Cultivian Sandbox Ventures

Cultivian Sandbox Ventures is a Chicago-based venture capital firm established in 2008, specializing in investments in disruptive agriculture and food technology companies. The firm takes an active role in its portfolio, engaging as early investors and board members to shape company strategy, recruit key executives, and secure further capital. Cultivian Sandbox Ventures distinguishes itself by leveraging a robust network and strategic partnerships within the agriculture and food sectors, providing substantial value beyond mere financial support. Its investment team, which combines expertise from Cultivian Ventures and Sandbox Industries, is proficient in sourcing, evaluating, and managing equity investments. This hands-on approach not only aims to build stronger businesses but also seeks to transform entire industries.

Luis Garcia

Associate

Nick Rosa

Managing Director

Bob Shapiro

Managing Director

43 past transactions

Debut

Series B in 2023
Debut Biotechnology, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, established in 2019. It specializes in biomanufacturing solutions for high-value molecules, focusing on the development of specialty enzyme solutions and continuous manufacturing processes. The company offers a range of services, including biomanufacturing cartridges, fermentation, and the immobilization of cells and enzymes. Debut Biotechnology is dedicated to creating novel immobilization techniques for enzymes, achieving high success rates and providing immobilized enzymes for continuous manufacturing systems. Its innovative approach enables the production and modification of small and large molecules, catering primarily to the pharmaceutical and specialty chemical industries. By harnessing natural enzyme technologies, Debut aims to deliver sustainable and cost-effective ingredient solutions to its clients.

Leaf Agriculture

Seed Round in 2022
Leaf Agriculture is a Brazilian company founded in 2017, based in Florianopolis, that specializes in providing a unified application programming interface (API) platform for the agriculture industry. This platform offers data services that facilitate access to agricultural data and validation of user access. By connecting various AgTech APIs, Leaf Agriculture enables users to access agricultural data efficiently through a single API, contributing to the advancement of digital agriculture. The company's mission focuses on enhancing the future of food and agriculture through innovative data solutions.

Full Harvest

Series B in 2021
Full Harvest Technologies, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that operates a B2B platform designed to connect large farms with food businesses to market surplus and imperfect produce. Established in 2016, the company addresses the significant issue of food waste in the United States, where approximately 20 billion pounds of produce are discarded annually due to strict aesthetic standards. By creating a marketplace for this edible but often overlooked produce, Full Harvest enables growers to generate additional revenue while helping food companies reduce costs. The company's innovative online distribution platform uses proprietary technology and a novel supply chain model to facilitate the sale of excess produce, thereby improving sustainability in the food industry and minimizing waste.

Nuritas

Series B in 2021
Nuritas, Ltd. is a biotechnology company based in Dublin, Ireland, that specializes in the discovery of bioactive peptides from food sources. Established in 2012, the company employs a unique approach that integrates artificial intelligence and genomics to rapidly identify and unlock natural peptides with health benefits. By focusing on nutritional bioinformatics, Nuritas combines computational biology with nutritional science to mine therapeutic peptides, enabling the development of functional food, beverages, dietary supplements, and cosmetics. Its innovative technology not only discovers new bioactive ingredients but also collaborates with food and ingredient companies to co-develop sustainable products. Through its work, Nuritas aims to enhance human and animal health while promoting a more sustainable food system.

Culture Biosciences

Series B in 2021
Culture Biosciences, Inc. is a biomanufacturing company based in South San Francisco, California, that offers a cloud-based platform for scientists to conduct, monitor, and analyze bioreactor experiments. Founded in 2016, the company focuses on automating bioprocesses to help biotech firms optimize their manufacturing processes and expedite product development. By utilizing robotic sample handling and cloud data monitoring, Culture Biosciences enhances the efficiency of fermentation and bioreactor operations, allowing researchers to achieve results more rapidly than with traditional methods.

Yard Stick

Seed Round in 2021
Yard Stick specializes in measuring soil carbon to support climate-friendly agricultural practices. By addressing significant measurement challenges, the company has developed an innovative handheld device that evaluates carbon stocks and changes in real-time using VisNIR spectrometry. This technology allows for accurate detection of organic carbon levels, significantly reducing the cost of soil carbon measurement by over 90%. As a result, Yard Stick aims to enhance the adoption of evidence-based regenerative practices, which can improve soil health, increase farmers' income, and contribute to combating climate change. Through its advancements, Yard Stick seeks to create opportunities for both scientists and farmers to effectively manage soil carbon, thus facilitating a more sustainable agricultural future.

Debut

Series A in 2021
Debut Biotechnology, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, established in 2019. It specializes in biomanufacturing solutions for high-value molecules, focusing on the development of specialty enzyme solutions and continuous manufacturing processes. The company offers a range of services, including biomanufacturing cartridges, fermentation, and the immobilization of cells and enzymes. Debut Biotechnology is dedicated to creating novel immobilization techniques for enzymes, achieving high success rates and providing immobilized enzymes for continuous manufacturing systems. Its innovative approach enables the production and modification of small and large molecules, catering primarily to the pharmaceutical and specialty chemical industries. By harnessing natural enzyme technologies, Debut aims to deliver sustainable and cost-effective ingredient solutions to its clients.

Copper Cow Coffee

Series A in 2021
Copper Cow Coffee is a premium specialty coffee company based in Los Angeles, California, that specializes in Vietnamese coffee products. Founded in 2018, the company focuses on providing accessible, high-quality coffee through innovative packaging and modern design. Copper Cow Coffee sources its beans from sustainable, organic farms in Vietnam, ensuring that its offerings support environmentally-conscious practices. The brand is known for its specialty Vietnamese lattes, which are sweetened with condensed milk and contain no artificial flavors or preservatives. By selling its products online, Copper Cow Coffee aims to make authentic Vietnamese coffee experiences available to customers throughout the United States.

Leaf Agriculture

Seed Round in 2020
Leaf Agriculture is a Brazilian company founded in 2017, based in Florianopolis, that specializes in providing a unified application programming interface (API) platform for the agriculture industry. This platform offers data services that facilitate access to agricultural data and validation of user access. By connecting various AgTech APIs, Leaf Agriculture enables users to access agricultural data efficiently through a single API, contributing to the advancement of digital agriculture. The company's mission focuses on enhancing the future of food and agriculture through innovative data solutions.

Geltor

Series B in 2020
Geltor, Inc. is a biodesign company based in San Leandro, California, that specializes in producing bioactive, animal-free collagens and proteins for various applications in beauty, nutrition, and wellness. Established in 2015, Geltor offers innovative products such as Collume, which promotes skincare cellular regeneration and dermal synthesis, and HumaColl21, which enhances skin health by boosting collagen and elastin levels. Additionally, the company provides vegan collagen peptides and other novel proteins designed for functional food and nutraceutical formulations. Geltor's products are sustainably cultivated and clinically validated, allowing businesses to create effective, plant-based solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future.

Cooks Venture

Series A in 2020
Cooks Venture, Inc. is a New York-based company that specializes in producing and selling regenerative pasture-raised chicken and meats, including beef, pork, and lamb. Founded in 2018, the company is dedicated to environmentally sustainable farming practices and adheres to the Better Chicken Commitment. Cooks Venture exclusively utilizes its own approved breed of chicken, which is certified by the Global Animal Partnership at Step Level 4, ensuring that the birds have access to diverse pastures. The company offers a selection of individually sealed cuts of heirloom chicken and other pasture-raised meats, which are delivered directly to consumers' doorsteps. In addition to chicken, its product line includes grass-fed beef and wild-caught traceable seafood, reflecting a commitment to sensible farming systems and providing a variety of high-quality food choices.

Sound Agriculture

Series C in 2020
Sound Agriculture Company develops innovative crop protection and enhancement products aimed at improving agricultural yields and farm revenues while addressing challenges such as drought. The company offers Source, a solution that enhances in-season nutrient uptake by unlocking existing nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil, thereby helping growers optimize crop performance sustainably. Additionally, Sound Agriculture focuses on improving photosynthesis, water capture, and crop efficiency, contributing to healthier and more flavorful food while reducing waste. Founded in 2012 and based in Emeryville, California, the company employs molecular discovery and life science approaches to create climate-resilient crops, ultimately enhancing productivity for farmers. Originally known as Asilomar Bio, Inc., it rebranded to Sound Agriculture Company in September 2018.

Culture Biosciences

Series A in 2020
Culture Biosciences, Inc. is a biomanufacturing company based in South San Francisco, California, that offers a cloud-based platform for scientists to conduct, monitor, and analyze bioreactor experiments. Founded in 2016, the company focuses on automating bioprocesses to help biotech firms optimize their manufacturing processes and expedite product development. By utilizing robotic sample handling and cloud data monitoring, Culture Biosciences enhances the efficiency of fermentation and bioreactor operations, allowing researchers to achieve results more rapidly than with traditional methods.

FarmlandFinder

Seed Round in 2019
FarmlandFinder, Inc. operates an online platform that facilitates connections between farmland buyers and sellers, primarily in the Midwest United States. Founded in 2016 and based in Grimes, Iowa, the company provides Terva, a tool that allows users to search for upcoming land sales and auctions. The platform offers a wealth of resources, including sale price records, comparison tools, and soil composition maps, aimed at streamlining the process of researching farmland real estate. By enhancing access to farmland information and promoting market transparency, FarmlandFinder helps clients minimize the time and costs associated with buying, selling, or renting farmland.

Agrivida

Venture Round in 2019
Agrivida, Inc. is an animal health and nutrition company that specializes in developing feed additives for various livestock, including poultry, swine, dairy, beef cattle, and aquaculture. Founded in 2003 and based in Four Seasons, Missouri, Agrivida focuses on innovative enzyme solutions to enhance animal nutrition. Its flagship product, GRAINZYME, utilizes advanced technology to produce beneficial enzymes such as phytase and glucanase within corn kernels. This approach allows for a natural and efficient means of integrating these enzymes into animal diets, promoting healthier livestock while also reducing environmental impact. Agrivida's mission is to provide effective nutrition solutions that support sustainable food production across the agriculture sector.

Vestaron

Series B in 2019
Vestaron Corporation specializes in the development, manufacture, and sale of peptide-based biologic crop protection products. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, with a research and development center in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Vestaron offers a range of bioinsecticides including Spear-T, Spear-Lep, and Leprotec, which target various pests in vegetables, fruits, and field crops. The company aims to enhance crop safety, efficacy, and sustainability by providing biopesticides that address resistance issues while ensuring safety for workers and the environment. Vestaron has received notable accolades for its innovative solutions, including the Bernard Blum Award and the Green Chemistry Challenge Award, recognizing its commitment to environmental stewardship and effective crop protection.

Phylagen

Series A in 2019
Phylagen, Inc. is a data analytics company based in San Francisco that specializes in microbiome data analytics. Founded in 2014, the company employs DNA sequencing and machine learning to analyze complex genetic signatures within the environmental microbiome, transforming this extensive dataset into actionable insights for various industries. Phylagen also develops automated biosensors for indoor microbiome monitoring, which aim to enhance human health and safety by enabling early detection of pathogens, including COVID-19. Additionally, the company's solutions help manage allergy and asthma triggers, ensuring a healthier indoor environment for users.

Geltor

Series A in 2018
Geltor, Inc. is a biodesign company based in San Leandro, California, that specializes in producing bioactive, animal-free collagens and proteins for various applications in beauty, nutrition, and wellness. Established in 2015, Geltor offers innovative products such as Collume, which promotes skincare cellular regeneration and dermal synthesis, and HumaColl21, which enhances skin health by boosting collagen and elastin levels. Additionally, the company provides vegan collagen peptides and other novel proteins designed for functional food and nutraceutical formulations. Geltor's products are sustainably cultivated and clinically validated, allowing businesses to create effective, plant-based solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future.

Conservis

Venture Round in 2018
Conservis specializes in farm management software that aids agricultural producers in optimizing their operations. The platform allows users to track field activities, manage inventories, and analyze yields, thereby transforming business data into actionable insights. Founded in response to farmers' requests for better workflow management, Conservis has developed a system that is now utilized by leading agricultural producers to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency. The software not only facilitates information sharing with stakeholders but also improves traceability and supports sustainable practices. With a focus on managing over $8 billion in assets, including land, equipment, and crops, Conservis helps its users navigate the complexities of modern agriculture and meet the increasing global demand for food.

Full Harvest

Series A in 2018
Full Harvest Technologies, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that operates a B2B platform designed to connect large farms with food businesses to market surplus and imperfect produce. Established in 2016, the company addresses the significant issue of food waste in the United States, where approximately 20 billion pounds of produce are discarded annually due to strict aesthetic standards. By creating a marketplace for this edible but often overlooked produce, Full Harvest enables growers to generate additional revenue while helping food companies reduce costs. The company's innovative online distribution platform uses proprietary technology and a novel supply chain model to facilitate the sale of excess produce, thereby improving sustainability in the food industry and minimizing waste.

Nuritas

Series A in 2017
Nuritas, Ltd. is a biotechnology company based in Dublin, Ireland, that specializes in the discovery of bioactive peptides from food sources. Established in 2012, the company employs a unique approach that integrates artificial intelligence and genomics to rapidly identify and unlock natural peptides with health benefits. By focusing on nutritional bioinformatics, Nuritas combines computational biology with nutritional science to mine therapeutic peptides, enabling the development of functional food, beverages, dietary supplements, and cosmetics. Its innovative technology not only discovers new bioactive ingredients but also collaborates with food and ingredient companies to co-develop sustainable products. Through its work, Nuritas aims to enhance human and animal health while promoting a more sustainable food system.

Sound Agriculture

Series B in 2017
Sound Agriculture Company develops innovative crop protection and enhancement products aimed at improving agricultural yields and farm revenues while addressing challenges such as drought. The company offers Source, a solution that enhances in-season nutrient uptake by unlocking existing nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil, thereby helping growers optimize crop performance sustainably. Additionally, Sound Agriculture focuses on improving photosynthesis, water capture, and crop efficiency, contributing to healthier and more flavorful food while reducing waste. Founded in 2012 and based in Emeryville, California, the company employs molecular discovery and life science approaches to create climate-resilient crops, ultimately enhancing productivity for farmers. Originally known as Asilomar Bio, Inc., it rebranded to Sound Agriculture Company in September 2018.

Descartes Labs

Series B in 2017
Descartes Labs, Inc. is a technology company based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, that specializes in the automated analysis of geospatial data using advanced machine learning and deep learning techniques. Founded in 2014, the company focuses on processing and categorizing visual data from a variety of sources, including satellites, drones, cameras, and smartphones. Its cloud-based platform harmonizes extensive data sets to provide scalable analysis, which supports various sectors such as agriculture, mining, consumer goods, and government. By leveraging artificial intelligence, Descartes Labs aids organizations in resource exploration, commodity forecasting, and enhancing climate resilience, facilitating informed decision-making through comprehensive insights into the physical world.

Conservis

Debt Financing in 2017
Conservis specializes in farm management software that aids agricultural producers in optimizing their operations. The platform allows users to track field activities, manage inventories, and analyze yields, thereby transforming business data into actionable insights. Founded in response to farmers' requests for better workflow management, Conservis has developed a system that is now utilized by leading agricultural producers to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency. The software not only facilitates information sharing with stakeholders but also improves traceability and supports sustainable practices. With a focus on managing over $8 billion in assets, including land, equipment, and crops, Conservis helps its users navigate the complexities of modern agriculture and meet the increasing global demand for food.

HarvestPort

Series A in 2017
HarvestPort is a shared-economy platform focused on seasonal agricultural assets, facilitating a marketplace where farmers and agricultural professionals can rent equipment and resources based on their specific needs. Founded in 2015 by Timothy Koide and Brian Dawson, the platform connects a network of agricultural stakeholders, allowing farmers to access a variety of tools and equipment while optimizing their operations. HarvestPort manages the documentation of available assets, matches requests with qualified lenders, analyzes user profiles for targeted recommendations, and oversees transaction management and billing. This approach enables farmers to save costs, reduce waste, and ultimately enhance the value of their land.

Agrivida

Series E in 2016
Agrivida, Inc. is an animal health and nutrition company that specializes in developing feed additives for various livestock, including poultry, swine, dairy, beef cattle, and aquaculture. Founded in 2003 and based in Four Seasons, Missouri, Agrivida focuses on innovative enzyme solutions to enhance animal nutrition. Its flagship product, GRAINZYME, utilizes advanced technology to produce beneficial enzymes such as phytase and glucanase within corn kernels. This approach allows for a natural and efficient means of integrating these enzymes into animal diets, promoting healthier livestock while also reducing environmental impact. Agrivida's mission is to provide effective nutrition solutions that support sustainable food production across the agriculture sector.

Sample6

Series C in 2016
Sample6 is a biotechnology company that specializes in the development of a synthetic-biology based diagnostic system for bacteria. Its innovative technology enables enrichment-free detection of harmful bacteria, identifying levels as low as 1 CFU/ml within just four hours. The proprietary Bioillumination Platform, created by a team of researchers including Professor Tim Lu from MIT, allows for the engineering of bioparticles that target specific unwanted bacteria, illuminating them for detection. This system is coupled with sensitive sensor technology that provides rapid on-site results without the need for a laboratory. Sample6 aims to enhance public health and safety by enabling quick and efficient detection of harmful bacteria across various industries, including food production, retail, and healthcare, addressing environments where humans and bacteria interact.

Vestaron

Series D in 2016
Vestaron Corporation specializes in the development, manufacture, and sale of peptide-based biologic crop protection products. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, with a research and development center in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Vestaron offers a range of bioinsecticides including Spear-T, Spear-Lep, and Leprotec, which target various pests in vegetables, fruits, and field crops. The company aims to enhance crop safety, efficacy, and sustainability by providing biopesticides that address resistance issues while ensuring safety for workers and the environment. Vestaron has received notable accolades for its innovative solutions, including the Bernard Blum Award and the Green Chemistry Challenge Award, recognizing its commitment to environmental stewardship and effective crop protection.

Advanced Animal Diagnostics

Series D in 2016
Advanced Animal Diagnostics, Inc. focuses on the research, development, and commercialization of on-farm diagnostic tools aimed at the early detection of subclinical mastitis in dairy cows. Based in Durham, North Carolina, the company offers products such as the QScout Farm Lab, an analyzer system that identifies infections in dairy cows before symptoms manifest, and the QScout Milk Leukocyte Differential rapid test, which analyzes milk to detect and differentiate white blood cells indicative of mastitis. Additionally, Advanced Animal Diagnostics provides solutions like QuickSmear, a rapid differential slide that aids in animal research, and the SCC+ System for early mastitis detection. These diagnostic tools are designed to enhance animal health management, benefiting veterinarians and livestock producers by enabling timely detection of infections and supporting informed treatment decisions. Founded in 2001, the company aims to improve the overall health and productivity of production animals.

Descartes Labs

Series A in 2015
Descartes Labs, Inc. is a technology company based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, that specializes in the automated analysis of geospatial data using advanced machine learning and deep learning techniques. Founded in 2014, the company focuses on processing and categorizing visual data from a variety of sources, including satellites, drones, cameras, and smartphones. Its cloud-based platform harmonizes extensive data sets to provide scalable analysis, which supports various sectors such as agriculture, mining, consumer goods, and government. By leveraging artificial intelligence, Descartes Labs aids organizations in resource exploration, commodity forecasting, and enhancing climate resilience, facilitating informed decision-making through comprehensive insights into the physical world.

Conservis

Series A in 2015
Conservis specializes in farm management software that aids agricultural producers in optimizing their operations. The platform allows users to track field activities, manage inventories, and analyze yields, thereby transforming business data into actionable insights. Founded in response to farmers' requests for better workflow management, Conservis has developed a system that is now utilized by leading agricultural producers to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency. The software not only facilitates information sharing with stakeholders but also improves traceability and supports sustainable practices. With a focus on managing over $8 billion in assets, including land, equipment, and crops, Conservis helps its users navigate the complexities of modern agriculture and meet the increasing global demand for food.

Agrivida

Series D in 2015
Agrivida, Inc. is an animal health and nutrition company that specializes in developing feed additives for various livestock, including poultry, swine, dairy, beef cattle, and aquaculture. Founded in 2003 and based in Four Seasons, Missouri, Agrivida focuses on innovative enzyme solutions to enhance animal nutrition. Its flagship product, GRAINZYME, utilizes advanced technology to produce beneficial enzymes such as phytase and glucanase within corn kernels. This approach allows for a natural and efficient means of integrating these enzymes into animal diets, promoting healthier livestock while also reducing environmental impact. Agrivida's mission is to provide effective nutrition solutions that support sustainable food production across the agriculture sector.

Sound Agriculture

Series A in 2015
Sound Agriculture Company develops innovative crop protection and enhancement products aimed at improving agricultural yields and farm revenues while addressing challenges such as drought. The company offers Source, a solution that enhances in-season nutrient uptake by unlocking existing nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil, thereby helping growers optimize crop performance sustainably. Additionally, Sound Agriculture focuses on improving photosynthesis, water capture, and crop efficiency, contributing to healthier and more flavorful food while reducing waste. Founded in 2012 and based in Emeryville, California, the company employs molecular discovery and life science approaches to create climate-resilient crops, ultimately enhancing productivity for farmers. Originally known as Asilomar Bio, Inc., it rebranded to Sound Agriculture Company in September 2018.

Agrivida

Series D in 2015
Agrivida, Inc. is an animal health and nutrition company that specializes in developing feed additives for various livestock, including poultry, swine, dairy, beef cattle, and aquaculture. Founded in 2003 and based in Four Seasons, Missouri, Agrivida focuses on innovative enzyme solutions to enhance animal nutrition. Its flagship product, GRAINZYME, utilizes advanced technology to produce beneficial enzymes such as phytase and glucanase within corn kernels. This approach allows for a natural and efficient means of integrating these enzymes into animal diets, promoting healthier livestock while also reducing environmental impact. Agrivida's mission is to provide effective nutrition solutions that support sustainable food production across the agriculture sector.

Advanced Animal Diagnostics

Series C in 2014
Advanced Animal Diagnostics, Inc. focuses on the research, development, and commercialization of on-farm diagnostic tools aimed at the early detection of subclinical mastitis in dairy cows. Based in Durham, North Carolina, the company offers products such as the QScout Farm Lab, an analyzer system that identifies infections in dairy cows before symptoms manifest, and the QScout Milk Leukocyte Differential rapid test, which analyzes milk to detect and differentiate white blood cells indicative of mastitis. Additionally, Advanced Animal Diagnostics provides solutions like QuickSmear, a rapid differential slide that aids in animal research, and the SCC+ System for early mastitis detection. These diagnostic tools are designed to enhance animal health management, benefiting veterinarians and livestock producers by enabling timely detection of infections and supporting informed treatment decisions. Founded in 2001, the company aims to improve the overall health and productivity of production animals.

Vestaron

Series C in 2014
Vestaron Corporation specializes in the development, manufacture, and sale of peptide-based biologic crop protection products. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, with a research and development center in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Vestaron offers a range of bioinsecticides including Spear-T, Spear-Lep, and Leprotec, which target various pests in vegetables, fruits, and field crops. The company aims to enhance crop safety, efficacy, and sustainability by providing biopesticides that address resistance issues while ensuring safety for workers and the environment. Vestaron has received notable accolades for its innovative solutions, including the Bernard Blum Award and the Green Chemistry Challenge Award, recognizing its commitment to environmental stewardship and effective crop protection.

Conservis

Series A in 2014
Conservis specializes in farm management software that aids agricultural producers in optimizing their operations. The platform allows users to track field activities, manage inventories, and analyze yields, thereby transforming business data into actionable insights. Founded in response to farmers' requests for better workflow management, Conservis has developed a system that is now utilized by leading agricultural producers to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency. The software not only facilitates information sharing with stakeholders but also improves traceability and supports sustainable practices. With a focus on managing over $8 billion in assets, including land, equipment, and crops, Conservis helps its users navigate the complexities of modern agriculture and meet the increasing global demand for food.

Vestaron

Series C in 2014
Vestaron Corporation specializes in the development, manufacture, and sale of peptide-based biologic crop protection products. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, with a research and development center in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Vestaron offers a range of bioinsecticides including Spear-T, Spear-Lep, and Leprotec, which target various pests in vegetables, fruits, and field crops. The company aims to enhance crop safety, efficacy, and sustainability by providing biopesticides that address resistance issues while ensuring safety for workers and the environment. Vestaron has received notable accolades for its innovative solutions, including the Bernard Blum Award and the Green Chemistry Challenge Award, recognizing its commitment to environmental stewardship and effective crop protection.

Novihum Technologies

Series B in 2014
Novihum Technologies GmbH, based in Dresden, Germany, specializes in developing innovative soil enhancer products aimed at improving soil quality globally. Founded in 2012, the company emerged from research conducted at the Technical University of Dresden, which led to the creation of a natural soil enhancer derived from lignite. In 2016, Novihum established its first production facility in Dortmund to manufacture its flagship product, NOVIHUM, on an industrial scale. The company's offerings include stable humus concentrates that are organically produced and designed to restore soil health, enhance crop yields, and support sustainable gardening practices. With a team of around 30 employees, Novihum Technologies serves a diverse customer base across Europe, North America, and beyond, continuing to expand its impact in the agricultural sector.

AbCelex Technologies

Series A in 2014
AbCelex Technologies Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Mississauga, Ontario, founded in 2010. The company specializes in developing and commercializing antibody-based diagnostic and therapeutic products aimed at improving food animal health and ensuring food safety. AbCelex focuses on addressing challenges related to swine, poultry, and other farm animals by creating protein feed additives that prevent and treat various bacterial infections. Its product offerings include animal health diagnostic solutions for pathogens such as Salmonella enteritidis, Listeria monocytogenes, and Campylobacter jejuni, along with human health diagnostics for infectious diseases and biomarkers. The company also emphasizes the development of recombinant antibodies and immunoassays for the rapid detection of foodborne and environmental pathogens, leveraging its proprietary camelid antibody platform to enhance livestock health and improve food safety outcomes.

enEvolv

Series A in 2014
enEvolv, Inc. specializes in engineering and licensing microorganisms, including bacteria, yeast, and algae, to produce chemicals, enzymes, and small molecules for various industries such as specialty chemicals, food, energy, personal care, and pharmaceuticals. Founded in 2011 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, enEvolv addresses the growing global demand for essential resources due to population growth and economic development. The company collaborates with other businesses to engineer novel microorganisms and enhance existing strains, aiming to increase production yield and product quality. Utilizing its proprietary genome engineering platform, which employs Multiplex Automated Genome Engineering (MAGE) technology developed at Harvard, enEvolv accelerates the evolution of living cells, offering significant advantages in speed, cost, and engineering capabilities. As of March 2020, enEvolv operates as a subsidiary of Zymergen, Inc.

Sample6

Series B in 2013
Sample6 is a biotechnology company that specializes in the development of a synthetic-biology based diagnostic system for bacteria. Its innovative technology enables enrichment-free detection of harmful bacteria, identifying levels as low as 1 CFU/ml within just four hours. The proprietary Bioillumination Platform, created by a team of researchers including Professor Tim Lu from MIT, allows for the engineering of bioparticles that target specific unwanted bacteria, illuminating them for detection. This system is coupled with sensitive sensor technology that provides rapid on-site results without the need for a laboratory. Sample6 aims to enhance public health and safety by enabling quick and efficient detection of harmful bacteria across various industries, including food production, retail, and healthcare, addressing environments where humans and bacteria interact.
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