Ponderosa Ventures

Founded in 2021, Ponderosa Ventures is a venture capital firm based in New York. It focuses on investing $100-750k in pre-seed and seed-stage companies operating within the food, agriculture, and ocean sectors.

Chloë Payne

Principal

Evi Steyer

Co-Founder

50 past transactions

Hoofprint Biome

Series A in 2025
Hoofprint Biome is a biotechnology company that develops probiotics and natural enzymes to enhance the sustainability of ruminant livestock production. Their products improve cattle health and digestive care by reducing methane emissions, thereby enabling the livestock industry to adopt more sustainable practices through microbiome engineering.

Terradot

Series A in 2024
Terradot is a company that specializes in developing a carbon removal platform aimed at reducing carbon footprints and transforming soil carbon management. The platform employs various methods to extract carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and enhance high-integrity soil carbon removal. By doing so, Terradot enables both businesses and individuals to actively participate in environmental stewardship, contributing to efforts to mitigate climate change and improve ecological health. The company's innovative approach seeks to create significant positive impacts on the environment through effective carbon management solutions.

Cerve

Seed Round in 2024
Cerve provides an end-to-end wholesale-to-B2B commerce platform and related API services that streamline communication between wholesalers and B2B buyers. The platform enables personalized, two-way, automated exchanges of product catalogs, pricing, delivery terms, and deals across devices and channels. It offers an AI-driven infrastructure along with an ordering platform, a sales app, and a wholesaler interface to support seamless transactions. Additionally, Cerve's APIs and services analyze supply chain inefficiencies and fragmentation in communication, with a focus on the food system to reduce waste, improve collaboration, and promote sustainability.

Everest Carbon

Venture Round in 2024
Everest Carbon develops sensing technology to measure alkalinity in agricultural fields to enable Enhanced Rock Weathering carbon removal. It provides an in situ, low-cost, large-scale sensor that accurately tracks carbonate alkalinity, reducing the need for manual sampling. The system delivers a liquid-phase signal of carbon removal over time, enabling traceability of carbon credits for reliable, scalable climate impact. By combining measurement data with scalable deployment, Everest Carbon aims to deliver high-quality, cost-effective carbon removals for enterprise buyers and carbon markets.

Crew Carbon

Seed Round in 2024
CREW Carbon is a company dedicated to removing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide, from wastewater through innovative technology. Utilizing engineered enhanced weathering, the company's approach harnesses the natural power of minerals to treat both municipal and industrial wastewater while permanently storing CO2. Operating within the environmental services sector, CREW Carbon focuses on greenhouse gas management and carbon removal, aiming to support businesses and governments in achieving their climate objectives. Through its climate tech solutions, the company strives to make a positive environmental impact.

Circe

Seed Round in 2024
Circe produces food and chemical inputs through a proprietary fermentation process that uses CO2 as its primary feedstock. This method enables the company to create sustainable, climate-friendly products while maintaining economic viability.

Uncaged Innovations

Seed Round in 2024
Uncaged Innovations develops sustainable alternatives to animal skin products. They create bio-based leather using plant materials and proprietary processing techniques, serving industries such as luxury fashion and automotives.

Syntopa

Pre Seed Round in 2024
Syntopa is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of precision biologics for agriculture. It leverages proprietary methods and cutting-edge technologies from synthetic biology and ag tech to create innovative agricultural products. The company's core technology enables it to predict and optimize the performance of microorganisms in specific soil conditions, thereby enhancing crop productivity, profitability, and sustainability. This, in turn, contributes to the broader goal of reversing climate change.

Circe

Seed Round in 2024
Circe produces food and chemical inputs through a proprietary fermentation process that uses CO2 as its primary feedstock. This method enables the company to create sustainable, climate-friendly products while maintaining economic viability.

Nfinite Nanotech

Seed Round in 2024
Nfinite Nanotech specializes in advanced material science, utilizing open-air atomic layer deposition (ALD) technology to create functional nanomaterials. The company accelerates innovation in sustainable packaging, batteries, and photovoltaics by producing large-area, high-quality, ultrathin films at a significantly faster pace than conventional methods.

CroBio

Seed Round in 2024
CroBio is an agricultural biotechnology company developing a sustainable solution for managing global agricultural drought. It uses genetically engineered root-associated bacteria to produce biomaterials that retain water in the soil, enhancing crop resilience and reducing irrigation requirements.

Peptobiotics

Series A in 2024
Peptobiotics is a biotechnology startup focused on livestock disease prevention through innovative synthetic biology solutions. The company specializes in the development of recombinant custom peptides cultivated from synthetic microorganisms, which serve as antibiotic alternatives for promoting animal health and growth. By providing farmers and breeders with effective tools to protect livestock against pathogens, Peptobiotics aims to enhance agricultural productivity while ensuring humane and sustainable practices. The company’s approach addresses the critical need for disease prevention in livestock without contributing to antibiotic resistance, thereby fostering a more responsible and sustainable agricultural ecosystem.

Umaro

Seed Round in 2024
Umaro Foods focuses on creating a sustainable plant-based protein derived from ocean-farmed seaweed. The company aims to provide an alternative to traditional animal products by offering nutritious and flavorful food options, including crispy and umami-rich bacon alternatives. By leveraging seaweed farming, Umaro seeks to promote a more humane treatment of animals while also supporting environmental sustainability. The innovative approach positions seaweed as a viable and scalable source of protein, which can surpass traditional soy production, contributing to a thriving planet.

OKIPA

Seed Round in 2024
OKIPA is an agricultural chemical manufacturing company.

Mondra

Seed Round in 2024
Mondra is a technology company dedicated to unlocking the environmental impact of global supply chains. It combines satellite data, deep tech, big data, AI, and machine learning with scientific research to provide accurate, real-time insights into food systems' carbon footprint. Mondra's platform enables producers to benchmark products against industry averages, identify reduction opportunities, and earn rewards for eco-friendly practices.

Terradot

Seed Round in 2024
Terradot is a company that specializes in developing a carbon removal platform aimed at reducing carbon footprints and transforming soil carbon management. The platform employs various methods to extract carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and enhance high-integrity soil carbon removal. By doing so, Terradot enables both businesses and individuals to actively participate in environmental stewardship, contributing to efforts to mitigate climate change and improve ecological health. The company's innovative approach seeks to create significant positive impacts on the environment through effective carbon management solutions.

Everest Carbon

Seed Round in 2024
Everest Carbon develops sensing technology to measure alkalinity in agricultural fields to enable Enhanced Rock Weathering carbon removal. It provides an in situ, low-cost, large-scale sensor that accurately tracks carbonate alkalinity, reducing the need for manual sampling. The system delivers a liquid-phase signal of carbon removal over time, enabling traceability of carbon credits for reliable, scalable climate impact. By combining measurement data with scalable deployment, Everest Carbon aims to deliver high-quality, cost-effective carbon removals for enterprise buyers and carbon markets.

Ant Robotics

Venture Round in 2024
Ant Robotics is a mobile robotics company focused on enhancing agricultural practices through the development of autonomous systems. Utilizing image recognition and deep learning algorithms, the company provides innovative solutions that help farmers identify and eliminate harmful weeds in their crops. By offering open-source robotic platforms, Ant Robotics aims to improve efficiency in farming operations, thereby supporting sustainable agricultural practices and increasing crop yields.

CarbonFarm Technology

Seed Round in 2023
CarbonFarm Technology facilitates regenerative agriculture for farmers, making it profitable while assisting corporations in meeting their net-zero emission targets. It uses satellite data and AI to provide transparent carbon credit monitoring.

Wootzano

Seed Round in 2023
Wootzano specializes in advanced robotic solutions for the post-harvest industry. Their flagship product, Wootzskin, enables robots to sense and manipulate objects with human-like dexterity using highly sensitive force/pressure sensors integrated with temperature/humidity and chemical/gas sensors. This technology allows robots to handle delicate produce accurately and intelligently.

Hoofprint Biome

Pre Seed Round in 2023
Hoofprint Biome is a biotechnology company that develops probiotics and natural enzymes to enhance the sustainability of ruminant livestock production. Their products improve cattle health and digestive care by reducing methane emissions, thereby enabling the livestock industry to adopt more sustainable practices through microbiome engineering.

Mondra

Seed Round in 2023
Mondra is a technology company dedicated to unlocking the environmental impact of global supply chains. It combines satellite data, deep tech, big data, AI, and machine learning with scientific research to provide accurate, real-time insights into food systems' carbon footprint. Mondra's platform enables producers to benchmark products against industry averages, identify reduction opportunities, and earn rewards for eco-friendly practices.

SnoFox

Venture Round in 2023
SnoFox Sciences specializes in data analytics aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and reducing energy consumption in the cold industrial sector. The company has developed a proprietary platform that leverages thermodynamic data to provide insights for cold chain monitoring and preventative maintenance. This innovative technology transforms complex data feeds into actionable analytics, which can be accessed through a customizable web-based interface. This tool enables decision-making at various levels—from individual units to entire facilities—facilitating targeted improvements that not only optimize energy usage but also mitigate the environmental impact of industrial cooling operations.

Adapt AgTech

Seed Round in 2023
Adapt AgTech provides a turn-key opportunity for container farming of edible and gourmet mushrooms. Adapt opens the door for new entrants to the farming industry and creates an opportunity for entrepreneurs while advancing access to a sustainable food supply.Adapt AgTech provides a turn-key opportunity for container farming.

Natrx

Seed Round in 2023
Natrx is an innovative company focused on enhancing coastal resilience and protection through advanced technology and a nature-based approach. By integrating geospatial software and advanced manufacturing solutions, Natrx promotes harmony between natural ecosystems and urban infrastructure. The company's solutions are designed to meet the performance needs of large-scale public and private asset owners, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional methods that are often costly and ecologically harmful. Natrx aims to set a new standard for sustainable resilience, delivering high-performance solutions that not only address environmental challenges but also contribute positively to economic outcomes. Through its technology-first approach, Natrx empowers builders, architects, and ecologists to create infrastructure that enhances both functionality and aesthetic value.

Rubi Laboratories

Seed Round in 2023
Rubi Laboratories is a California-based company that specializes in the development of technology to manufacture carbon-negative textiles. The firm utilizes innovative sustainable solutions to convert carbon emissions into natural fibers, resulting in biodegradable textiles. Its technology directly synthesizes threads, providing a natural resource for the production of viscose that is carbon-negative, as well as being water-chemical, land-neutral, traceable, and environmentally friendly. Rubi Laboratories aims to address the environmental impact of textile manufacturing by offering a more sustainable alternative in the industry.

BlakBear

Seed Round in 2022
BlakBear specializes in sensor technology designed to enhance food quality control, minimize product rejections, and decrease food waste throughout the supply chain.

Klim

Seed Round in 2022
Klim enables farmers to transition to regenerative agriculture at scale by providing them financial support, knowledge, documentation tools, and a community via our digital companion for farmers. Klim-verified carbon removal credits, generated by Klim farmers, help companies to transition to net zero by offsetting their carbon emissions locally and with maximum impact and transparency.

Neolithics

Seed Round in 2022
Neolithics develops an automated crop inspection and quality-control platform for fresh produce. The software and related automation solutions detect, classify and sort crops using artificial intelligence and provide transparent, digital inventory recording to reduce manual quality control and sorting costs. By increasing visibility and automation across the supply chain, Neolithics aims to maximize utilization, reduce waste, lower distribution costs and enhance food safety.

Muddy Machines

Seed Round in 2022
Muddy Machines develops autonomous robots aimed at assisting farms with labor-intensive crops. The company's primary focus is on enhancing its technology for harvesting green asparagus, while also exploring applications for other crops. Utilizing computer vision and machine learning, Muddy Machines' robotics platform enables precise harvesting by predicting crop maturity and selectively gathering produce, minimizing damage and ensuring freshness. In addition to harvesting, the company is investigating other labor-intensive agricultural tasks, such as weeding and precision applications, to further support farmers in improving efficiency and productivity in their operations.

Concert Bio

Pre Seed Round in 2022
Concert Bio is a technology company that assists businesses in enhancing their microbial communities' productivity through its proprietary full-stack platform. This platform integrates monitoring, analytics, and intervention strategies to manipulate microbiomes, empowering clients to optimize these communities for improved performance.

Modern Synthesis

Seed Round in 2022
Modern Synthesis is a biotechnology company that develops biofabricated materials by converting bacterial nanocellulose, a by‑product of fermentation, into sustainable textiles and coatings. Its materials offer performance and aesthetics without plastics, petrochemicals, or animal inputs, enabling durable options for the fashion industry and beyond. The process leverages abundant raw materials and integrates with existing manufacturing infrastructure to scale production without starting from scratch, helping brands replace animal leather and plastic‑based textiles while reducing environmental impact and expanding design possibilities.

Feedvax

Seed Round in 2022
Feedvax is an innovative company based in Argentina, established in 2018, focused on developing a platform for oral vaccines aimed at improving animal health in aquaculture. Its primary product is an oral vaccine designed to protect farmed tilapia from streptococcosis, a common disease affecting this widely farmed species. Feedvax's platform not only delivers vaccines but also provides a smart feeder that ensures nutritional and health treatments are administered automatically and individually to each animal. The company's solution is environmentally safe, cost-effective, and easy for farmers to use, promoting greater efficiency in animal production while helping to eliminate the need for antibiotics and reducing stress on the fish. By transforming traditional aquaculture practices, Feedvax aims to make a sustainable impact on the industry.

Plonts

Seed Round in 2022
Plonts is a company focused on producing plant-based foods that promote sustainability through innovative microbial processes. It specializes in crafting a new category of plant-based cheeses that feature a range of flavors and textures derived from sustainable plant sources. By utilizing fermentation and aging techniques, Plonts transforms mild plant-based ingredients into flavorful cheeses that offer an authentic taste experience. The company aims to provide consumers with healthy and organic food options at reasonable prices, thereby supporting a more sustainable food system while catering to diverse dietary preferences.

Savefruit

Seed Round in 2022
Savefruit specializes in post-harvest technologies aimed at preserving yield, maintaining healthiness, and extending the shelf life of fruits. The company has developed and validated technologies specifically for varieties such as bananas, mangoes, tomatoes, apples, papayas, and avocados. Their product is a fine powder delivered in sealed bags, designed to delay the ripening process while preserving texture, firmness, color, odor, flavor, and nutritional properties. This technology helps producers reduce fruit waste and contribute to global food abundance.

Aquanzo

Pre Seed Round in 2022
Aquanzo is a company focused on the sustainable farming of marine zooplankton on land, utilizing agricultural byproducts to minimize environmental impact. The company operates a marine protein farming platform designed to domesticate and cultivate zooplankton, which serves as a highly nutritious feed for fish and shrimp. By employing advanced technologies, Aquanzo produces zooplankton sustainably, ensuring that its ingredients are both natural and environmentally friendly. This innovative approach allows clients in the aquafeed industry to source marine proteins without depleting ocean resources, thereby promoting a more sustainable aquaculture practice.

PlanBlue

Seed Round in 2022
PlanBlue develops innovative underwater monitoring technology. Its flagship product, DiveRay, is an intelligent hyperspectral camera that automatically scans seafloors, lake bottoms, and river beds using machine-learning algorithms. This reduces time spent on data collection and analysis, providing objective insights for environmental impact assessment, scientific research, and industrial applications.

Umaro

Seed Round in 2022
Umaro Foods focuses on creating a sustainable plant-based protein derived from ocean-farmed seaweed. The company aims to provide an alternative to traditional animal products by offering nutritious and flavorful food options, including crispy and umami-rich bacon alternatives. By leveraging seaweed farming, Umaro seeks to promote a more humane treatment of animals while also supporting environmental sustainability. The innovative approach positions seaweed as a viable and scalable source of protein, which can surpass traditional soy production, contributing to a thriving planet.

SnoFox

Seed Round in 2022
SnoFox Sciences specializes in data analytics aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and reducing energy consumption in the cold industrial sector. The company has developed a proprietary platform that leverages thermodynamic data to provide insights for cold chain monitoring and preventative maintenance. This innovative technology transforms complex data feeds into actionable analytics, which can be accessed through a customizable web-based interface. This tool enables decision-making at various levels—from individual units to entire facilities—facilitating targeted improvements that not only optimize energy usage but also mitigate the environmental impact of industrial cooling operations.

Heartee

Seed Round in 2022
Heartee is a producer of gourmet mushrooms that specializes in solar-powered container farms. The company offers a turn-key solution for the cultivation of fourteen different types of edible and gourmet mushrooms. By utilizing sustainable energy sources, Heartee ensures that its farming practices are environmentally friendly while providing customers with fresh, high-quality mushrooms.

Peptobiotics

Seed Round in 2021
Peptobiotics is a biotechnology startup focused on livestock disease prevention through innovative synthetic biology solutions. The company specializes in the development of recombinant custom peptides cultivated from synthetic microorganisms, which serve as antibiotic alternatives for promoting animal health and growth. By providing farmers and breeders with effective tools to protect livestock against pathogens, Peptobiotics aims to enhance agricultural productivity while ensuring humane and sustainable practices. The company’s approach addresses the critical need for disease prevention in livestock without contributing to antibiotic resistance, thereby fostering a more responsible and sustainable agricultural ecosystem.

Rebel Meat

Seed Round in 2021
Rebel Meat develops organic meat products that are made half from meat and blended with mushrooms, millet, and spices. They sustainably reduce meat consumption. They also rely on organic quality for their vegetable content.

Chi Botanic

Convertible Note in 2021
Chi Botanic specializes in developing plant stem cell cultures for industrial-scale production of plant-based ingredients. By focusing on specific plant components, they achieve faster growth and higher yields compared to traditional farming methods. Their process reduces the need for fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, water, energy, and shipping, resulting in safer and often enhanced natural products.

Circe

Seed Round in 2021
Circe produces food and chemical inputs through a proprietary fermentation process that uses CO2 as its primary feedstock. This method enables the company to create sustainable, climate-friendly products while maintaining economic viability.

SERA Intelligence

Seed Round in 2021
Sera Intelligence is an Agtech company that offers IoT, machine learning, and advanced analytics to farmers to meet global food demand.

Ascribe Bioscience

Venture Round in 2021
Founded in 2017, Ascribe Bioscience develops innovative crop protection products. By understanding the molecular interactions between plants and microbes, they create treatments that boost crops' natural defenses against pests and fungi, enhancing productivity without harming the environment.

Boomitra

Seed Round in 2021
Boomitra is a US-based company that uses proprietary AI and satellite technology to monitor, report, and verify soil organic carbon up to 30cm depth. This enables cost-efficient, scalable carbon credit generation worldwide, with farmers and landowners earning the majority of proceeds.

Verdi

Verdi is a developer of advanced data science platforms focused on enhancing precision agriculture, particularly in irrigation management. The company creates scalable control systems that facilitate plant-level healthcare and automation, even in challenging farming environments. By leveraging geospatial analytics, Verdi's network of irrigation valves allows farmers and growers to make informed irrigation decisions. This innovative approach enables users to customize water and fertilizer application at the individual plant level, thereby optimizing cultivation processes. Verdi aims to empower agricultural professionals with the tools needed to effectively build, manage, and scale their farming operations.

Verdi Expeditions

Verdi Expeditions is a scalable platform for agricultural automation and tailored plant health.
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