Germin8 Ventures

Enko Chem, Inc. is a company focused on discovering and developing innovative small-molecule products aimed at protecting crops from pests and diseases. Established in 2017 and based in Woburn, Massachusetts, the company utilizes a proprietary technology platform to create safe and cost-effective solutions that contribute to sustainable food production. Through its research and development efforts, Enko Chem seeks to address the challenges faced by farmers while promoting environmentally responsible agricultural practices.

Brightseed, Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in discovering clinically beneficial molecules found in plants through its innovative Forager platform. Founded in 2017 and based in San Francisco, California, the company employs artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to screen plant genes, identifying the most effective sources for addressing various health conditions. By uncovering naturally occurring compounds with potential health benefits, Brightseed aims to enhance the quality of life and support chronic disease management. The company’s mission is to strengthen the connection between people and plants, ultimately facilitating a healthier future for individuals and communities.

FieldIn helps farmers and their stakeholders track operational progress and reduce work errors, offering new, previously inaccessible layers of information that support decision makers at every junction. FieldIn combines innovative hardware with an array of sensors, agricultural best-practices, data science analytics and proprietary algorithms into one integrative solution that captures the farm's pulse. They provide farm professionals with visualized insights and practical tools to manage every step of the pest control process, creating a new level of transparency, traceability and collaboration.

Andes Ag, Inc., founded in 2018 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, specializes in developing microbe-based seed technologies aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture. The company leverages beneficial microbes that have naturally co-evolved with plants over millennia. Through scientific research and advanced predictive software powered by artificial intelligence, Andes creates customized microbe-based formulations designed to enhance crop yields, accelerate growth, and enable cultivation in traditionally unsuitable lands. These solutions also aim to reduce the reliance on fertilizers and pesticides, helping farmers address the challenges posed by global climate change. Andes is positioned to contribute significantly to a new green revolution, fostering responsible and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

Nobell Foods is a biotech company based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in developing and producing animal-based food substitutes using plant materials. Founded in 2016, the company aims to transform plants into bioreactors to generate protein, unlocking their potential to create innovative food alternatives. By focusing on plant-based solutions, Nobell Foods seeks to provide sustainable options that can replace traditional animal products, contributing to a more environmentally friendly food system.

Bushel Inc. is a technology company based in Fargo, North Dakota, that specializes in developing software solutions for the agricultural sector, particularly for grain companies and growers. Founded in 2011, Bushel provides an automated mobile app platform designed for grain elevators and cooperatives, enabling them to connect with growers and deliver real-time information. The platform integrates with grain elevator accounting systems, allowing growers to access vital data such as contracts, scale tickets, cash bids, and market information directly on their mobile devices. This streamlined communication empowers growers to make informed decisions quickly, enhances their ability to track grain deliveries, and simplifies the management of contracts. By eliminating the reliance on paper slips and ensuring real-time updates, Bushel facilitates a more efficient and transparent business relationship between growers and grain facilities.

Brightseed, Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in discovering clinically beneficial molecules found in plants through its innovative Forager platform. Founded in 2017 and based in San Francisco, California, the company employs artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to screen plant genes, identifying the most effective sources for addressing various health conditions. By uncovering naturally occurring compounds with potential health benefits, Brightseed aims to enhance the quality of life and support chronic disease management. The company’s mission is to strengthen the connection between people and plants, ultimately facilitating a healthier future for individuals and communities.

Enko Chem, Inc. is a company focused on discovering and developing innovative small-molecule products aimed at protecting crops from pests and diseases. Established in 2017 and based in Woburn, Massachusetts, the company utilizes a proprietary technology platform to create safe and cost-effective solutions that contribute to sustainable food production. Through its research and development efforts, Enko Chem seeks to address the challenges faced by farmers while promoting environmentally responsible agricultural practices.

Bushel Inc. is a technology company based in Fargo, North Dakota, that specializes in developing software solutions for the agricultural sector, particularly for grain companies and growers. Founded in 2011, Bushel provides an automated mobile app platform designed for grain elevators and cooperatives, enabling them to connect with growers and deliver real-time information. The platform integrates with grain elevator accounting systems, allowing growers to access vital data such as contracts, scale tickets, cash bids, and market information directly on their mobile devices. This streamlined communication empowers growers to make informed decisions quickly, enhances their ability to track grain deliveries, and simplifies the management of contracts. By eliminating the reliance on paper slips and ensuring real-time updates, Bushel facilitates a more efficient and transparent business relationship between growers and grain facilities.

FieldIn helps farmers and their stakeholders track operational progress and reduce work errors, offering new, previously inaccessible layers of information that support decision makers at every junction. FieldIn combines innovative hardware with an array of sensors, agricultural best-practices, data science analytics and proprietary algorithms into one integrative solution that captures the farm's pulse. They provide farm professionals with visualized insights and practical tools to manage every step of the pest control process, creating a new level of transparency, traceability and collaboration.

CropX Ltd., an ag-analytics company, develops cloud based software solutions integrated with wireless sensors, which boosts crops yield and saves water and energy. It offers advanced adaptive irrigation software service that delivers crop yield increase, and water and energy cost saving services while conserving the environment. The company also generates irrigation maps and automatically applies the right amount of water to different parts of the same field. It serves farmers worldwide. CropX Ltd. was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel with an additional office in San Francisco, California. CropX’s proprietary science helps farmers better understand water usage across their fields. Its low-cost soil sensors can increase crop yields while simultaneously cutting water usage by one third. In just one irrigation season, CropX sensors were installed on thousands of acres of all major row crops and demonstrated immense value, with early customers across the United States reporting dramatic water, manpower and cost savings, as well as massive crop yield gains. During the current growing season, CropX technology will be rolled out across hundreds of thousands of acres.

FieldIn helps farmers and their stakeholders track operational progress and reduce work errors, offering new, previously inaccessible layers of information that support decision makers at every junction. FieldIn combines innovative hardware with an array of sensors, agricultural best-practices, data science analytics and proprietary algorithms into one integrative solution that captures the farm's pulse. They provide farm professionals with visualized insights and practical tools to manage every step of the pest control process, creating a new level of transparency, traceability and collaboration.

Rethink Brands, Inc. is a beverage manufacturer based in Columbia, Maryland, founded in 2015. The company specializes in producing boxed water beverages and a variety of flavored drinks, including juice splashes and fruit punches aimed primarily at children. Rethink Brands focuses on creating nutritious energy drinks with zero sugar, zero calories, and zero sodium, using organic fruit essence flavors. The products are designed to promote hydration and wellness, making them suitable for various occasions such as birthday parties and sports events. Rethink Brands distributes its beverages through retail channels and online, emphasizing environmentally friendly packaging to align with its commitment to health and sustainability.

FieldIn helps farmers and their stakeholders track operational progress and reduce work errors, offering new, previously inaccessible layers of information that support decision makers at every junction. FieldIn combines innovative hardware with an array of sensors, agricultural best-practices, data science analytics and proprietary algorithms into one integrative solution that captures the farm's pulse. They provide farm professionals with visualized insights and practical tools to manage every step of the pest control process, creating a new level of transparency, traceability and collaboration.

CropX Ltd., an ag-analytics company, develops cloud based software solutions integrated with wireless sensors, which boosts crops yield and saves water and energy. It offers advanced adaptive irrigation software service that delivers crop yield increase, and water and energy cost saving services while conserving the environment. The company also generates irrigation maps and automatically applies the right amount of water to different parts of the same field. It serves farmers worldwide. CropX Ltd. was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel with an additional office in San Francisco, California. CropX’s proprietary science helps farmers better understand water usage across their fields. Its low-cost soil sensors can increase crop yields while simultaneously cutting water usage by one third. In just one irrigation season, CropX sensors were installed on thousands of acres of all major row crops and demonstrated immense value, with early customers across the United States reporting dramatic water, manpower and cost savings, as well as massive crop yield gains. During the current growing season, CropX technology will be rolled out across hundreds of thousands of acres.