes. Its product portfolio caters to various industries, including polymers, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals, enabling clients to access high-performance solutions that also emphasize cost-effectiveness and sustainability.
Phospholutions
Debt Financing in 2022
Phospholutions LLC, founded in 2016 and headquartered in State College, Pennsylvania, specializes in the production of sustainable fertilizers aimed at turf maintenance, ornamental and agricultural crops, animal production, and wastewater treatment. The company has developed patented technology that enhances the efficiency of phosphorus delivery to plants while minimizing environmental losses, thereby addressing the adverse effects of traditional phosphorus fertilizer on water quality. Its products are formulated from a mixture of common earth minerals that optimize nutrient absorption from both synthetic and organic sources. This innovative approach not only improves fertilizer efficiency and crop yield but also supports sustainable agricultural practices by reducing application rates and environmental impact, contributing to the long-term health of ecosystems.
Agrofy S.A. is an online retail platform based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, that focuses on agricultural products and machinery. Founded in 2015, the company serves as a comprehensive marketplace for agribusiness, facilitating efficient and transparent transactions among industry participants. Agrofy's platform encompasses a wide range of categories essential for farmers, including machinery, agricultural inputs, infrastructure, tools, crops, cattle, insurance, loans, farmlands, jobs, and vehicles. By offering both new and used agricultural equipment, such as tractors, trailers, and road machines, Agrofy aims to enhance productivity and streamline the buying and selling process for farmers, ultimately contributing to the growth of the agricultural sector.
CoverCress
Series B in 2021
CoverCress Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Saint Louis, Missouri, founded in 2013. The company focuses on developing and commercializing field pennycress as an oilseed crop, which is utilized for producing oil for renewable fuels and meal for livestock feed. By genetically improving pennycress, CoverCress aims to create a sustainable cover crop that enhances soil health and offers benefits for farmers during corn and soybean planting seasons. The company’s efforts are centered on sustainable agricultural practices, allowing farmers to maximize yields while minimizing input and carbon emissions. Formerly known as Arvegenix Inc., CoverCress reflects a commitment to innovation in agriculture, biotechnology, and renewable energy solutions.
Growers Edge
Series B in 2020
Growers Edge, established in 2017 and based in Johnston, Iowa, specializes in developing data-driven financial technology solutions for the agricultural industry. The company's core business involves creating customized, risk, and crop management solutions for farmers, agricultural retailers, and agencies. Growers Edge achieves this by offering a software and analytics platform, cash flow lending for inputs and ag technologies, and innovative risk management solutions that leverage crop management plans. By utilizing data science, public and private datasets, and deep learning algorithms, Growers Edge empowers farmers to adopt new technologies, increase profitability, and bridge financial gaps in the agricultural sector.
Pivot Bio
Series C in 2020
Pivot Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company founded in 2010 and based in Emeryville, California. The company focuses on enhancing crop nutrition through a deep understanding of the microbiome, utilizing engineered microbes to deliver essential nutrients, protect against pests, and improve crop quality. By leveraging data science and engineering principles, Pivot Bio aims to map the dynamics of the plant microbiome and develop beneficial traits. Their proprietary ON Technology utilizes naturally occurring microbes to supply nitrogen to crops, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers. This innovation not only helps farmers increase yields but also contributes to reducing reliance on petrochemical fertilizers, ultimately promoting healthier ecosystems and cleaner air and water. Pivot Bio's current initiatives primarily focus on enabling microbes to fix and supply nitrogen for corn, addressing the growing need for sustainable agricultural practices as the global population expands.
Agrofy S.A. is an online retail platform based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, that focuses on agricultural products and machinery. Founded in 2015, the company serves as a comprehensive marketplace for agribusiness, facilitating efficient and transparent transactions among industry participants. Agrofy's platform encompasses a wide range of categories essential for farmers, including machinery, agricultural inputs, infrastructure, tools, crops, cattle, insurance, loans, farmlands, jobs, and vehicles. By offering both new and used agricultural equipment, such as tractors, trailers, and road machines, Agrofy aims to enhance productivity and streamline the buying and selling process for farmers, ultimately contributing to the growth of the agricultural sector.