Innova Memphis

Innova Memphis, established in 2007 by the Memphis Bioworks Foundation, is a venture capital firm located in Memphis, Tennessee. The firm specializes in pre-seed, seed, and early-stage investments in high-growth companies within the biosciences, technology, and agri-tech sectors. Innova aims to connect capital with innovative ideas to develop groundbreaking products and services. By investing in start-ups, the firm not only supports their growth but also facilitates partnerships with established corporations for licensing or further investment opportunities. With a team experienced in management and market expertise, Innova is equipped to transform concepts into viable business units ready to compete in the market. Their approach combines technical knowledge, proven staffing, and appropriate funding to maximize the potential for success in the competitive landscape.

Jan Bouten

Partner

Dean Didato

Partner

Ken Woody

Founder, President and Partner

Past deals in AgTech

Soiltech Wireless

Venture Round in 2024
Soiltech Wireless, founded in 2019 and based in Rupert, Idaho, specializes in developing agricultural technology solutions that deliver real-time data to farming professionals. The company’s hardware and software platform captures insights throughout the entire growth and storage cycle of crops, facilitating improved yields and operational efficiency. Its products are designed for ease of deployment and data extraction, allowing farmers to optimize quality without installation difficulties. Additionally, Soiltech Wireless offers scalable monitoring solutions that support end-to-end traceability and help document the effectiveness of regenerative agricultural practices.

IYOTAH Solutions

Series A in 2024
IYOTAH Solutions is a technology company specializing in software solutions for the animal protein industry. It offers a platform that consolidates data from various sources, including farm management systems, spreadsheets, and IoT devices. By integrating both legacy and modern data, IYOTAH Solutions enables users to share and secure their data in the cloud. This comprehensive approach allows livestock operations to overlay information effectively, facilitating better decision-making and operational efficiency. The company's focus on transforming how data is utilized aims to enhance productivity within the sector.

SwineTech

Convertible Note in 2022
SwineTech, Inc. is a company based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, that focuses on enhancing the welfare and productivity of sow farms in the pork industry through artificial intelligence and sensor-based technologies. Founded in 2015, SwineTech has developed the SmartGuard platform, which monitors pregnancy and piglet health to prevent piglet mortality, particularly from being crushed by their mothers. The technology analyzes data related to sow health, allowing pork producers to implement and manage on-farm processes more effectively. By empowering producers with tools to track and adjust their practices remotely, SwineTech aims to improve overall herd health and optimize resource utilization within the industry.

SwineTech

Convertible Note in 2022
SwineTech, Inc. is a company based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, that focuses on enhancing the welfare and productivity of sow farms in the pork industry through artificial intelligence and sensor-based technologies. Founded in 2015, SwineTech has developed the SmartGuard platform, which monitors pregnancy and piglet health to prevent piglet mortality, particularly from being crushed by their mothers. The technology analyzes data related to sow health, allowing pork producers to implement and manage on-farm processes more effectively. By empowering producers with tools to track and adjust their practices remotely, SwineTech aims to improve overall herd health and optimize resource utilization within the industry.

Ag Manufacturing & Technology

Convertible Note in 2021
Ag Manufacturing & Technology, Inc. specializes in the development and production of aftermarket agricultural equipment designed to enhance farming efficiency. Founded in 2016 and located in Prole, Iowa, the company offers products such as the IntelliDrive and IntelliDrive Plus motorized manifold add-ons for John Deere 1690/1990 air seeders. These products utilize software that can be displayed on John Deere split screens or any tablet, effectively reducing input waste in seed control operations. The equipment is applicable for a wide range of crops, including soybeans, wheat, cotton, canola, rice, hemp, peas, and cover crops. Ag Manufacturing & Technology distributes and services its products through a network of dealers, aiming to improve agricultural practices and minimize overseeding on various terrains.

Global Neighbor

Seed Round in 2021
Global Neighbor specializes in developing environmentally friendly directed energy solutions for weed control, specifically targeting herbicide-resistant weeds in agriculture. Their flagship product, the Weed Seed Destroyer (WDSD), is designed to attach to combine harvesters, utilizing high-intensity light to render weed seeds non-viable during the harvesting process. This innovative approach eliminates the need for harmful herbicides, promoting sustainable agricultural practices while maximizing farm profitability. Global Neighbor aims to facilitate the adoption of these non-chemical solutions among consumers, who can access their directed energy products through online platforms and big-box retailers. By addressing the challenges posed by resistant weed species, Global Neighbor offers a clear and effective alternative for modern farming.

EarthSense

Seed Round in 2021
EarthSense, Inc. is a company based in Champaign, Illinois, specializing in agricultural robotics and artificial intelligence. The company develops innovative robots, such as the TerraSentia, an autonomous and compact device equipped with various sensors for plant phenotyping and data collection. EarthSense addresses the challenges faced by modern agriculture, including labor shortages, environmental impact, and food security concerns exacerbated by unpredictable weather. Its platform focuses on three key areas: enhancing crop productivity and sustainability, providing actionable insights for growers, and managing issues such as herbicide-resistant weeds. The modular design of the EarthSense platform allows for easy integration and innovation, promoting the development of a climate-smart agricultural system that aims to improve plant and soil health while reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals and costly inputs.

Global Neighbor

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Global Neighbor specializes in developing environmentally friendly directed energy solutions for weed control, specifically targeting herbicide-resistant weeds in agriculture. Their flagship product, the Weed Seed Destroyer (WDSD), is designed to attach to combine harvesters, utilizing high-intensity light to render weed seeds non-viable during the harvesting process. This innovative approach eliminates the need for harmful herbicides, promoting sustainable agricultural practices while maximizing farm profitability. Global Neighbor aims to facilitate the adoption of these non-chemical solutions among consumers, who can access their directed energy products through online platforms and big-box retailers. By addressing the challenges posed by resistant weed species, Global Neighbor offers a clear and effective alternative for modern farming.

ReEnvision Ag

Pre Seed Round in 2021
ReEnvision Ag specializes in the development of advanced row crop planters aimed at enhancing efficiency in commercial agriculture. The company's innovative planter system, which is currently under provisional patent, utilizes a cone-shaped dibble to ensure precise seed placement and spacing. This technology significantly minimizes the number of necessary field passes for operations like disc ripping and field cultivating, resulting in reduced labor, machinery, and fuel costs for farmers. By promoting a traceable and sustainable food source, ReEnvision Ag enables farmers to optimize crop yields and profit potential while minimizing environmental impact.

LeafTech Ag

Pre Seed Round in 2021
LeafTech Ag specializes in handheld digital lab technology aimed at improving crop management and performance for growers. Their innovative device analyzes the nutrient and chemical composition of plant leaves, providing rapid and cost-effective results. This allows farmers to receive actionable insights on optimal inputs, enabling them to apply the correct resources in the right amounts and at the ideal times and locations. By offering real-time analytics, LeafTech Ag enhances the ability of agricultural producers to achieve higher yields and better crop quality.

EarthSense

Pre Seed Round in 2021
EarthSense, Inc. is a company based in Champaign, Illinois, specializing in agricultural robotics and artificial intelligence. The company develops innovative robots, such as the TerraSentia, an autonomous and compact device equipped with various sensors for plant phenotyping and data collection. EarthSense addresses the challenges faced by modern agriculture, including labor shortages, environmental impact, and food security concerns exacerbated by unpredictable weather. Its platform focuses on three key areas: enhancing crop productivity and sustainability, providing actionable insights for growers, and managing issues such as herbicide-resistant weeds. The modular design of the EarthSense platform allows for easy integration and innovation, promoting the development of a climate-smart agricultural system that aims to improve plant and soil health while reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals and costly inputs.

Ag Manufacturing & Technology

Convertible Note in 2020
Ag Manufacturing & Technology, Inc. specializes in the development and production of aftermarket agricultural equipment designed to enhance farming efficiency. Founded in 2016 and located in Prole, Iowa, the company offers products such as the IntelliDrive and IntelliDrive Plus motorized manifold add-ons for John Deere 1690/1990 air seeders. These products utilize software that can be displayed on John Deere split screens or any tablet, effectively reducing input waste in seed control operations. The equipment is applicable for a wide range of crops, including soybeans, wheat, cotton, canola, rice, hemp, peas, and cover crops. Ag Manufacturing & Technology distributes and services its products through a network of dealers, aiming to improve agricultural practices and minimize overseeding on various terrains.

SwineTech

Series A in 2020
SwineTech, Inc. is a company based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, that focuses on enhancing the welfare and productivity of sow farms in the pork industry through artificial intelligence and sensor-based technologies. Founded in 2015, SwineTech has developed the SmartGuard platform, which monitors pregnancy and piglet health to prevent piglet mortality, particularly from being crushed by their mothers. The technology analyzes data related to sow health, allowing pork producers to implement and manage on-farm processes more effectively. By empowering producers with tools to track and adjust their practices remotely, SwineTech aims to improve overall herd health and optimize resource utilization within the industry.

Sigma0

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Sigma0 provides a platform that leverages advanced radar technology to offer agronomic insights for seed and crop management companies. By delivering affordable and accessible imaging and analytics, Sigma0 enables farmers to monitor crop details effectively, facilitating better decision-making. The technology operates seamlessly at any time of day, allowing for real-time insights that can enhance crop management practices. With a focus on maximizing yield while minimizing environmental impact, Sigma0 combines years of expertise in radar technology to support precision farming initiatives.

Ag Manufacturing & Technology

Seed Round in 2019
Ag Manufacturing & Technology, Inc. specializes in the development and production of aftermarket agricultural equipment designed to enhance farming efficiency. Founded in 2016 and located in Prole, Iowa, the company offers products such as the IntelliDrive and IntelliDrive Plus motorized manifold add-ons for John Deere 1690/1990 air seeders. These products utilize software that can be displayed on John Deere split screens or any tablet, effectively reducing input waste in seed control operations. The equipment is applicable for a wide range of crops, including soybeans, wheat, cotton, canola, rice, hemp, peas, and cover crops. Ag Manufacturing & Technology distributes and services its products through a network of dealers, aiming to improve agricultural practices and minimize overseeding on various terrains.

Shepherd Farming

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Shepherd Farming operates a digital labor platform tailored for agricultural operations. This innovative platform enables farmers to efficiently monitor daily tasks, manage workforce activities, and communicate with other users regarding work requirements. By providing tools for weather monitoring and task management, Shepherd enhances the ability of growers to oversee their operations directly from mobile devices. The platform also facilitates the automatic capture of farm records, streamlining administrative processes and improving overall productivity in the agricultural sector.

EarthSense

Pre Seed Round in 2019
EarthSense, Inc. is a company based in Champaign, Illinois, specializing in agricultural robotics and artificial intelligence. The company develops innovative robots, such as the TerraSentia, an autonomous and compact device equipped with various sensors for plant phenotyping and data collection. EarthSense addresses the challenges faced by modern agriculture, including labor shortages, environmental impact, and food security concerns exacerbated by unpredictable weather. Its platform focuses on three key areas: enhancing crop productivity and sustainability, providing actionable insights for growers, and managing issues such as herbicide-resistant weeds. The modular design of the EarthSense platform allows for easy integration and innovation, promoting the development of a climate-smart agricultural system that aims to improve plant and soil health while reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals and costly inputs.

Shepherd Farming

Seed Round in 2019
Shepherd Farming operates a digital labor platform tailored for agricultural operations. This innovative platform enables farmers to efficiently monitor daily tasks, manage workforce activities, and communicate with other users regarding work requirements. By providing tools for weather monitoring and task management, Shepherd enhances the ability of growers to oversee their operations directly from mobile devices. The platform also facilitates the automatic capture of farm records, streamlining administrative processes and improving overall productivity in the agricultural sector.

Growers

Series A in 2018
Growers is a company that has developed a platform designed to enhance collaboration among ag retailers, advisors, and farmers. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Garner, North Carolina, Growers provides digital tools that facilitate farm evaluation and planning, focusing on services such as soil management, variable rate planting, and hardware calibration. These tools enable farmers to make quick and strategic decisions that enhance profitability per acre, reduce input costs, and improve overall farming performance. Additionally, the platform allows farmers to efficiently explore and purchase products by category, manufacturer, and retailer, streamlining their engagement with retailers and supporting informed decision-making.

AgriSync

Seed Round in 2018
AgriSync, Inc. is a cloud-based software company that specializes in mobile collaboration and customer support for the agriculture sector. Founded in 2014 and based in Waukee, Iowa, AgriSync provides a platform that facilitates communication between farmers and their local advisors, allowing users to address and track support issues effectively. The software enables farmers to connect with advisors through mobile and video chatting services, enhancing the ability to discuss farming strategies in areas such as crop production and animal agriculture. By integrating these features into a single interface, AgriSync aims to improve productivity and streamline support processes for its users.

Skycision

Seed Round in 2018
Skycision offers a crop management platform that assists specialty crop farmers in detecting crop stress up to three weeks earlier than traditional methods allow. Utilizing advanced computer vision and machine learning techniques, the platform processes spectral imagery captured by drones and global satellite constellations. This technology enables farmers to efficiently identify specific areas in their fields that require treatment for pests, diseases, or water stress. By providing actionable insights from drone-collected data, Skycision helps growers save time and money in field scouting and enhances their ability to maximize yield potential. The company aims to disrupt the global agricultural market by leveraging the capabilities of the drone industry, particularly through partnerships with leading drone manufacturers.

Rabbit Tractors

Seed Round in 2017
Rabbit Tractors, Inc., established in 2017 and located in Cedar Lake, Indiana, specializes in manufacturing multifunctional farm equipment, particularly autonomous tractors designed for pre-harvest activities. The company is focused on developing compact, mobile, and swarm-capable tractors that enhance the efficiency of agricultural operations by aligning machinery capacity with the specific needs of farmland. Its innovative products include multi-purpose farm robots that operate collaboratively, allowing for improved productivity and adaptability in farming practices. Through its engineering and robotics capabilities, Rabbit Tractors aims to revolutionize the agricultural landscape with advanced autonomous driving technology.

AgriSync

Seed Round in 2017
AgriSync, Inc. is a cloud-based software company that specializes in mobile collaboration and customer support for the agriculture sector. Founded in 2014 and based in Waukee, Iowa, AgriSync provides a platform that facilitates communication between farmers and their local advisors, allowing users to address and track support issues effectively. The software enables farmers to connect with advisors through mobile and video chatting services, enhancing the ability to discuss farming strategies in areas such as crop production and animal agriculture. By integrating these features into a single interface, AgriSync aims to improve productivity and streamline support processes for its users.

EarthSense

Pre Seed Round in 2017
EarthSense, Inc. is a company based in Champaign, Illinois, specializing in agricultural robotics and artificial intelligence. The company develops innovative robots, such as the TerraSentia, an autonomous and compact device equipped with various sensors for plant phenotyping and data collection. EarthSense addresses the challenges faced by modern agriculture, including labor shortages, environmental impact, and food security concerns exacerbated by unpredictable weather. Its platform focuses on three key areas: enhancing crop productivity and sustainability, providing actionable insights for growers, and managing issues such as herbicide-resistant weeds. The modular design of the EarthSense platform allows for easy integration and innovation, promoting the development of a climate-smart agricultural system that aims to improve plant and soil health while reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals and costly inputs.

Kilimo

Seed Round in 2017
Kilimo is a company based in Cordoba, Argentina, founded in 2014, that specializes in Big Data solutions for water management in agriculture. It offers an irrigation management tool designed to enhance farm management and improve water use efficiency. By utilizing satellite and site-specific data, as well as soil testing, Kilimo provides tailored prescriptions for various crops. This approach allows farmers to optimize their irrigation practices, leading to increased yields while minimizing water usage.

Persistence Data Mining

Venture Round in 2017
Persistence Data Mining focuses on enhancing soil health through its innovative SoilyticsTM solution, a hyperspectral soil nutrient mapping technology. This advanced imaging technique enables rapid and efficient sampling, addressing the global challenge of soil health which is vital for food production, climate change mitigation, land degradation prevention, water quality, and nutritional food quality. The company aims to provide farmers with cost-effective and high-resolution data to improve soil management and fertilizer efficiency, utilizing physics-based technologies rather than traditional chemical methods. By delivering real-time soil nutrient information over extensive agricultural areas, Persistence Data Mining empowers farmers to boost crop yields, optimize input costs, and promote environmental sustainability.

Prolific Earth Sciences

Pre Seed Round in 2017
Prolific Earth Sciences, Inc. is a woman-founded and majority-owned company based in Englewood, New Jersey, that specializes in the manufacturing of microbiometers. Established in 2014, the company offers its flagship product, the microBIOMETER, which provides an affordable and efficient means for soil stewards to evaluate the effects of regenerative agricultural practices on soil health. In addition to its primary application, the microBIOMETER has potential as a tool for assessing carbon sequestration, highlighting the company's commitment to advancing research in the regenerative agriculture market.

AgSmarts

Debt Financing in 2016
AgSmarts is a provider of environmental sensing and agricultural irrigation automation technology aimed at enhancing efficiency in the agriculture sector. As global agricultural demands rise, AgSmarts addresses the challenges faced by farmers by offering a retrofit irrigation automation platform that optimizes water usage and reduces operational costs. Their technology includes patent-pending, IP-enabled sensing and wireless communication hardware, along with proprietary automation algorithms that collect critical environmental data directly from fields. This data allows existing irrigation systems to autonomously meet the specific soil moisture needs of crops throughout the growing season. Distributed through established Ag Service Providers on a Platform as a Service (PaaS) basis, AgSmarts' solutions begin to improve producers' profitability immediately upon installation by increasing yield revenues and lowering costs. Founded in 2014 by Clayton Plymill and Brett Norman in Martin, Tennessee, AgSmarts is revolutionizing agricultural practices through its innovative technology.

AgSmarts

Debt Financing in 2014
AgSmarts is a provider of environmental sensing and agricultural irrigation automation technology aimed at enhancing efficiency in the agriculture sector. As global agricultural demands rise, AgSmarts addresses the challenges faced by farmers by offering a retrofit irrigation automation platform that optimizes water usage and reduces operational costs. Their technology includes patent-pending, IP-enabled sensing and wireless communication hardware, along with proprietary automation algorithms that collect critical environmental data directly from fields. This data allows existing irrigation systems to autonomously meet the specific soil moisture needs of crops throughout the growing season. Distributed through established Ag Service Providers on a Platform as a Service (PaaS) basis, AgSmarts' solutions begin to improve producers' profitability immediately upon installation by increasing yield revenues and lowering costs. Founded in 2014 by Clayton Plymill and Brett Norman in Martin, Tennessee, AgSmarts is revolutionizing agricultural practices through its innovative technology.
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