Ponderosa Ventures

Hoofprint Biome is a developer of probiotics that improve the sustainability of ruminant livestock production. Its probiotics and natural enzymes improve cattle health and digestive care by eliminating methane and enabling the livestock industry to catalyze the symbiotic agriculture movement with microbiome engineering.

Terradot is a developer of a carbon removal platform focused on reducing carbon footprints and enhancing soil carbon management. The company employs various methods to extract carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and facilitate high-integrity soil carbon removal. This platform enables both businesses and individuals to actively participate in environmental sustainability efforts, contributing to a positive impact on the planet.

Cerve is a platform designed to enhance communication between wholesalers and B2B buyers in the food industry. It offers a personalized, automated experience by delivering customized product catalogs, pricing, and delivery terms across various devices and platforms. Cerve serves as an end-to-end solution, equipping wholesalers with critical tools such as an AI infrastructure, an ordering platform, a sales application, and a dedicated wholesaler platform. The company focuses on facilitating seamless integration and operational automation for various stakeholders in the food sector, including manufacturers, wholesalers, buying groups, operators, caterers, and marketplaces. By providing these resources, Cerve helps businesses scale their operations more efficiently and effectively.

Everest Carbon is focused on developing innovative rock weathering technology aimed at permanently removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The company utilizes alkaline silicate-based rock or mineral powder, which is spread on soils to enhance soil health and boost crop yields. In addition to its core technology, Everest Carbon is advancing measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems to scale Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) efforts to one billion tons annually. This approach not only addresses carbon emissions but also supports communities in the global south by fostering sustainable agricultural practices and improving livelihoods.

CREW Carbon focuses on the removal of greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater through engineered enhanced weathering. The company's technology harnesses the natural properties of minerals to effectively treat both municipal and industrial wastewater while permanently storing carbon dioxide. Operating in the environmental services sector, CREW Carbon is dedicated to greenhouse gas management and carbon removal, striving to contribute positively to environmental sustainability. Its innovative climate technology solutions are designed to assist businesses and governments in achieving their climate objectives.

Circe specializes in the development of a scalable fermentation platform that transforms carbon dioxide, water, and electricity into organic molecules. By utilizing fermentation, the company aims to revolutionize food production by creating sustainable and healthy ingredients for plant-based foods. Circe focuses on using carbon dioxide as a feedstock, which allows for economically viable and climate-friendly production methods. Through careful selection of fats and fermentation-derived ingredients, Circe produces food items that appeal to consumers while significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional food manufacturing processes.

Uncaged Innovations focuses on developing next-generation biomaterials that replicate bovine and exotic leather using advancements in materials chemistry and digital manufacturing. The company aims to provide sustainable and ethical alternatives to traditional animal skins, catering to various industries, including luxury fashion and automotive. By leveraging innovative technologies, Uncaged Innovations supports businesses seeking to adopt environmentally friendly practices while maintaining high-quality material standards.

Syntopa develops precision biologics using our proprietary methods and the latest technologies from Ag Tech and Synthetic Biology.

Circe specializes in the development of a scalable fermentation platform that transforms carbon dioxide, water, and electricity into organic molecules. By utilizing fermentation, the company aims to revolutionize food production by creating sustainable and healthy ingredients for plant-based foods. Circe focuses on using carbon dioxide as a feedstock, which allows for economically viable and climate-friendly production methods. Through careful selection of fats and fermentation-derived ingredients, Circe produces food items that appeal to consumers while significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional food manufacturing processes.

Nfinite Nanotechnology is an advanced materials company specializing in open-air atomic layer deposition (ALD) technology. The company develops functional nanomaterials that facilitate the creation of sustainable solutions, including compostable and recyclable flexible food packaging, batteries, and photovoltaics. Nfinite's innovative nanocoating system produces large-area, high-quality ultrathin films significantly faster and more economically than conventional methods, enhancing the production capabilities for packaging manufacturers. By enabling the development of cost-effective, sustainable packaging, Nfinite Nanotechnology plays a crucial role in promoting environmental responsibility while ensuring product freshness and shelf-life.

CroBio Ltd is an agricultural biotechnology company based in Macclesfield, United Kingdom, founded in 2019 by experts in microbiology and engineering. The company focuses on developing environmentally sustainable solutions to combat global agricultural drought. Its technology leverages genetically engineered root-associated bacteria that produce a sponge-like biomaterial, facilitating biologically active water retention in soil. This innovative approach aims to improve soil health and enhance water management in agricultural practices.

Peptobiotics is a biotechnology startup focused on enhancing livestock health and productivity through innovative disease prevention solutions. The company specializes in developing recombinant custom peptides using synthetic biology microorganisms as alternatives to traditional antibiotics. By providing farmers with effective tools to promote growth and protect animals from pathogens, Peptobiotics aims to foster a more humane and sustainable agricultural system. Its approach not only addresses the pressing issue of antibiotic resistance but also supports farmers in maintaining healthy livestock, leading to improved agricultural outcomes without the use of conventional antibiotics.

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.

OKIPA is an agricultural chemical manufacturing company.

Mondra specializes in providing data-driven insights aimed at enhancing the sustainability of global food supply chains. The company has developed a platform that enables food system stakeholders to achieve carbon neutrality by offering a labeling system that verifies and showcases the environmental performance of their products. Through the use of advanced technologies, including satellite data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, Mondra identifies and addresses gaps in environmental data, allowing producers to benchmark their performance against industry standards and uncover opportunities for reducing their ecological impact. By promoting transparency and rewarding eco-friendly practices, Mondra helps enhance brand loyalty while driving meaningful change in the food production sector for a more sustainable future.

Terradot is a developer of a carbon removal platform focused on reducing carbon footprints and enhancing soil carbon management. The company employs various methods to extract carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and facilitate high-integrity soil carbon removal. This platform enables both businesses and individuals to actively participate in environmental sustainability efforts, contributing to a positive impact on the planet.

Everest Carbon is focused on developing innovative rock weathering technology aimed at permanently removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The company utilizes alkaline silicate-based rock or mineral powder, which is spread on soils to enhance soil health and boost crop yields. In addition to its core technology, Everest Carbon is advancing measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems to scale Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) efforts to one billion tons annually. This approach not only addresses carbon emissions but also supports communities in the global south by fostering sustainable agricultural practices and improving livelihoods.

Ant Robotics is a mobile robotics company focused on developing autonomous systems for agriculture. By utilizing image recognition and deep learning algorithms, the company provides open-source robotic platforms that assist farmers in identifying and removing harmful weeds from their crops. This technology aims to enhance efficiency in farming practices, ultimately helping to improve crop yields and reduce the reliance on chemical herbicides.

CarbonFarm is a company focused on enabling regenerative agriculture for farmers while supporting corporations in their efforts to achieve net-zero emissions. By utilizing satellite data and artificial intelligence, CarbonFarm provides transparency in the carbon credit market. The company aims to democratize access to carbon credits by monitoring agricultural practices and estimating emissions remotely. This approach allows rice farmers to accurately quantify their emissions, facilitating funding for their transition to sustainable farming practices. Through its innovative technology, CarbonFarm seeks to create a win-win scenario for both farmers and corporations committed to environmental sustainability.

Wootzano is a robotics company that focuses on enhancing the post-harvest industry by addressing labor shortages in packing delicate produce. The company has developed Wootzskin, an advanced electronic skin that allows robots to sense and feel like humans, incorporating sensitive force and pressure sensors along with temperature, humidity, and chemical sensors. This technology enables robots to manipulate various fresh produce accurately and intelligently, ensuring that soft fruits and vegetables are handled with care. Wootzano offers a specialized robotic packaging system that combines sensory awareness, vision technology, and sophisticated machine learning algorithms. This system continuously learns and improves through cloud updates, allowing it to determine the precise force required to pick and pack produce without causing damage.

Hoofprint Biome is a developer of probiotics that improve the sustainability of ruminant livestock production. Its probiotics and natural enzymes improve cattle health and digestive care by eliminating methane and enabling the livestock industry to catalyze the symbiotic agriculture movement with microbiome engineering.

Mondra specializes in providing data-driven insights aimed at enhancing the sustainability of global food supply chains. The company has developed a platform that enables food system stakeholders to achieve carbon neutrality by offering a labeling system that verifies and showcases the environmental performance of their products. Through the use of advanced technologies, including satellite data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, Mondra identifies and addresses gaps in environmental data, allowing producers to benchmark their performance against industry standards and uncover opportunities for reducing their ecological impact. By promoting transparency and rewarding eco-friendly practices, Mondra helps enhance brand loyalty while driving meaningful change in the food production sector for a more sustainable future.

SnoFox Sciences specializes in providing data analytics solutions 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 deliver insights for cold chain monitoring and preventative maintenance. This technology transforms complex data feeds into actionable analytics, which are presented through a customizable web-based tool. This platform facilitates informed decision-making at various levels, whether for specific units, entire facilities, or across entire organizations. By focusing on the optimization of energy use, SnoFox aims to lessen the environmental impact associated with industrial cooling processes.

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 specializes in providing innovative, nature-based solutions for coastal resilience and infrastructure protection. By leveraging advanced technology and geospatial software, the company aims to create sustainable and high-performance solutions that integrate nature directly into infrastructure. Natrx's approach addresses the limitations of traditional methods, which are often costly and ecologically harmful. The company's offerings are tailored to meet the performance needs of large-scale public and private asset owners, enabling builders, architects, and ecologists to enhance environmental outcomes while developing infrastructure. Natrx's commitment to marrying ecological considerations with infrastructure development seeks to set a new standard for sustainability and economic impact.

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 specializes in the development of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors designed to enhance food quality control and minimize waste throughout the supply chain. By leveraging electrochemical sensing technologies and statistical algorithms, the company provides insights into soil nitrogen levels and fertilization practices. This innovative approach not only aims to increase the shelf-life of food products but also assists producers in reducing rejections and food wastage, thereby promoting efficiency from production to consumer delivery.

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 focuses on enhancing quality control for fresh produce through automation and artificial intelligence. The company has developed a software solution that enables users to detect, classify, and sort crops efficiently, thereby maximizing utilization and minimizing waste. By implementing this technology, customers can increase inventory value, reduce distribution costs, and improve food safety. Neolithics aims to streamline the quality control process, decreasing the reliance on manual inspection and sorting, which ultimately leads to cost savings and greater transparency in inventory management.

Muddy Machines develops autonomous robots aimed at assisting farms with labor-intensive crops by automating fieldwork. The company initially focuses on its green asparagus harvest technology while planning to expand its capabilities to other crops. Additionally, Muddy Machines is exploring the use of its robotic platform for other labor-intensive tasks, such as weeding and precision applications. The robots utilize computer vision and machine learning to assess crop maturity and perform selective harvesting, ensuring that crops are picked with care to minimize damage. This innovation enables farmers to increase local produce yields and maintain the freshness of their crops.

Concert Bio is a company that specializes in optimizing microbial communities to enhance the productivity of biotech businesses. It has developed a comprehensive platform that integrates monitoring and analytics to provide insights into microbial ecosystems. By offering targeted interventions, Concert Bio enables organizations to effectively control and improve their microbiomes, ultimately driving better performance in their operations.

Modern Synthesis is a biomaterial company focused on creating sustainable textiles for the fashion industry through innovative microbial weaving techniques. By harnessing the capabilities of bacteria, the company develops a new class of biobased textiles that offer significant advantages over traditional materials. These textiles provide strength and durability without the use of harmful petrochemical binders or toxic byproducts, and they eliminate the need for animal inputs, allowing for a diverse range of aesthetics to meet designers' needs. Modern Synthesis' technology utilizes bacterial nanocellulose, a highly versatile and robust form of cellulose, to produce customizable bio-textiles and composites. This approach not only replaces conventional materials such as animal leathers and plastic-based synthetics but also integrates efficiently with existing manufacturing practices, promoting scalability and sustainability within the industry.

Feedvax is an Argentine company founded in 2018 that specializes in developing oral vaccines for farmed fish, aiming to enhance animal production sustainably. The company has created a platform that delivers in-feed vaccines, beginning with a product targeting streptococcosis in tilapia, a widely farmed fish species. Feedvax's innovative approach allows for easy administration of vaccines through feed, providing an effective and environmentally safe alternative to antibiotics. This method not only protects fish from disease but also minimizes stress and potential contamination, offering a practical solution for fish producers seeking greater efficiency in aquaculture.

Plonts is a business focused on producing plant-based foods that promote sustainability. The company specializes in creating a unique category of plant-based cheeses, utilizing fermentation and aging techniques to transform mild plant ingredients into flavorful and textured cheese alternatives. By harnessing the art of microbes, Plonts aims to provide a diverse range of authentic cheese flavors and varieties. This approach not only caters to health-conscious consumers but also ensures that the products are offered at reasonable prices, aligning with the growing demand for organic and sustainable food options.

Savefruit specializes in post-harvest technologies aimed at extending the shelf life of various fruits, including bananas, mangoes, tomatoes, apples, papayas, and avocados. The company's innovative product, delivered as a fine powder in a sealed bag, effectively delays the ripening process while preserving the texture, firmness, color, odor, flavor, and nutritional properties of the fruit. By validating and testing each formulation individually, Savefruit addresses the critical issue of fruit waste, enabling producers to maintain the quality of their yields and contribute to food sustainability.

Aquanzo is a business focused on farming marine zooplankton on land, utilizing agricultural byproducts to create a sustainable and efficient production process. The company aims to domesticate zooplankton as a natural and optimal feed source for fish and shrimp, addressing the growing demand for marine proteins in the aquafeed industry. By leveraging advanced technologies, Aquanzo produces nutritious and environmentally friendly ingredients that minimize the ecological impact associated with traditional ocean harvesting. This innovative approach enables clients to enhance their aquaculture practices while preserving ocean ecosystems.

Planblue GmbH, founded in 2017 and based in Bremen, Germany, specializes in advanced seafloor monitoring technology. The company has developed the DiveRay, an intelligent underwater camera that employs hyperspectral imaging and machine-learning algorithms to automatically scan and analyze seafloor areas, lake bottoms, and river beds. This technology significantly enhances the efficiency of both underwater monitoring and data analysis on land, making it accessible to any experienced diver. The data collected by the DiveRay is objective and can be easily compared to future studies, facilitating environmental impact analysis and scientific research. Additionally, Planblue's solutions support the inspection of underwater constructions at various stages and assist in repair activities, thereby promoting conservation and sustainable industrial practices in marine environments.

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.

SnoFox Sciences specializes in providing data analytics solutions 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 deliver insights for cold chain monitoring and preventative maintenance. This technology transforms complex data feeds into actionable analytics, which are presented through a customizable web-based tool. This platform facilitates informed decision-making at various levels, whether for specific units, entire facilities, or across entire organizations. By focusing on the optimization of energy use, SnoFox aims to lessen the environmental impact associated with industrial cooling processes.

Heartee specializes in the production of gourmet mushrooms through innovative solar-powered container farms. The company provides a turn-key solution for the cultivation of edible and gourmet mushroom varieties, offering fourteen different types to its customers. By leveraging sustainable farming practices, Heartee enables clients to access fresh mushrooms while promoting environmentally friendly agricultural methods.

Peptobiotics is a biotechnology startup focused on enhancing livestock health and productivity through innovative disease prevention solutions. The company specializes in developing recombinant custom peptides using synthetic biology microorganisms as alternatives to traditional antibiotics. By providing farmers with effective tools to promote growth and protect animals from pathogens, Peptobiotics aims to foster a more humane and sustainable agricultural system. Its approach not only addresses the pressing issue of antibiotic resistance but also supports farmers in maintaining healthy livestock, leading to improved agricultural outcomes without the use of conventional antibiotics.

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 specializes in the production of plant stem cells that can be cultivated into various plant products and ingredients at an industrial scale. The company focuses on developing plant cell cultures that contain only the desired components, allowing for faster growth compared to traditional plants. This innovative approach enables the synthesis of products using the entire culture, overcoming the limitations posed by climate, geography, and seasonal changes. Additionally, Chi Botanic's method eliminates the need for fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, significantly reducing water and energy consumption as well as shipping requirements. By harnessing the power of synthetic biology, Chi Botanic aims to provide cleaner and often enhanced natural products while minimizing waste in the production process.

Circe specializes in the development of a scalable fermentation platform that transforms carbon dioxide, water, and electricity into organic molecules. By utilizing fermentation, the company aims to revolutionize food production by creating sustainable and healthy ingredients for plant-based foods. Circe focuses on using carbon dioxide as a feedstock, which allows for economically viable and climate-friendly production methods. Through careful selection of fats and fermentation-derived ingredients, Circe produces food items that appeal to consumers while significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional food manufacturing processes.

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

Ascribe Bioscience is a company focused on developing environmentally friendly crop protection products that help farmers combat pathogens affecting their crops. Founded in 2017 and based in Ithaca, New York, the company is currently working on a seed treatment product designed to enhance crops' natural defenses against diseases such as Rhizoctonia. By researching the interactions between microbes and plants at the molecular level, Ascribe Bioscience identifies the signaling molecules that activate plants' innate immunity. This innovative approach aims to improve both the quality and productivity of agricultural yields while minimizing negative environmental impacts.

Boomitra is an innovative carbon marketplace focused on mitigating climate change by collaborating with farmers and landowners globally to enhance agricultural practices. Based in the United States, the company employs proprietary artificial intelligence and satellite technology to monitor, report, and verify soil organic carbon levels to a depth of over 30 centimeters without the need for physical soil sampling, achieving a 99% reduction in measurement costs. This efficient and scalable approach allows Boomitra to operate across diverse landholdings, impacting over 5 million acres and engaging more than 150,000 farmers on four continents. Farmers and landowners benefit significantly from the sale of carbon credits, receiving the majority of the proceeds, which can be reinvested into their farms and local communities. By integrating satellite data and geospatial deep learning, Boomitra promotes sustainable land management and provides cost-effective pathways for farmers to participate in the carbon credit market while assisting organizations in achieving their sustainability goals.

Verdi is focused on creating a data science platform that enhances precision agriculture, starting with irrigation management. The company develops scalable control systems that provide automation and plant-level healthcare, specifically designed to function effectively in challenging agricultural environments. By utilizing a network of irrigation valves powered by geospatial analytics, Verdi enables farmers to make informed decisions regarding irrigation. This technology allows for the customization of water and fertilizer application at the plant level, facilitating better management of cultivation practices. Through external integrations, Verdi aims to support farmers and growers in building, managing, and scaling their precision agriculture systems effectively.

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