Ag Startup Engine, founded in 2015 and located in Ames, Iowa, is a venture capital firm dedicated to supporting agricultural startups and entrepreneurs in the Midwest. The organization addresses key challenges in the sector by providing early seed stage investment and structured mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs. Ag Startup Engine manages a venture capital fund that targets investments in agriculture, ag tech, and food tech, focusing on amounts ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 across approximately 45 companies. The firm is particularly interested in innovative areas such as robotics and drones, software as a service, financial technology, precision agriculture, animal health, livestock automation, and clean technology. By fostering growth in these fields, Ag Startup Engine aims to enhance the success of agricultural ventures in Iowa and beyond.
Genvax Technologies is a startup focused on developing innovative vaccines for the animal health industry. Utilizing its proprietary saRNA platform, the company creates customized vaccines tailored to specific herd or flock needs, addressing the variant strains present in animal production settings. By incorporating targeted transgenes into its platform, Genvax enables the generation of antibody responses without the need for the complete pathogen, facilitating the rapid development of novel vaccines for the prevention and treatment of various animal diseases. This approach aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of vaccine solutions in the animal health sector.
Mazen Animal Health
Series A in 2022
Mazen Animal Health, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Saint Joseph, Missouri, that specializes in developing and commercializing innovative biological vaccines and therapeutics for both production and companion animals. Founded in 2015, the company focuses on creating orally-delivered vaccines that are room-temperature stable, eliminating the need for refrigeration and allowing for multiple animal dosing. Utilizing maize as a biofactory, Mazen aims to provide cost-effective and safe vaccination solutions that address complex challenges in animal health and protein production. Their novel technology platform represents a significant advancement in disease prevention, targeting a wide range of species including swine, poultry, aquaculture, livestock, companion animals, and wildlife.
GW Nutrition
Seed Round in 2022
GW Nutrition develops a technology to improve food ingredients where the sensory properties limit market opportunity.
Phinite
Seed Round in 2022
Phinite is a company focused on addressing the challenges of manure management in the agricultural sector, particularly for hog farmers in North Carolina. With the increasing difficulty of finding suitable land for sludge application, the company has developed systems to convert animal waste into a renewable, low-carbon fertilizer. This process results in a granular, odorless product that can be easily spread using conventional farming equipment. By transforming manure into a valuable resource, Phinite aims to enhance soil fertility and boost crop yields for farmers, providing a sustainable solution to an ongoing problem in livestock farming.
N-Sense
Seed Round in 2021
N-Sense, LLC, established in 2017 and located in Ames, Iowa, specializes in developing a soil nitrate sensor system designed for real-time measurement of soil nitrate concentrations. This innovative technology can be attached to farm implements, allowing farmers to accurately assess nitrogen levels while on the move. By enabling precise application of nitrogen fertilizers, N-Sense's system helps farmers optimize their fertilizer use, enhancing farm profitability and reducing the environmental impact of over-application. The company's product empowers farmers to identify and manage soil variations within fields, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Salin 247
Pre Seed Round in 2021
Salin 247 specializes in the development of small-scale, lightweight, electric-powered, autonomous farm equipment designed to enhance crop production. The company focuses on creating agricultural machinery that minimizes soil compaction and reduces both capital and operating costs for farmers. By improving asset utilization and addressing labor challenges, Salin 247 aims to promote healthier soils and foster more profitable and sustainable farming practices. Additionally, their innovations contribute to environmental sustainability, aligning agricultural productivity with ecological responsibility.
Continuum Ag
Seed Round in 2021
Continuum Ag, Inc. is a company that focuses on improving soil health through its proprietary platform, the TopSoil Tool. Founded in 2016 and based in Washington, Iowa, Continuum Ag offers a range of services designed to assist farmers and agricultural companies. Its platform provides data mapping, soil fertility recommendations, harvest analytics, and crop planning tools, all aimed at promoting regenerative agricultural practices. The company also emphasizes the use of soil testing technologies to tailor recommendations that enhance soil health. By collaborating with a network of agronomists, Continuum Ag aims to build a comprehensive soil database, supporting farmers in analyzing and improving soil conditions to boost crop yields.
Continuum Ag
Pre Seed Round in 2021
Continuum Ag, Inc. is a company that focuses on improving soil health through its proprietary platform, the TopSoil Tool. Founded in 2016 and based in Washington, Iowa, Continuum Ag offers a range of services designed to assist farmers and agricultural companies. Its platform provides data mapping, soil fertility recommendations, harvest analytics, and crop planning tools, all aimed at promoting regenerative agricultural practices. The company also emphasizes the use of soil testing technologies to tailor recommendations that enhance soil health. By collaborating with a network of agronomists, Continuum Ag aims to build a comprehensive soil database, supporting farmers in analyzing and improving soil conditions to boost crop yields.
Gross-Wen Technologies
Series A in 2021
Gross-Wen Technologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Slater, Iowa, focused on developing solutions for wastewater treatment. The company specializes in a revolving algal biofilm (RAB) system that effectively recovers nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater while generating algae biomass, which can be utilized as a fertilizer or bioplastic. By providing municipalities and wastewater-producing industries with an economical and environmentally friendly method for treating water, Gross-Wen Technologies aims to enhance water quality and promote sustainability in wastewater management. Established in 2013, the company is dedicated to delivering effective and affordable solutions for the treatment of wastewater pollutants.
Farmers Risk
Seed Round in 2021
Farmer’s Risk is a software platform that aggregates the critical risk management components used by farmers. It aggregates crop insurance choices, cash sales data, and futures and options data that farmers use and removes the barrier to making separate decisions for each component.
ChopLocal
Pre Seed Round in 2021
ChopLocal is an online meat marketplace that connects consumers with small butchers and family farmers across the United States. The platform offers a range of meat products, including free-range poultry and antibiotic-free options, ensuring high quality and ethical sourcing. Customers can access premium-priced meat while supporting local agriculture. ChopLocal also provides convenient pick-up and delivery alternatives, making it easier for consumers to obtain quality meat products directly from trusted producers.
Mazen Animal Health
Seed Round in 2021
Mazen Animal Health, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Saint Joseph, Missouri, that specializes in developing and commercializing innovative biological vaccines and therapeutics for both production and companion animals. Founded in 2015, the company focuses on creating orally-delivered vaccines that are room-temperature stable, eliminating the need for refrigeration and allowing for multiple animal dosing. Utilizing maize as a biofactory, Mazen aims to provide cost-effective and safe vaccination solutions that address complex challenges in animal health and protein production. Their novel technology platform represents a significant advancement in disease prevention, targeting a wide range of species including swine, poultry, aquaculture, livestock, companion animals, and wildlife.
StockGuard
Seed Round in 2021
Stockguard is a specialized risk management brokerage dedicated to the livestock industry. The company offers innovative solutions that help livestock producers manage their risks effectively and affordably. By utilizing technology, Stockguard provides insurance services designed to protect against unforeseen financial losses related to livestock production. Their offerings include production yield insurance and coverage against foreign animal diseases, allowing producers to mitigate risks and focus on enhancing their business operations. With an emphasis on simplicity and transparency, Stockguard aims to deliver comprehensive coverage that supports the sustainability of livestock production.
Tractor Zoom
Series A in 2020
Tractor Zoom, Inc. operates an online marketplace that connects farm equipment auctioneers with buyers, facilitating the purchase and sale of agricultural machinery. Founded in 2017 and based in Urbandale, Iowa, the company offers a mobile application that allows auctioneers to list and promote their auctions while enabling buyers to search for and browse available farm equipment. The platform streamlines the auction advertising process, making it easier for users to access auction inventory nationwide. Tractor Zoom is dedicated to helping agricultural leaders make informed, data-driven decisions regarding the buying, selling, financing, and insuring of heavy equipment.
Continuum Ag
Pre Seed Round in 2020
Continuum Ag, Inc. is a company that focuses on improving soil health through its proprietary platform, the TopSoil Tool. Founded in 2016 and based in Washington, Iowa, Continuum Ag offers a range of services designed to assist farmers and agricultural companies. Its platform provides data mapping, soil fertility recommendations, harvest analytics, and crop planning tools, all aimed at promoting regenerative agricultural practices. The company also emphasizes the use of soil testing technologies to tailor recommendations that enhance soil health. By collaborating with a network of agronomists, Continuum Ag aims to build a comprehensive soil database, supporting farmers in analyzing and improving soil conditions to boost crop yields.
FarmHand App
Seed Round in 2020
FarmHand App LLC, founded in 2018 and based in De Witt, Iowa, operates the FarmHand application, a mobile web platform designed to connect farmers with available farmhands. The application enables users to easily access nearby farmhands, manage job listings, invite applicants, and browse through job opportunities. Additionally, it allows users to filter jobs, view their applications, and communicate directly with farm owners. By streamlining the hiring process in agriculture, the FarmHand app aims to enhance the efficiency of farm operations and improve access to labor resources for farmers.
SKROOT Laboratory
Seed Round in 2020
SKROOT Laboratory specializes in the development of wireless sensor systems designed for biotherapeutic process developers. The company has created a unique sensor sticker that, when applied to a reactor and paired with a reader, provides a wireless, non-invasive platform capable of continuously measuring critical parameters such as cell concentration, foaming, and temperature in upstream cell vessels and single-use bioreactors. This innovative technology enables operators to closely monitor bioprocesses, significantly reducing the risk of advancing costly conditions and accelerating the time to market for biotherapeutic products.
ClearFlame Engines
Seed Round in 2020
ClearFlame Engines, Inc. is a company that develops and manufactures engines specifically designed for heavy-duty applications, including markets such as marine, agriculture, transportation, power generation, rail, and construction. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Woodridge, Illinois, ClearFlame has created a patented system that replaces traditional diesel engines, aiming to decarbonize heavy-duty engines while reducing operating costs. This innovative technology allows heavy-duty engine manufacturers to produce engines that offer higher performance and fuel cost savings, addressing the challenges posed by reliance on diesel fuel.
Tractor Zoom
Seed Round in 2019
Tractor Zoom, Inc. operates an online marketplace that connects farm equipment auctioneers with buyers, facilitating the purchase and sale of agricultural machinery. Founded in 2017 and based in Urbandale, Iowa, the company offers a mobile application that allows auctioneers to list and promote their auctions while enabling buyers to search for and browse available farm equipment. The platform streamlines the auction advertising process, making it easier for users to access auction inventory nationwide. Tractor Zoom is dedicated to helping agricultural leaders make informed, data-driven decisions regarding the buying, selling, financing, and insuring of heavy equipment.
VetMeasure
Seed Round in 2019
VetMeasure, Inc. is a company based in Ames, Iowa, founded in 2015 that specializes in animal health monitoring technology. The company has developed MeasureOn, a wearable harness that enables veterinarians and pet owners to remotely monitor vital health statistics of dogs and other pets. This device tracks parameters such as heart and pulse rates, respiration, body temperature, and ambient conditions, providing real-time data to assess an animal's health status, particularly following surgical procedures or during illness. Utilizing Bluetooth technology and a web application, MeasureOn facilitates accurate health monitoring, enhancing the ability to respond to changes in an animal's condition promptly.
LEAH Labs
Seed Round in 2019
LEAH Laboratories specializes in developing innovative gene-editing technologies aimed at treating cancer in dogs, particularly B-cell lymphoma. The company utilizes precision gene editing to reprogram T immune cells with Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CAR), creating CAR T cells that can specifically target and eliminate cancerous cells while minimizing off-target effects commonly associated with traditional chemotherapy. By harnessing the natural capabilities of the canine immune system, LEAH Laboratories provides a novel approach to cancer treatment, offering hope to pet owners and veterinarians in their fight against this challenging disease. Based in the United States, LEAH Labs is committed to advancing medical therapies for canine health.
Tractor Zoom
Seed Round in 2018
Tractor Zoom, Inc. operates an online marketplace that connects farm equipment auctioneers with buyers, facilitating the purchase and sale of agricultural machinery. Founded in 2017 and based in Urbandale, Iowa, the company offers a mobile application that allows auctioneers to list and promote their auctions while enabling buyers to search for and browse available farm equipment. The platform streamlines the auction advertising process, making it easier for users to access auction inventory nationwide. Tractor Zoom is dedicated to helping agricultural leaders make informed, data-driven decisions regarding the buying, selling, financing, and insuring of heavy equipment.
automed
Pre Seed Round in 2018
Automed Inc. specializes in designing and manufacturing automatic livestock medication systems aimed at enhancing operational efficiency for livestock producers. Founded in 2012 and based in Belconnen, Australia, the company offers an innovative system that automatically calculates, delivers, and records livestock treatments. This system is compatible with various livestock tools and farm management platforms, allowing seamless integration into existing operations. The automed device can administer medication through methods such as injection, drench, pour-on, and intra-nasal applications, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing the automed app, users can manage both fixed and weight-based treatments in real-time, thereby improving compliance, disease prevention, and overall traceability in livestock management.
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