Lewis & Clark Ventures

Aker Technologies Inc. specializes in providing advanced crop intelligence and in-season analytical tools to enhance farm operations. The company offers a customer service platform designed for chemical suppliers, agricultural retailers, and consultants, facilitating support for growers. Aker Technologies has developed patented technology, including computer vision and biometric sensors, paired with software solutions to detect and assess pest pressures, airborne pathogens, crop diseases, and fertility issues within crop canopies. Incorporated in 2014 and formerly known as Leading Edge Technologies, Inc., the company rebranded in December 2015 and operates from its headquarters in Winnebago, Minnesota, with an additional office in Chicago, Illinois.

Benson Hill is an agricultural technology company focused on crop improvement, particularly in soy protein innovation. By leveraging its proprietary CropOS™ platform, the company integrates machine learning, genomic data, and traditional breeding techniques to streamline the development of healthier and more sustainable food products. Benson Hill emphasizes unlocking the natural genetic diversity of plants to empower innovators in creating flavorful and nutritious ingredients. The company operates a Crop Accelerator for rapid prototyping and is developing a diverse seed portfolio that includes protein ingredients, aquaculture, specialty animal feed, and vegetable oils. Its revenue is generated from both proprietary and non-proprietary product categories, reflecting its commitment to advancing agricultural innovation.

Summersalt, LLC is a women's apparel brand established in 2017 and based in Clayton, Missouri. The company specializes in designing, manufacturing, and selling eco-friendly swimwear, activewear, loungewear, travel wear, and sleepwear, all while maintaining an affordable price point. Summersalt's swimwear is crafted from recycled materials and is designed to provide comfort and functionality, including features like chlorine resistance and protection against sand and sweat. The brand is known for its modern and sophisticated styles, backed by extensive data-driven research from millions of measurements collected from thousands of women to ensure an impeccable fit. Summersalt has quickly gained recognition in the fashion industry, attracting a diverse customer base, including influencers and celebrities, and receiving accolades from prominent publications such as ELLE and Vogue. The products are primarily sold online, making them accessible to a wide audience.

Benson Hill is an agricultural technology company focused on crop improvement, particularly in soy protein innovation. By leveraging its proprietary CropOS™ platform, the company integrates machine learning, genomic data, and traditional breeding techniques to streamline the development of healthier and more sustainable food products. Benson Hill emphasizes unlocking the natural genetic diversity of plants to empower innovators in creating flavorful and nutritious ingredients. The company operates a Crop Accelerator for rapid prototyping and is developing a diverse seed portfolio that includes protein ingredients, aquaculture, specialty animal feed, and vegetable oils. Its revenue is generated from both proprietary and non-proprietary product categories, reflecting its commitment to advancing agricultural innovation.

NewLeaf Symbiotics, Inc. is a research-driven company based in Saint Louis, Missouri, specializing in the development and commercialization of beneficial symbiotic bacteria to enhance plant health and increase crop yields. The company focuses on Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotrophs (PPFMs), which are natural bacteria beneficial to various agricultural sectors, including row crops, vegetables, fruits, and flowers. NewLeaf conducts extensive laboratory, greenhouse, and field trials to validate and refine its products, which are designed to help farmers combat plant diseases sustainably. Established in 2011 and previously known as TrophoMax, NewLeaf aims to innovate and expand its offerings through ongoing research and the filing of related patents, with the goal of commercializing its products.

Benson Hill is an agricultural technology company focused on crop improvement, particularly in soy protein innovation. By leveraging its proprietary CropOS™ platform, the company integrates machine learning, genomic data, and traditional breeding techniques to streamline the development of healthier and more sustainable food products. Benson Hill emphasizes unlocking the natural genetic diversity of plants to empower innovators in creating flavorful and nutritious ingredients. The company operates a Crop Accelerator for rapid prototyping and is developing a diverse seed portfolio that includes protein ingredients, aquaculture, specialty animal feed, and vegetable oils. Its revenue is generated from both proprietary and non-proprietary product categories, reflecting its commitment to advancing agricultural innovation.

Adarza BioSystems is an early-stage medical diagnostics company developing a rapid and label-free biological assay platform for measuring clinical and point-of-care (POC) samples. In addition to performing sophisticated clinical tests within minutes, this technology potentially allowing hundreds of tests to be run simultaneously on a single chip. It was founded in 2008 and headquartered in St Louis, Missouri.

Adarza BioSystems is an early-stage medical diagnostics company developing a rapid and label-free biological assay platform for measuring clinical and point-of-care (POC) samples. In addition to performing sophisticated clinical tests within minutes, this technology potentially allowing hundreds of tests to be run simultaneously on a single chip. It was founded in 2008 and headquartered in St Louis, Missouri.