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

Nate Smith

Associate

Brandon Wellford

Chief Financial Officer

Ken Woody

Founder & Partner

Past deals in AgTech

Innatrix

Pre Seed Round in 2022
Innatrix is an agricultural biotechnology company developing novel biological and chemical products based on patented protein evolution technology, to control untreatable crop diseases, pests, and weeds.

Clean Crop Technologies

Series A in 2021
Clean Crop Technologies, Inc. develops a food processing technology for reducing molds, toxins, and pests from grain and nuts. Its food processing technology combines air and electricity to create ionized gases which Removes toxins from grains and nuts without harming food quality; removes molds and pests; and extends shelf-life for perishable foods. The company was incorporated in 2020 and is based in Haydenville, Massachusetts.

Global Neighbor

Seed Round in 2021
We seek to accelerate adoption of sustainable ag practices and maximize farm profits through non-chemical, directed energy (DE) solutions. We currently have consumer use DE weed control products selling online and in big-box retailers. Our next product, the WDSD, addresses the challenge of herbicide-resistant weeds in grain crops. The WDSD quickly attaches to combine harvesters and applies DE to weed seeds making them nonviable without chemicals.

HerdDogg

Convertible Note in 2021
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.

EarthSense

Seed Round in 2021
EarthSense, Inc. develops robots for providing management advice for farmers and ranchers. Its product TerraSentia, an ultracompact, autonomous, teachable robot that uses low-cost sensor on-board computation with multiple sensors, embedded data collection, and analytics software for plant phenotyping. The company is based in Champaign, Illinois.

Beta Hatch

Venture Round in 2021
Beta Hatch grows insect protein for animal feed. Nutrient balanced fertilizer is a sterile by-product of their process. Beta Hatch knows bugs better than anyone- they use their expertise in entomology to grow the most efficient and nutritious insects. They are currently farming mealworms from their urban farm in Seattle. They believe in changing food systems. Their goal is to develop the technology and knowledge that will make insects the next commodity crop.

Global Neighbor

Pre Seed Round in 2021
We seek to accelerate adoption of sustainable ag practices and maximize farm profits through non-chemical, directed energy (DE) solutions. We currently have consumer use DE weed control products selling online and in big-box retailers. Our next product, the WDSD, addresses the challenge of herbicide-resistant weeds in grain crops. The WDSD quickly attaches to combine harvesters and applies DE to weed seeds making them nonviable without chemicals.

EarthSense

Pre Seed Round in 2021
EarthSense, Inc. develops robots for providing management advice for farmers and ranchers. Its product TerraSentia, an ultracompact, autonomous, teachable robot that uses low-cost sensor on-board computation with multiple sensors, embedded data collection, and analytics software for plant phenotyping. The company is based in Champaign, Illinois.

HerdDogg

Series A in 2021
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.

Tractor Zoom

Series A in 2020
Tractor Zoom, Inc. operates an online platform that connects farm equipment auctioneers with potential buyers. Founded in 2017 and based in Urbandale, Iowa, the company provides a mobile application designed for auctioneers to list and promote farm machinery auctions while allowing buyers to search and browse available equipment. Additionally, Tractor Zoom serves as a search engine for heavy equipment auctions and a database for market trends, utilizing big data and technology to help customers efficiently find and assess the value of heavy equipment. Through its innovative approach, Tractor Zoom aims to simplify the business processes and decision-making of its users in the agricultural sector.

Rantizo

Series A in 2020
Rantizo delivers targeted liquid dry applications for agriculture precisely where and when they are needed in the field.The company's system utilizes an electrostatic spraying technology which reduces problems with uneven coverage and covers crops uniformly, enabling farmers to apply pesticides and chemicals in the farms evenly without a hassle and within a short duration of time.

Beta Hatch

Series A in 2020
Beta Hatch grows insect protein for animal feed. Nutrient balanced fertilizer is a sterile by-product of their process. Beta Hatch knows bugs better than anyone- they use their expertise in entomology to grow the most efficient and nutritious insects. They are currently farming mealworms from their urban farm in Seattle. They believe in changing food systems. Their goal is to develop the technology and knowledge that will make insects the next commodity crop.

Clean Crop Technologies

Seed Round in 2020
Clean Crop Technologies, Inc. develops a food processing technology for reducing molds, toxins, and pests from grain and nuts. Its food processing technology combines air and electricity to create ionized gases which Removes toxins from grains and nuts without harming food quality; removes molds and pests; and extends shelf-life for perishable foods. The company was incorporated in 2020 and is based in Haydenville, Massachusetts.

Beta Hatch

Series A in 2020
Beta Hatch grows insect protein for animal feed. Nutrient balanced fertilizer is a sterile by-product of their process. Beta Hatch knows bugs better than anyone- they use their expertise in entomology to grow the most efficient and nutritious insects. They are currently farming mealworms from their urban farm in Seattle. They believe in changing food systems. Their goal is to develop the technology and knowledge that will make insects the next commodity crop.

Beta Hatch

Series A in 2020
Beta Hatch grows insect protein for animal feed. Nutrient balanced fertilizer is a sterile by-product of their process. Beta Hatch knows bugs better than anyone- they use their expertise in entomology to grow the most efficient and nutritious insects. They are currently farming mealworms from their urban farm in Seattle. They believe in changing food systems. Their goal is to develop the technology and knowledge that will make insects the next commodity crop.

SwineTech

Series A in 2020
SwineTech is a mechanical and industrial engineering company that bridges the gap between producers and pigs through artificial intelligence and sensor-based technologies. The company specializes in the fields of machine learning, audio, and pork production. SwineTech was founded in 2015 and headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Preteckt

Seed Round in 2020
Preteckt, Inc. develops a cloud-based platform that specializes in predicting and prescribing maintenance diagnostics for vehicles. The company offers vehicle prognostics-as-a-service (VPaaS), connecting manufacturers of connected and autonomous vehicles with service providers. Preteckt utilizes its proprietary real-time automotive data architecture to integrate artificial intelligence, deep learning, and machine learning algorithms, enabling efficient management of automotive data. This innovative approach provides a significant speed advantage over traditional big data solutions, allowing for real-time processing with zero false positives. The platform is designed to scale seamlessly with existing connected vehicles and fleets, serving a diverse clientele that includes municipalities, telematics service providers, and original equipment manufacturers in the automotive sector. Established in 2015, Preteckt is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, with an additional location in Hamilton, Canada.

Sigma0

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Sigma0 enables seed and crop management companies to access agronomic insights derived from radar technology, enabling them to zero in on crop detail and provide better decisions to farmers. Our solution is more affordable than existing radar technology, simple to use and allows for insights to be derived at any time of day. Sigma0 builds upon years of expertise in radar technology to deliver the first-of-a-kind radar technology data platform for Ag use.

HerdDogg

Convertible Note in 2020
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.

Lepidext

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Lepidext is engaged in managing the populations of the Lepidoptera pests by introducing bio-pesticides that are species-specific. The company is committed to improving crop security and ensuring agricultural prosperity by combining a deep understanding of insect biology with the skills and experience of farmers. In 2015, Angelika Fath-Goodin and Bruce Webb established the company in Lexington, Kentucky.

Shepherd Farming

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Shepherd is a digital labor platform designed specifically for farms and agriculture operations. It allows growers to quickly see what work needs to be done on their farms for that day and to send and receive tasks from other users.

Secure Food Solutions

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Secure Food Solutions, Inc., a food safety company, focuses on developing technologies for the detection of toxins, pathogens, and other contaminants in the food supply worldwide. It provides hyperspectral imaging technology to detect corn contaminated with aflatoxin. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is headquartered in Martin, Tennessee.

Rantizo

Convertible Note in 2019
Rantizo delivers targeted liquid dry applications for agriculture precisely where and when they are needed in the field.The company's system utilizes an electrostatic spraying technology which reduces problems with uneven coverage and covers crops uniformly, enabling farmers to apply pesticides and chemicals in the farms evenly without a hassle and within a short duration of time.

Tractor Zoom

Seed Round in 2019
Tractor Zoom, Inc. operates an online platform that connects farm equipment auctioneers with potential buyers. Founded in 2017 and based in Urbandale, Iowa, the company provides a mobile application designed for auctioneers to list and promote farm machinery auctions while allowing buyers to search and browse available equipment. Additionally, Tractor Zoom serves as a search engine for heavy equipment auctions and a database for market trends, utilizing big data and technology to help customers efficiently find and assess the value of heavy equipment. Through its innovative approach, Tractor Zoom aims to simplify the business processes and decision-making of its users in the agricultural sector.

EarthSense

Pre Seed Round in 2019
EarthSense, Inc. develops robots for providing management advice for farmers and ranchers. Its product TerraSentia, an ultracompact, autonomous, teachable robot that uses low-cost sensor on-board computation with multiple sensors, embedded data collection, and analytics software for plant phenotyping. The company is based in Champaign, Illinois.

Shepherd Farming

Seed Round in 2019
Shepherd is a digital labor platform designed specifically for farms and agriculture operations. It allows growers to quickly see what work needs to be done on their farms for that day and to send and receive tasks from other users.

Preteckt

Seed Round in 2018
Preteckt, Inc. develops a cloud-based platform that specializes in predicting and prescribing maintenance diagnostics for vehicles. The company offers vehicle prognostics-as-a-service (VPaaS), connecting manufacturers of connected and autonomous vehicles with service providers. Preteckt utilizes its proprietary real-time automotive data architecture to integrate artificial intelligence, deep learning, and machine learning algorithms, enabling efficient management of automotive data. This innovative approach provides a significant speed advantage over traditional big data solutions, allowing for real-time processing with zero false positives. The platform is designed to scale seamlessly with existing connected vehicles and fleets, serving a diverse clientele that includes municipalities, telematics service providers, and original equipment manufacturers in the automotive sector. Established in 2015, Preteckt is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, with an additional location in Hamilton, Canada.

EquipassID

Seed Round in 2018
EquipassID focuses on developing RFID technology that facilitates the storage and retrieval of animal regulatory and health information. Their innovative system allows owners, veterinarians, associations, and regulatory agents to access essential documents such as certified veterinary inspections and health papers through microchip identification. This information is stored in a secure cloud-based repository, ensuring accurate and immediate access via smartphones, tablets, or laptops. By streamlining the management of important health and regulatory data, EquipassID enhances the efficiency of animal health monitoring and compliance for various stakeholders in the veterinary field.

Rantizo

Convertible Note in 2018
Rantizo delivers targeted liquid dry applications for agriculture precisely where and when they are needed in the field.The company's system utilizes an electrostatic spraying technology which reduces problems with uneven coverage and covers crops uniformly, enabling farmers to apply pesticides and chemicals in the farms evenly without a hassle and within a short duration of time.

Tractor Zoom

Seed Round in 2018
Tractor Zoom, Inc. operates an online platform that connects farm equipment auctioneers with potential buyers. Founded in 2017 and based in Urbandale, Iowa, the company provides a mobile application designed for auctioneers to list and promote farm machinery auctions while allowing buyers to search and browse available equipment. Additionally, Tractor Zoom serves as a search engine for heavy equipment auctions and a database for market trends, utilizing big data and technology to help customers efficiently find and assess the value of heavy equipment. Through its innovative approach, Tractor Zoom aims to simplify the business processes and decision-making of its users in the agricultural sector.

Growers

Series A in 2018
Growers develops a platform that helps ag retailers, advisors, and farmers to work better together. It helps farmers make fast and tactical decisions that drive profit on every acre. Growers' digital tools use farm evaluation and planning to offer soil management, variable rate planting, and hardware calibration services, allowing farmers to reduce input costs, maximize yields, simplify decision making, and improve farming performance. The company was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in Garner, North Carolina.

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.

LawnTap

Seed Round in 2018
At LawnTap, we’ve developed a first of its kind smart lawn sensor which is designed to make your lawn a single natural system that organizes and controls itself. Inserted into your lawn, you simply approve the automated request generated by the lawn sensor on your phone. That request is then sent to nearby lawn care providers to accept.

AgriSync

Seed Round in 2018
AgriSync, Inc. develops a cloud-based software solution for mobile collaboration and customer support in agriculture. The company offers a platform for advisors to see, solve, and track support issues and educate farmer customers, as well as farmers to connect with their advisors. AgriSync, Inc. was formerly known as DataYeild, LLC. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is based in Waukee, Iowa.

Skycision

Seed Round in 2018
Skycision redefines traditional crop management with a SaaS solution poised to disrupt a massive global market. State of the art Computer Vision and Machine Learning techniques allow them to derive actionable insights from drone-collected imagery that change the way their farmers grow. By leveraging the economy of scale of drone industry-leader DJI, Skycision prepares to rapidly scale to penetrate an international market that has been too long forgotten. The ability to pinpoint crop stress, identify field threats, and recommend prescription solutions has the potential to save growers thousands of dollars in yield potential on an annual basis. Skycision enables their growers to save time and money in scouting while unlocking the hidden potential of their fields.

AgriSync

Seed Round in 2017
AgriSync, Inc. develops a cloud-based software solution for mobile collaboration and customer support in agriculture. The company offers a platform for advisors to see, solve, and track support issues and educate farmer customers, as well as farmers to connect with their advisors. AgriSync, Inc. was formerly known as DataYeild, LLC. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is based in Waukee, Iowa.

EarthSense

Pre Seed Round in 2017
EarthSense, Inc. develops robots for providing management advice for farmers and ranchers. Its product TerraSentia, an ultracompact, autonomous, teachable robot that uses low-cost sensor on-board computation with multiple sensors, embedded data collection, and analytics software for plant phenotyping. The company is based in Champaign, Illinois.

Kilimo

Seed Round in 2017
Kilimo is a Big Data solution for water management in agriculture.. It features climate monitoring by using satellite and site data to provides prescription for each crop and increase water use efficiency. The company was founded in 2014 and headquartered in Cordoba, Argentina.

Secure Food Solutions

Venture Round in 2017
Secure Food Solutions, Inc., a food safety company, focuses on developing technologies for the detection of toxins, pathogens, and other contaminants in the food supply worldwide. It provides hyperspectral imaging technology to detect corn contaminated with aflatoxin. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is headquartered in Martin, Tennessee.

Persistence Data Mining

Venture Round in 2017
PDMI is setting the standard in Soil Health with the introduction of the SoilyticsTM solution, our hyperspectral soil nutrient mapping technology. Imaging allows us to take many more samples more quickly and efficiently. The importance of soil health is a global concern. It is important to essential services like food production, climate change, prevention of land degradation, water quality and the nutritional quality of our food. Persistence Data Mining is advancing technologies and innovations to improve soil management and fertilizer efficiency through the use of hyperspectral sensors. We are developing a technology using physics to replace chemistry to provide farmers with less expensive data sets at a higher level of granularity.

AgSmarts

Debt Financing in 2016
AgSmarts is a provider of environmental sensing and agricultural irrigation automation in the agriculture industry. With global demand for agricultural output rising and constraints confronting agricultural producers from all sides of their operations, AgSmarts helps farmers address these challenges by introducing the power of industrial controls. Its universal retrofit irrigation automation platform helps producers boost yields while reducing their operational costs and minimizing their water usage. The company's patent-pending IP-enabled sensing and wireless communication hardware coupled with its proprietary automation algorithms are revolutionizing agriculture by gathering critical environmental data directly from fields that allow existing irrigation infrastructure to anticipate and autonomously meet the soil moisture needs of the specific crop being grown in the field throughout the production season. The technology is distributed through existing Ag Service Providers' retail operations on a Platform as a Service (PaaS) basis and begins immediately improving the producer's bottom line when installed on their existing irrigation equipment through increased yield revenues and lower operational costs. Clayton Plymill and Brett Norman in Martin, Tennessee in 2014.

AgSmarts

Debt Financing in 2014
AgSmarts is a provider of environmental sensing and agricultural irrigation automation in the agriculture industry. With global demand for agricultural output rising and constraints confronting agricultural producers from all sides of their operations, AgSmarts helps farmers address these challenges by introducing the power of industrial controls. Its universal retrofit irrigation automation platform helps producers boost yields while reducing their operational costs and minimizing their water usage. The company's patent-pending IP-enabled sensing and wireless communication hardware coupled with its proprietary automation algorithms are revolutionizing agriculture by gathering critical environmental data directly from fields that allow existing irrigation infrastructure to anticipate and autonomously meet the soil moisture needs of the specific crop being grown in the field throughout the production season. The technology is distributed through existing Ag Service Providers' retail operations on a Platform as a Service (PaaS) basis and begins immediately improving the producer's bottom line when installed on their existing irrigation equipment through increased yield revenues and lower operational costs. Clayton Plymill and Brett Norman in Martin, Tennessee in 2014.