Serra Ventures

Serra Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Champaign, Illinois, founded in 1998. The firm focuses on investing in technology companies primarily located in emerging Midwest technology centers, as well as selected areas on the West Coast. Serra Ventures targets investments in various sectors, including information technology, deep technology, instrumentation, software as a service, devices, and agricultural technologies. By concentrating on these areas, Serra Ventures aims to support the growth of innovative companies that contribute to the technological landscape in the Midwest and beyond.

Dennis Beard

Managing Partner

Drew Beard

Associate

Stephen Beck

Managing Partner

Tim Hoerr

Founder, CEO and Managing Partner

Rob Schultz

Managing Partner

Past deals in AgTech

Provision

Series A in 2021
Provision Analytics Inc., founded in 2018 and headquartered in Calgary, Canada, provides a cloud-based solution designed to enhance food safety by tracing and tracking food products throughout the supply chain. The company's software automates food safety processes for food processors and manufacturers, significantly minimizing the time required for data input and recall procedures. By linking detailed process data with production results, Provision Analytics generates analytics that help reduce food loss and improve product quality.

Vytelle

Series A in 2021
Vytelle is a company with a deeper purpose and revolutionary technology that helps to advance bovine, deer and buffalo genetics faster by redefining reproduction.

Leo Cancer Care

Series B in 2021
Developer of a cancer treatment system designed to simplify cancer radiation therapy. The company's system is integrated with a radiotherapy machine specializing in 3D image capturing, controlling radiation beams, and automatically delivering the right amount of energy to the right tissue, enabling patients to access and connect with a centralized cancer care center for cancer radiation therapies and reduce the pain and cost of chemo and radiation therapy.

Hazel Technologies

Series B in 2019
Hazel Technologies, Inc. designs and manufactures packaging inserts to reduce the spoilage of fruits and vegetables. It offers packaging inserts called sachets that are placed in boxes of the produce by growers at the time of harvest, extending the shelf-life of produce by slowing aging in produce and preventing fungus or decay. The company also provides agricultural and horticultural consulting services. Hazel Technologies, Inc. was founded in 2015 and is based in Chicago, Illinois with an additional location in Salinas, California.

Tank Utility

Venture Round in 2019
With over $150 billion spent on delivered fuels (i.e. Propane, Heating Oil, Diesel, etc.) every year, fuel distribution companies struggle to efficiently plan deliveries with more than 50% of all delivery miles (or about 1/6th of total market spend) being unnecessary. Tank Utility uses real-time tank level measurements from IoT monitors and innovative business intelligence software to eliminate wasted delivery miles while helping fuel providers provide a better customer experience through greater transparency..

CamoAg

Series A in 2019
CamoAg operates a platform designed to connect landowners with farmers in the farmland rental market, which accounts for a significant portion of US agricultural land. Founded in 2017 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company aims to address inefficiencies in this $32 billion annual market, where 40% of farmland is rented. By introducing data transparency, CamoAg enhances price discovery and access to land for farmers while optimizing returns for landowners. The platform offers a comprehensive solution for information management, facilitating smoother transactions and improving market dynamics for all stakeholders involved.

HerdDogg

Seed Round in 2018
HerdDogg, Inc. specializes in real-time livestock monitoring systems that assist producers in tracking their herds. The company offers a mobile app and software platform that provides insights into breeding, animal health, and traceability for individual animals. This system utilizes DoggTag ear tags, which are attached to the animals, and DoggBone, a passive device that collects data on the activity, health, and location of the herd. HerdDogg's technology is applicable across various livestock industries, including beef, bison, dairy, and sheep. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Ashland, Oregon, the company aims to enhance herd health management through data science and innovative monitoring solutions.

Hazel Technologies

Series A in 2018
Hazel Technologies, Inc. designs and manufactures packaging inserts to reduce the spoilage of fruits and vegetables. It offers packaging inserts called sachets that are placed in boxes of the produce by growers at the time of harvest, extending the shelf-life of produce by slowing aging in produce and preventing fungus or decay. The company also provides agricultural and horticultural consulting services. Hazel Technologies, Inc. was founded in 2015 and is based in Chicago, Illinois with an additional location in Salinas, California.

Agrible

Series B in 2017
Agrible was established in 2007 by Bill Northcott, Chris Harbourt, and Paul Miller, who all met in 1997 while completing higher degrees at the University of Illinois. There they began conceptualizing a small engineering firm based off their research, but their ideas were a bit ahead of the technology of the time.

Asto CT

Venture Round in 2017
Asto CT LLC specializes in developing X-ray computed tomography (CT) systems specifically for equine imaging, aimed at enhancing the care and safety of thoroughbreds, show, recreational, and older horses. Founded in 2015 and based in Madison, Wisconsin, the company offers advanced imaging solutions that improve fracture risk detection, diagnose lameness, and address dental and sinus issues without the need for general anesthesia. Their flagship product, Equina, provides rapid 3D imaging of horses' lower limbs, head, and neck while ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for the animals. By integrating cutting-edge robotics with advanced multi-slice CT technology, Asto CT enhances veterinary diagnostics and treatment, particularly for conditions affecting the distal limb and diseases of the head and neck.

FarmLead

Series A in 2017
FarmLead Resources Ltd. is a digital marketplace designed to enhance the buying and selling of grain, connecting farmers with verified buyers across North America. Founded in 2013 and based in Ottawa, Canada, the company operates in key agricultural regions including Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario. Through its online platform and mobile application, FarmLead offers various services such as market research, grain testing, and price visibility, which help reduce brokerage fees and risks for farmers. The marketplace promotes efficiency, transparency, and equality within the grain industry, enabling farmers to negotiate better deals while allowing buyers to conveniently find the grain they need in their preferred locations.

Oso Technologies

Venture Round in 2016
Oso Technologies makes internet connected hardware systems. Our first product, Plant Link, makes monitoring and controlling water usage for plants easier than ever before. By placing the wireless sensors next to their plants users receive custom watering schedules via text message, email, or push notification. It was founded in 2019 and is based in Urbana, Illinois, United States.

Agrible

Venture Round in 2016
Agrible was established in 2007 by Bill Northcott, Chris Harbourt, and Paul Miller, who all met in 1997 while completing higher degrees at the University of Illinois. There they began conceptualizing a small engineering firm based off their research, but their ideas were a bit ahead of the technology of the time.

Oso Technologies

Convertible Note in 2016
Oso Technologies makes internet connected hardware systems. Our first product, Plant Link, makes monitoring and controlling water usage for plants easier than ever before. By placing the wireless sensors next to their plants users receive custom watering schedules via text message, email, or push notification. It was founded in 2019 and is based in Urbana, Illinois, United States.

Agrible

Venture Round in 2016
Agrible was established in 2007 by Bill Northcott, Chris Harbourt, and Paul Miller, who all met in 1997 while completing higher degrees at the University of Illinois. There they began conceptualizing a small engineering firm based off their research, but their ideas were a bit ahead of the technology of the time.

Oso Technologies

Convertible Note in 2016
Oso Technologies makes internet connected hardware systems. Our first product, Plant Link, makes monitoring and controlling water usage for plants easier than ever before. By placing the wireless sensors next to their plants users receive custom watering schedules via text message, email, or push notification. It was founded in 2019 and is based in Urbana, Illinois, United States.

Oso Technologies

Series B in 2015
Oso Technologies makes internet connected hardware systems. Our first product, Plant Link, makes monitoring and controlling water usage for plants easier than ever before. By placing the wireless sensors next to their plants users receive custom watering schedules via text message, email, or push notification. It was founded in 2019 and is based in Urbana, Illinois, United States.

Agrible

Series A in 2015
Agrible was established in 2007 by Bill Northcott, Chris Harbourt, and Paul Miller, who all met in 1997 while completing higher degrees at the University of Illinois. There they began conceptualizing a small engineering firm based off their research, but their ideas were a bit ahead of the technology of the time.

Oso Technologies

Series B in 2015
Oso Technologies makes internet connected hardware systems. Our first product, Plant Link, makes monitoring and controlling water usage for plants easier than ever before. By placing the wireless sensors next to their plants users receive custom watering schedules via text message, email, or push notification. It was founded in 2019 and is based in Urbana, Illinois, United States.

TechLi

Convertible Note in 2014
TechLi is a media company that focuses on delivering news and editorial content related to technology and innovation, highlighting the businesses and ideas that are transforming daily life. It emphasizes coverage of emerging startup hubs across the United States, extending beyond traditional centers like Silicon Valley. By providing in-depth insights and timely updates, TechLi enables its audience to stay informed about cutting-edge technologies and the latest developments in the tech landscape. The company aims to capture the dynamic nature of innovation as it unfolds in various regions, ensuring that readers receive a comprehensive view of the evolving tech ecosystem.

Tech.li

Convertible Note in 2014
Tech.li is an online platform focused on providing news and editorial content related to technology and business. Established in 2010 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company covers a diverse array of topics, including gaming, social media, mobile technology, Internet culture, and major corporations such as Apple, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft. Originally known as Flyover Geeks, it rebranded to Tech.li in May 2011. The website aims to highlight innovation across the country by showcasing the latest developments in technology companies and start-ups. As of July 2017, Tech.li operates as a subsidiary of Publicize, Inc., working to enhance the visibility of emerging technology businesses and contribute to the evolution of technology news media.

640 Labs

Convertible Note in 2014
640 Labs is a precision farming platform that collects, analyzes and distributes data, effectively optimizing farming operations Farmers have proven to be willing adopters of technology if it provides value. Today, over 35% of all corn, wheat, and soybean farmers are using GPS auto-steered tractors to maximize yield. Now is the time to bring the power of analytics, mobile technologies and cloud computing to provide valuable insight and productivity improvements to farming.

TechLi

Convertible Note in 2014
TechLi is a media company that focuses on delivering news and editorial content related to technology and innovation, highlighting the businesses and ideas that are transforming daily life. It emphasizes coverage of emerging startup hubs across the United States, extending beyond traditional centers like Silicon Valley. By providing in-depth insights and timely updates, TechLi enables its audience to stay informed about cutting-edge technologies and the latest developments in the tech landscape. The company aims to capture the dynamic nature of innovation as it unfolds in various regions, ensuring that readers receive a comprehensive view of the evolving tech ecosystem.

Tech.li

Convertible Note in 2014
Tech.li is an online platform focused on providing news and editorial content related to technology and business. Established in 2010 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company covers a diverse array of topics, including gaming, social media, mobile technology, Internet culture, and major corporations such as Apple, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft. Originally known as Flyover Geeks, it rebranded to Tech.li in May 2011. The website aims to highlight innovation across the country by showcasing the latest developments in technology companies and start-ups. As of July 2017, Tech.li operates as a subsidiary of Publicize, Inc., working to enhance the visibility of emerging technology businesses and contribute to the evolution of technology news media.

640 Labs

Convertible Note in 2014
640 Labs is a precision farming platform that collects, analyzes and distributes data, effectively optimizing farming operations Farmers have proven to be willing adopters of technology if it provides value. Today, over 35% of all corn, wheat, and soybean farmers are using GPS auto-steered tractors to maximize yield. Now is the time to bring the power of analytics, mobile technologies and cloud computing to provide valuable insight and productivity improvements to farming.

Oso Technologies

Series A in 2014
Oso Technologies makes internet connected hardware systems. Our first product, Plant Link, makes monitoring and controlling water usage for plants easier than ever before. By placing the wireless sensors next to their plants users receive custom watering schedules via text message, email, or push notification. It was founded in 2019 and is based in Urbana, Illinois, United States.

Agrible

Seed Round in 2014
Agrible was established in 2007 by Bill Northcott, Chris Harbourt, and Paul Miller, who all met in 1997 while completing higher degrees at the University of Illinois. There they began conceptualizing a small engineering firm based off their research, but their ideas were a bit ahead of the technology of the time.

Oso Technologies

Series A in 2014
Oso Technologies makes internet connected hardware systems. Our first product, Plant Link, makes monitoring and controlling water usage for plants easier than ever before. By placing the wireless sensors next to their plants users receive custom watering schedules via text message, email, or push notification. It was founded in 2019 and is based in Urbana, Illinois, United States.

Oso Technologies

Seed Round in 2012
Oso Technologies makes internet connected hardware systems. Our first product, Plant Link, makes monitoring and controlling water usage for plants easier than ever before. By placing the wireless sensors next to their plants users receive custom watering schedules via text message, email, or push notification. It was founded in 2019 and is based in Urbana, Illinois, United States.

TechLi

Convertible Note in 2012
TechLi is a media company that focuses on delivering news and editorial content related to technology and innovation, highlighting the businesses and ideas that are transforming daily life. It emphasizes coverage of emerging startup hubs across the United States, extending beyond traditional centers like Silicon Valley. By providing in-depth insights and timely updates, TechLi enables its audience to stay informed about cutting-edge technologies and the latest developments in the tech landscape. The company aims to capture the dynamic nature of innovation as it unfolds in various regions, ensuring that readers receive a comprehensive view of the evolving tech ecosystem.

Tech.li

Convertible Note in 2012
Tech.li is an online platform focused on providing news and editorial content related to technology and business. Established in 2010 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company covers a diverse array of topics, including gaming, social media, mobile technology, Internet culture, and major corporations such as Apple, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft. Originally known as Flyover Geeks, it rebranded to Tech.li in May 2011. The website aims to highlight innovation across the country by showcasing the latest developments in technology companies and start-ups. As of July 2017, Tech.li operates as a subsidiary of Publicize, Inc., working to enhance the visibility of emerging technology businesses and contribute to the evolution of technology news media.
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