Finistere Ventures

Finistere Ventures, established in 2005, is a global venture capital firm headquartered in San Diego, California, with additional offices in Menlo Park, Dublin, and Tel Aviv. The firm specializes in investing in early to growth-stage companies across life sciences, information technology, sustainability, and agricultural technology sectors. Its focus includes medical devices, diagnostics, and food, energy, and health-related technologies. Finistere invests between $0.35 million to $4.5 million, typically holding investments for five years. The firm operates globally, with a presence in the United States, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, and Latin America.

Kirk Belsby

CFO and Partner

Spencer Maughan

Co-Founder and Managing Partner

Adrian Percy

Venture Partner

Donal Ryan

Venture Partner

Dean Tilyard

Venture Partner

Dean Tilyard

Venture Partner

Past deals in AgTech

CropX

Series C in 2023
CropX is an ag-analytics and IoT company specializing in AI-driven, cloud-based software solutions designed to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. The company's platform integrates data from both proprietary sources and third parties, enabling farmers to improve crop yields by up to 15% while reducing water usage by as much as 50%, and minimizing pesticide and fertilizer application by up to 20%. CropX's comprehensive system is user-friendly and has been deployed on over 5,000 farms across 70 countries, demonstrating rapid growth in the agricultural sector. Through strategic partnerships with notable industry leaders, CropX facilitates the automation of farming operations and the seamless sharing of data, assisting farmers in navigating the complexities of modern agriculture effectively.

Growers Edge

Series B in 2023
Growers Edge, established in 2017 and based in Johnston, Iowa, specializes in developing data-driven financial technology solutions for the agricultural industry. The company's core business involves creating customized, risk, and crop management solutions for farmers, agricultural retailers, and agencies. Growers Edge achieves this by offering a software and analytics platform, cash flow lending for inputs and ag technologies, and innovative risk management solutions that leverage crop management plans. By utilizing data science, public and private datasets, and deep learning algorithms, Growers Edge empowers farmers to adopt new technologies, increase profitability, and bridge financial gaps in the agricultural sector.

Enko Chem

Series C in 2022
Enko Chem, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Woburn, Massachusetts, that focuses on discovering and developing innovative small-molecule products designed to protect crops from pests and diseases. Founded in 2017, the company utilizes a proprietary technology platform that enables the rapid identification of safe and cost-effective solutions aimed at promoting sustainable food production. Through its efforts, Enko Chem seeks to address the challenges faced by farmers in maintaining crop health while ensuring environmental sustainability.

BioLumic

Series B in 2022
BioLumic is a New Zealand-based company that specializes in innovative lighting solutions for horticultural producers, utilizing smart light array technology. Founded in 2012, BioLumic focuses on enhancing the quality and growth of transplant crop seedlings, as well as improving the growth and quality of indoor leafy vegetables and salad herbs. The company employs a photogenics platform that uses light signals to activate plant growth and unlock the genetic potential of various crops, including soybean, cannabis, and other vegetables and fruits. BioLumic's systems leverage ultraviolet radiation to regulate plant responses, resulting in increased crop yields, improved vigor, enhanced disease and pest resistance, and better crop composition, all without the need for chemicals or amendments.

ProducePay

Series C in 2021
ProducePay, founded by Pablo Borquez Schwarzbeck, aims to revolutionize the global fresh produce supply chain by addressing the challenges of economic and food waste. This AgTech company has developed a Predictable Commerce Platform that enhances the connection between growers and buyers, offering access to capital, trading opportunities, insights, and improved supply chain visibility. By providing farmers with immediate liquidity and financing options, along with real-time pricing data, ProducePay enables them to make informed decisions and expand their businesses. This platform not only facilitates efficient transactions but also ensures that consumers receive fresher produce while promoting sustainable practices within the agricultural industry.

TeleSense

Series B in 2020
TeleSense, Inc. is an Agtech company specializing in real-time environmental monitoring solutions for the food and grain industry. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, TeleSense utilizes a suite of advanced sensors to provide grain managers with actionable insights regarding their stored grain, enabling informed storage decisions. The company's products include CellularSpear for monitoring grain conditions, SensorBall for storage temperature and moisture monitoring, and BuffaloBox, which retrofits traditional temperature cables to wireless systems. TeleSense's platform integrates cloud-based technology and machine learning algorithms to continuously monitor critical parameters such as temperature, humidity, and moisture, sending real-time alerts to users via the TeleSense app. This approach eliminates manual monitoring, minimizes grain spoilage, and enhances operational efficiency, ultimately increasing profitability across various sectors including agriculture, food supply chain, and commercial cooking.

Growers Edge

Series B in 2020
Growers Edge, established in 2017 and based in Johnston, Iowa, specializes in developing data-driven financial technology solutions for the agricultural industry. The company's core business involves creating customized, risk, and crop management solutions for farmers, agricultural retailers, and agencies. Growers Edge achieves this by offering a software and analytics platform, cash flow lending for inputs and ag technologies, and innovative risk management solutions that leverage crop management plans. By utilizing data science, public and private datasets, and deep learning algorithms, Growers Edge empowers farmers to adopt new technologies, increase profitability, and bridge financial gaps in the agricultural sector.

Enko Chem

Series B in 2020
Enko Chem, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Woburn, Massachusetts, that focuses on discovering and developing innovative small-molecule products designed to protect crops from pests and diseases. Founded in 2017, the company utilizes a proprietary technology platform that enables the rapid identification of safe and cost-effective solutions aimed at promoting sustainable food production. Through its efforts, Enko Chem seeks to address the challenges faced by farmers in maintaining crop health while ensuring environmental sustainability.

ZeaKal

Series C in 2019
ZeaKal, Inc. is a plant science company based in San Diego, California, specializing in the development and commercialization of innovative agricultural technologies aimed at enhancing crop productivity. Founded in 2010, ZeaKal focuses on creating synthetic biological traits for key row crops such as corn, soybeans, and canola. The company's flagship technology, PhotoSeed™, enhances the photosynthetic capacity of plants, allowing them to capture more carbon and sunlight, which results in healthier and more nutrient-rich food produced with a reduced environmental impact. Additionally, ZeaKal's Cysteine Oleosin technology facilitates the production of artificial oil bodies outside the seed, contributing to improved seed composition and enabling farmers to yield greater quantities of grain, seed, and fiber. Through its advancements, ZeaKal seeks to harmonize the needs of farmers, consumers, and the environment, promoting sustainable and affordable nutrition.

CropX

Series B in 2019
CropX is an ag-analytics and IoT company specializing in AI-driven, cloud-based software solutions designed to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. The company's platform integrates data from both proprietary sources and third parties, enabling farmers to improve crop yields by up to 15% while reducing water usage by as much as 50%, and minimizing pesticide and fertilizer application by up to 20%. CropX's comprehensive system is user-friendly and has been deployed on over 5,000 farms across 70 countries, demonstrating rapid growth in the agricultural sector. Through strategic partnerships with notable industry leaders, CropX facilitates the automation of farming operations and the seamless sharing of data, assisting farmers in navigating the complexities of modern agriculture effectively.

TeleSense

Convertible Note in 2019
TeleSense, Inc. is an Agtech company specializing in real-time environmental monitoring solutions for the food and grain industry. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, TeleSense utilizes a suite of advanced sensors to provide grain managers with actionable insights regarding their stored grain, enabling informed storage decisions. The company's products include CellularSpear for monitoring grain conditions, SensorBall for storage temperature and moisture monitoring, and BuffaloBox, which retrofits traditional temperature cables to wireless systems. TeleSense's platform integrates cloud-based technology and machine learning algorithms to continuously monitor critical parameters such as temperature, humidity, and moisture, sending real-time alerts to users via the TeleSense app. This approach eliminates manual monitoring, minimizes grain spoilage, and enhances operational efficiency, ultimately increasing profitability across various sectors including agriculture, food supply chain, and commercial cooking.

BioLumic

Series A in 2019
BioLumic is a New Zealand-based company that specializes in innovative lighting solutions for horticultural producers, utilizing smart light array technology. Founded in 2012, BioLumic focuses on enhancing the quality and growth of transplant crop seedlings, as well as improving the growth and quality of indoor leafy vegetables and salad herbs. The company employs a photogenics platform that uses light signals to activate plant growth and unlock the genetic potential of various crops, including soybean, cannabis, and other vegetables and fruits. BioLumic's systems leverage ultraviolet radiation to regulate plant responses, resulting in increased crop yields, improved vigor, enhanced disease and pest resistance, and better crop composition, all without the need for chemicals or amendments.

Hi Fidelity Genetics

Series A in 2018
Hi Fidelity Genetics LLC, based in Durham, North Carolina, specializes in developing hardware and software for plant-breeding applications. The company creates tools that measure and predict plant traits, which are vital for ensuring a sufficient food supply amid a growing global population and changing climate conditions. By democratizing seed breeding and enhancing agricultural productivity, Hi Fidelity Genetics aims to improve the profitability of producers while offering genetics modification services that yield similar results to traditional methods.

ApisProtect

Seed Round in 2018
ApisProtect Limited is an agricultural technology company based in Cork, Ireland, that specializes in monitoring and managing bee colonies. Founded in 2017, the company utilizes an Internet of Things (IoT) system featuring wireless in-hive sensors to provide real-time alerts to beekeepers regarding diseases and pests that may threaten their hives. Its innovative platform combines sensor data on hive conditions, health, and activity levels with advanced data analytics and machine learning techniques. This enables beekeepers to continuously monitor their hives, assess productivity in terms of pollination and honey production, and make informed decisions to prevent losses and enhance overall hive management without the need for frequent manual inspections.

Taranis

Series B in 2018
Taranis is an agriculture intelligence company that has developed an advanced platform utilizing computer vision, data science, and deep learning algorithms to monitor fields effectively. Its solution provides high-precision aerial surveillance imagery, enabling farmers to detect early signs of issues such as weeds, nutrient deficiencies, crop disease, insect infestations, and water damage. By offering accurate insights, Taranis helps agribusinesses make informed decisions that can prevent crop yield loss and ultimately enhance productivity.

TeleSense

Series A in 2018
TeleSense, Inc. is an Agtech company specializing in real-time environmental monitoring solutions for the food and grain industry. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, TeleSense utilizes a suite of advanced sensors to provide grain managers with actionable insights regarding their stored grain, enabling informed storage decisions. The company's products include CellularSpear for monitoring grain conditions, SensorBall for storage temperature and moisture monitoring, and BuffaloBox, which retrofits traditional temperature cables to wireless systems. TeleSense's platform integrates cloud-based technology and machine learning algorithms to continuously monitor critical parameters such as temperature, humidity, and moisture, sending real-time alerts to users via the TeleSense app. This approach eliminates manual monitoring, minimizes grain spoilage, and enhances operational efficiency, ultimately increasing profitability across various sectors including agriculture, food supply chain, and commercial cooking.

BioLumic

Series A in 2018
BioLumic is a New Zealand-based company that specializes in innovative lighting solutions for horticultural producers, utilizing smart light array technology. Founded in 2012, BioLumic focuses on enhancing the quality and growth of transplant crop seedlings, as well as improving the growth and quality of indoor leafy vegetables and salad herbs. The company employs a photogenics platform that uses light signals to activate plant growth and unlock the genetic potential of various crops, including soybean, cannabis, and other vegetables and fruits. BioLumic's systems leverage ultraviolet radiation to regulate plant responses, resulting in increased crop yields, improved vigor, enhanced disease and pest resistance, and better crop composition, all without the need for chemicals or amendments.

Hi Fidelity Genetics

Series A in 2017
Hi Fidelity Genetics LLC, based in Durham, North Carolina, specializes in developing hardware and software for plant-breeding applications. The company creates tools that measure and predict plant traits, which are vital for ensuring a sufficient food supply amid a growing global population and changing climate conditions. By democratizing seed breeding and enhancing agricultural productivity, Hi Fidelity Genetics aims to improve the profitability of producers while offering genetics modification services that yield similar results to traditional methods.

Taranis

Series A in 2017
Taranis is an agriculture intelligence company that has developed an advanced platform utilizing computer vision, data science, and deep learning algorithms to monitor fields effectively. Its solution provides high-precision aerial surveillance imagery, enabling farmers to detect early signs of issues such as weeds, nutrient deficiencies, crop disease, insect infestations, and water damage. By offering accurate insights, Taranis helps agribusinesses make informed decisions that can prevent crop yield loss and ultimately enhance productivity.

ZeaKal

Series B in 2016
ZeaKal, Inc. is a plant science company based in San Diego, California, specializing in the development and commercialization of innovative agricultural technologies aimed at enhancing crop productivity. Founded in 2010, ZeaKal focuses on creating synthetic biological traits for key row crops such as corn, soybeans, and canola. The company's flagship technology, PhotoSeed™, enhances the photosynthetic capacity of plants, allowing them to capture more carbon and sunlight, which results in healthier and more nutrient-rich food produced with a reduced environmental impact. Additionally, ZeaKal's Cysteine Oleosin technology facilitates the production of artificial oil bodies outside the seed, contributing to improved seed composition and enabling farmers to yield greater quantities of grain, seed, and fiber. Through its advancements, ZeaKal seeks to harmonize the needs of farmers, consumers, and the environment, promoting sustainable and affordable nutrition.

CropX

Series A in 2015
CropX is an ag-analytics and IoT company specializing in AI-driven, cloud-based software solutions designed to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. The company's platform integrates data from both proprietary sources and third parties, enabling farmers to improve crop yields by up to 15% while reducing water usage by as much as 50%, and minimizing pesticide and fertilizer application by up to 20%. CropX's comprehensive system is user-friendly and has been deployed on over 5,000 farms across 70 countries, demonstrating rapid growth in the agricultural sector. Through strategic partnerships with notable industry leaders, CropX facilitates the automation of farming operations and the seamless sharing of data, assisting farmers in navigating the complexities of modern agriculture effectively.

ZeaKal

Series A in 2013
ZeaKal, Inc. is a plant science company based in San Diego, California, specializing in the development and commercialization of innovative agricultural technologies aimed at enhancing crop productivity. Founded in 2010, ZeaKal focuses on creating synthetic biological traits for key row crops such as corn, soybeans, and canola. The company's flagship technology, PhotoSeed™, enhances the photosynthetic capacity of plants, allowing them to capture more carbon and sunlight, which results in healthier and more nutrient-rich food produced with a reduced environmental impact. Additionally, ZeaKal's Cysteine Oleosin technology facilitates the production of artificial oil bodies outside the seed, contributing to improved seed composition and enabling farmers to yield greater quantities of grain, seed, and fiber. Through its advancements, ZeaKal seeks to harmonize the needs of farmers, consumers, and the environment, promoting sustainable and affordable nutrition.

BioLumic

Seed Round in 2013
BioLumic is a New Zealand-based company that specializes in innovative lighting solutions for horticultural producers, utilizing smart light array technology. Founded in 2012, BioLumic focuses on enhancing the quality and growth of transplant crop seedlings, as well as improving the growth and quality of indoor leafy vegetables and salad herbs. The company employs a photogenics platform that uses light signals to activate plant growth and unlock the genetic potential of various crops, including soybean, cannabis, and other vegetables and fruits. BioLumic's systems leverage ultraviolet radiation to regulate plant responses, resulting in increased crop yields, improved vigor, enhanced disease and pest resistance, and better crop composition, all without the need for chemicals or amendments.
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