Ponderosa Ventures

SnoFox Sciences provides analytics focused on increasing efficiency and decreasing energy usage for the cold industrial space. It has developed a thermodynamically-informed data analytics platform for cold chain monitoring and preventative maintenance.

Feedvax is an Argentine company founded in 2018 that specializes in developing oral vaccines for farmed fish. The company creates environmentally safe and effective vaccines that can be incorporated into feed, providing an innovative solution to protect fish from diseases while reducing the reliance on antibiotics in aquaculture. Feedvax's initial product targets Streptococcus infections in tilapia, one of the most commonly farmed fish species globally. By offering a cost-effective and user-friendly vaccination method, Feedvax aims to enhance the health of farmed fish, minimize stress on the animals, and contribute to more sustainable aquaculture practices.

Umaro Foods focuses on creating a sustainable plant-based protein derived from ocean-farmed seaweed. The company aims to provide a nutritious protein alternative while promoting the humane treatment of animals and environmental sustainability. Its innovative products include crispy, crunchy, and umami-flavored bacon alternatives, designed to appeal to consumers looking for healthier and more ethical food options. By collaborating with seaweed farmers, Umaro Foods seeks to establish a more productive and scalable protein source that surpasses traditional soy production, contributing to a thriving planet.

Steward is a crowd-farming platform that facilitates direct investment in sustainable farms, allowing individuals to support and benefit from their growth. Founded in 2016 and based in Portland, Oregon, the platform connects impact investors with regenerative farms and sustainable producers, enabling them to earn annual returns while contributing to local food systems. By providing a community-lending platform, Steward offers secured, interest-bearing loans to farm producers, helping them access the necessary capital for expansion and development. This approach not only supports the financial health of these farms but also promotes sustainable agricultural practices that benefit families and communities.

Ascribe Bioscience develops products that enable farmers to combat crop pathogens without negative impacts on the environment. The company is currently developing a seed treatment product that acts by boosting crops’ natural defenses.