Agtonomy is a company that provides a hybrid autonomous and tele-assist platform designed to tackle the challenges of labor shortages and sustainability in agriculture. By collaborating with established equipment developers, Agtonomy transforms traditional tractors and agricultural machinery into autonomous and remotely controlled systems. This innovation makes advanced farming technology accessible to local farmers, helping them improve efficiency while managing tight budgets and seasonal pressures. The company's solutions aim to enhance productivity in agricultural operations, supporting farmers in navigating the complexities of modern farming.
AgroSpheres
Series B in 2024
AgroSpheres, LLC is a biotechnology company based in Charlottesville, Virginia, that specializes in innovative pesticide delivery technologies for the agriculture industry. Founded in 2016, AgroSpheres develops engineered bio-particles designed to deliver pesticide-degrading enzymes, which help to minimize waiting periods between pesticide application and harvest. The company employs a unique platform technology that enhances the performance of various crop protection products, including fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides. By utilizing bioengineering and industrial fermentation techniques, AgroSpheres creates biodegradable encapsulation solutions that aim to reduce harmful pesticide residues on plants, ultimately promoting healthier agricultural practices and improving the overall well-being of crops.
Solasta Bio
Series A in 2024
Solasta Bio focuses on developing environmentally friendly products that address the global demand for innovative and effective crop protection. The company creates biological pesticides and neuropeptide-based insect control solutions designed to provide superior natural protection for crops. Its product portfolio encompasses a wide range of offerings that target various pests, including those that have developed resistance to traditional synthetic chemicals. By enabling farmers to manage pest populations sustainably, Solasta Bio aims to enhance crop production while prioritizing safety and environmental responsibility.
Kuehnle Agrosystems
Series A in 2024
Kuehnle Agrosystems, Inc. is a biotechnology company specializing in the development and production of specialty chemicals and raw materials derived from microalgae. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii, the company focuses on creating biologically active compounds for various applications. Its product range serves the personal care industry, including cosmetics, skin care, and dietary supplements, as well as agriculture and aquaculture sectors, offering solutions such as feed additives, crop protectants, and quality control products. Kuehnle Agrosystems collaborates with multinational corporations to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions across these diverse markets.
AgroSpheres
Series B in 2023
AgroSpheres, LLC is a biotechnology company based in Charlottesville, Virginia, that specializes in innovative pesticide delivery technologies for the agriculture industry. Founded in 2016, AgroSpheres develops engineered bio-particles designed to deliver pesticide-degrading enzymes, which help to minimize waiting periods between pesticide application and harvest. The company employs a unique platform technology that enhances the performance of various crop protection products, including fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides. By utilizing bioengineering and industrial fermentation techniques, AgroSpheres creates biodegradable encapsulation solutions that aim to reduce harmful pesticide residues on plants, ultimately promoting healthier agricultural practices and improving the overall well-being of crops.
Talus Renewables
Series A in 2023
Talus Renewables offers new pathways to chemicals, fertilizers, and fuels with its green ammonia production technology.
Debut Biotechnology, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, established in 2019. It specializes in biomanufacturing solutions for high-value molecules, focusing on the development of specialty enzyme solutions and continuous manufacturing processes. The company offers a range of services, including biomanufacturing cartridges, fermentation, and the immobilization of cells and enzymes. Debut Biotechnology is dedicated to creating novel immobilization techniques for enzymes, achieving high success rates and providing immobilized enzymes for continuous manufacturing systems. Its innovative approach enables the production and modification of small and large molecules, catering primarily to the pharmaceutical and specialty chemical industries. By harnessing natural enzyme technologies, Debut aims to deliver sustainable and cost-effective ingredient solutions to its clients.
Solasta Bio
Seed Round in 2023
Solasta Bio focuses on developing environmentally friendly products that address the global demand for innovative and effective crop protection. The company creates biological pesticides and neuropeptide-based insect control solutions designed to provide superior natural protection for crops. Its product portfolio encompasses a wide range of offerings that target various pests, including those that have developed resistance to traditional synthetic chemicals. By enabling farmers to manage pest populations sustainably, Solasta Bio aims to enhance crop production while prioritizing safety and environmental responsibility.
Windfall Bio
Seed Round in 2023
Windfall Bio is an innovative company based in San Mateo, California, that addresses climate change by transforming harmful methane emissions into organic fertilizer. Established in 2022, the company utilizes methane-eating microbes to capture methane from various sources, including agriculture, oil and gas, and waste management. This nature-based technology not only reduces the methane footprint of these industries but also improves their operational efficiency and profitability while minimizing the negative environmental impacts associated with synthetic fertilizers. By providing farmers and other producers with the means to convert methane into valuable soil nutrients, Windfall Bio fosters a sustainable agricultural future and contributes positively to environmental conservation. The company is backed by prominent venture capital firms, reflecting its potential to make a significant impact in the fight against climate change.
Andes Ag, Inc., founded in 2018 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, specializes in developing microbe-based seed technologies aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture. The company leverages beneficial microbes that have naturally co-evolved with plants over millennia. Through scientific research and advanced predictive software powered by artificial intelligence, Andes creates customized microbe-based formulations designed to enhance crop yields, accelerate growth, and enable cultivation in traditionally unsuitable lands. These solutions also aim to reduce the reliance on fertilizers and pesticides, helping farmers address the challenges posed by global climate change. Andes is positioned to contribute significantly to a new green revolution, fostering responsible and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
Sound Agriculture
Series D in 2022
Sound Agriculture Company develops innovative crop protection and enhancement products aimed at improving agricultural yields and increasing farm revenues. Based in Emeryville, California, the company focuses on leveraging molecular discovery and life sciences to create climate-resilient crops that enhance harvest yields while promoting sustainable farming practices. Its flagship product, Source, enhances in-season nutrient uptake by unlocking existing nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil, thereby maximizing crop performance. Additionally, Sound Agriculture produces solutions that support improved photosynthesis, water efficiency, and overall crop health, contributing to more sustainable and nutritious food production. The company, originally known as Asilomar Bio, Inc., was founded in 2012 and rebranded in 2018, reflecting its commitment to addressing critical agricultural challenges.
Verdant Robotics
Series A in 2022
Verdant Robotics, Inc., founded in 2018 and based in Hayward, California, specializes in artificial intelligence-driven robotic solutions for agriculture. The company develops advanced technologies that enable farmers to digitally map their fields and monitor each plant's health over time. Verdant's flagship product, the Model B Smart Sprayer, significantly reduces labor costs by over 50% and input costs by up to 96% while providing precise weeding and thinning for various crop types. Utilizing proprietary Bullseye targeting technology and a Pinpoint Spray System, Verdant promotes micro-fertilization and nutrient delivery, enhancing crop yields and efficiency. By leveraging robotics, computer vision, and machine learning, Verdant Robotics empowers growers of all sizes to optimize production and improve profitability in the agricultural sector.
Vow Foods is a company that specializes in producing cultivated exotic meat through lab-based methods. By utilizing animal cells rather than traditional livestock, Vow aims to create sustainable and ethical meat alternatives. The process involves harvesting animal cells via biopsy and growing them in a nutrient-rich medium, which allows for the development of a diverse range of meat products. This innovative approach not only provides consumers, restaurants, and chefs with nutritious and flavorful options but also reduces reliance on natural resources typically used in conventional meat production.
Lithos Carbon
Seed Round in 2022
Lithos Carbon is an agricultural carbon removal company focused on developing innovative carbon capture technology for farms. Founded in March 2022 by experienced entrepreneurs and experts in atmospheric geochemistry, the company aims to transform farmland into carbon capture centers, with a goal of removing one billion tons of CO2 from the atmosphere within this decade. Lithos Carbon's technology employs isotope dilution methods and advanced soil models, utilizing mineral weathering techniques that involve spreading basalt on croplands to enhance dissolved inorganic carbon and facilitate long-term storage as ocean carbonates. Their approach not only promotes significant carbon dioxide removal but also enhances crop yields and improves soil conditions. The company's solutions are custom-designed for specific fields and crops, ensuring immediate scalability and empirical effectiveness.
AgroSpheres
Series B in 2022
AgroSpheres, LLC is a biotechnology company based in Charlottesville, Virginia, that specializes in innovative pesticide delivery technologies for the agriculture industry. Founded in 2016, AgroSpheres develops engineered bio-particles designed to deliver pesticide-degrading enzymes, which help to minimize waiting periods between pesticide application and harvest. The company employs a unique platform technology that enhances the performance of various crop protection products, including fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides. By utilizing bioengineering and industrial fermentation techniques, AgroSpheres creates biodegradable encapsulation solutions that aim to reduce harmful pesticide residues on plants, ultimately promoting healthier agricultural practices and improving the overall well-being of crops.
microTERRA
Seed Round in 2022
microTERRA is a company dedicated to developing sustainable food ingredients by utilizing Lemna, an aquatic plant known for its water-cleaning properties and ability to produce valuable functional ingredients. Their flagship product, Flora, enhances sweetness perception while reducing sugar content in formulations, effectively masking unwanted notes from high-intensity sweeteners without compromising texture or taste. This innovation addresses a significant market opportunity within the food industry. microTERRA operates as an ingredient platform, focusing on creating specialty ingredients through sustainable methods.
Agtonomy
Seed Round in 2022
Agtonomy is a company that provides a hybrid autonomous and tele-assist platform designed to tackle the challenges of labor shortages and sustainability in agriculture. By collaborating with established equipment developers, Agtonomy transforms traditional tractors and agricultural machinery into autonomous and remotely controlled systems. This innovation makes advanced farming technology accessible to local farmers, helping them improve efficiency while managing tight budgets and seasonal pressures. The company's solutions aim to enhance productivity in agricultural operations, supporting farmers in navigating the complexities of modern farming.
Vestaron Corporation is a developer and manufacturer of peptide-based biologic crop protection products, designed to enhance the safety, efficacy, and sustainability of agricultural practices. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, with a research and development center in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Vestaron offers a range of bioinsecticides, including Spear-T for treating thrips in vegetables and ornamentals, Spear-Lep for fruits and field crops, and Leprotec for broader field use. The company is recognized for its commitment to addressing resistance issues in pests while ensuring safety for workers, beneficial organisms, and the environment. Vestaron has received several awards for its innovative biocontrol solutions, including the Bernard Blum Award and the Green Chemistry Challenge Award, reflecting its leadership in the field of sustainable agriculture.
Bond Pet Foods
Venture Round in 2022
Bond Pet Foods, established in 2015 and based in Boulder, Colorado, specializes in manufacturing pet food products using real animal protein produced through fermentation. The company cultivates animal proteins in a lab setting using biotechnology, eliminating the need for animal slaughter. These proteins are then harvested and formulated into pet nutrition and food products, meeting the specific dietary requirements of companion animals. Bond Pet Foods aims to provide sustainable, all-natural, and animal-free alternatives for pet owners seeking eco-friendly options.
FarmWise, established in 2016 and headquartered in San Francisco, specializes in developing and manufacturing robotic machinery for agriculture. The company's primary product is a mechanical weeder, designed to track and remove weeds in vegetable crops, enhancing farm efficiency and reducing herbicide usage. FarmWise also offers comprehensive training and support to ensure optimal use of its technology.
Vestaron Corporation is a developer and manufacturer of peptide-based biologic crop protection products, designed to enhance the safety, efficacy, and sustainability of agricultural practices. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, with a research and development center in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Vestaron offers a range of bioinsecticides, including Spear-T for treating thrips in vegetables and ornamentals, Spear-Lep for fruits and field crops, and Leprotec for broader field use. The company is recognized for its commitment to addressing resistance issues in pests while ensuring safety for workers, beneficial organisms, and the environment. Vestaron has received several awards for its innovative biocontrol solutions, including the Bernard Blum Award and the Green Chemistry Challenge Award, reflecting its leadership in the field of sustainable agriculture.
Koidra is a technology company that specializes in enhancing agricultural production through its digital decision platform. It provides autonomous growing AIoT solutions that allow controlled farms and greenhouse operators to monitor and analyze operational data effectively. By employing advanced data analytics and intelligent automation, Koidra's platform facilitates the maintenance of optimal growing environments, which in turn improves crop yields and reduces costs. The company's innovations support businesses in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors by enabling them to scale their digital workforces, automate operational decision-making, and enhance overall efficiency, positioning them for future relevance in a competitive market.
Zymochem
Seed Round in 2021
ZymoChem, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Emeryville, California, founded in 2013. The company specializes in developing microbes and bioprocesses that convert renewable feedstocks, such as sugars, into bio-based chemicals. ZymoChem's innovative platform focuses on creating eco-friendly chemical solutions while minimizing carbon dioxide emissions during production. By engineering novel microbes and establishing cost-effective bioprocesses, the company enhances the biological conversion of renewable materials into various industrial chemicals. This approach not only lowers production costs for clients but also contributes to sustainability by promoting a carbon-efficient manufacturing process. ZymoChem aims to support the transition to a real-zero economy by providing alternatives that reduce carbon emissions across product development, usage, and disposal.
Smartwyre
Series A in 2021
Smartwyre Inc. is a software company founded in 2018 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado. It specializes in developing solutions for the agricultural supply industry, focusing on the commerce of agricultural inputs and services. The software is designed to enhance the performance of agribusinesses by providing real-time data on products, pricing, and rebates. By leveraging cloud technology, Smartwyre enables distributors, retailers, and manufacturers in the agricultural sector to optimize their commercial activities and drive profitability in seed and crop protection. The company was established by experts with extensive experience in crop protection and software development, aiming to support the needs of those supplying the world’s farmers.
Sound Agriculture
Series C in 2021
Sound Agriculture Company develops innovative crop protection and enhancement products aimed at improving agricultural yields and increasing farm revenues. Based in Emeryville, California, the company focuses on leveraging molecular discovery and life sciences to create climate-resilient crops that enhance harvest yields while promoting sustainable farming practices. Its flagship product, Source, enhances in-season nutrient uptake by unlocking existing nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil, thereby maximizing crop performance. Additionally, Sound Agriculture produces solutions that support improved photosynthesis, water efficiency, and overall crop health, contributing to more sustainable and nutritious food production. The company, originally known as Asilomar Bio, Inc., was founded in 2012 and rebranded in 2018, reflecting its commitment to addressing critical agricultural challenges.
Beta Hatch
Venture Round in 2021
Beta Hatch Inc. specializes in the production of insect protein primarily for animal feed and also produces nutrient-balanced fertilizers as a by-product of its operations. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Cashmere, Washington, the company focuses on farming mealworms and utilizes rearing technology that converts organic waste, such as spent brewery grains, into high-quality insect feed. In addition to animal feed, Beta Hatch explores the potential applications of insect exoskeletons in bioplastics and pharmaceuticals. With a commitment to sustainable practices, the company aims to create a zero-waste system while addressing the growing global demand for efficient agricultural solutions. Beta Hatch serves a diverse clientele, including farmers, ranchers, and researchers, leveraging its expertise in entomology to promote the use of insects as a viable commodity crop in food and fertilizer applications.
Andes Ag, Inc., founded in 2018 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, specializes in developing microbe-based seed technologies aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture. The company leverages beneficial microbes that have naturally co-evolved with plants over millennia. Through scientific research and advanced predictive software powered by artificial intelligence, Andes creates customized microbe-based formulations designed to enhance crop yields, accelerate growth, and enable cultivation in traditionally unsuitable lands. These solutions also aim to reduce the reliance on fertilizers and pesticides, helping farmers address the challenges posed by global climate change. Andes is positioned to contribute significantly to a new green revolution, fostering responsible and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
Guardian Agriculture
Seed Round in 2021
Guardian Agriculture is a developer of autonomous electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) systems specifically designed for precision agricultural applications. The company offers a sustainable solution for crop protection, enabling farmers to harness aerial application technology while reducing their environmental footprint and minimizing product resistance. Its integrated system operates safely over farmland, capturing valuable application data that helps refine chemical usage and enhance crop sustainability. By providing crop protection as a service and precision agriculture solutions, Guardian Agriculture empowers growers to optimize their farming practices and extend their operational reach.
SomaDetect
Series A in 2021
SomaDetect Inc. is an agricultural technology company based in Fredericton, Canada, founded in 2016. The company specializes in providing dairy farmers with real-time analytics of milk components through advanced sensor technology. SomaDetect's innovative system measures critical indicators such as fat content and somatic cell counts in raw milk during each milking session. By offering automated and chemical-free analysis, the company empowers farmers to identify potential issues early, manage herd health effectively, reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, and ensure high-quality milk is delivered to bulk supplies. With a focus on leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence, SomaDetect aims to enhance decision-making for dairy farmers, ultimately improving the quality of milk production.
Vestaron Corporation is a developer and manufacturer of peptide-based biologic crop protection products, designed to enhance the safety, efficacy, and sustainability of agricultural practices. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, with a research and development center in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Vestaron offers a range of bioinsecticides, including Spear-T for treating thrips in vegetables and ornamentals, Spear-Lep for fruits and field crops, and Leprotec for broader field use. The company is recognized for its commitment to addressing resistance issues in pests while ensuring safety for workers, beneficial organisms, and the environment. Vestaron has received several awards for its innovative biocontrol solutions, including the Bernard Blum Award and the Green Chemistry Challenge Award, reflecting its leadership in the field of sustainable agriculture.
Sabanto
Convertible Note in 2020
Sabanto is a company that offers a Farming-as-a-Service solution aimed at enhancing autonomy in agricultural machinery. It specializes in low-cost retrofitting of existing agricultural equipment, irrespective of brand or model, and develops software that supports the functionality of autonomous technology. This approach not only improves the utility of farming equipment but also aims to increase the return on investment for producers. Sabanto's technology facilitates comprehensive agricultural services through a supervised autonomous equipment platform, allowing farmers to monitor and operate their operations efficiently from a centralized location. By focusing on simple and cost-effective innovations, Sabanto is dedicated to advancing the future of agriculture.
Beta Hatch
Series A in 2020
Beta Hatch Inc. specializes in the production of insect protein primarily for animal feed and also produces nutrient-balanced fertilizers as a by-product of its operations. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Cashmere, Washington, the company focuses on farming mealworms and utilizes rearing technology that converts organic waste, such as spent brewery grains, into high-quality insect feed. In addition to animal feed, Beta Hatch explores the potential applications of insect exoskeletons in bioplastics and pharmaceuticals. With a commitment to sustainable practices, the company aims to create a zero-waste system while addressing the growing global demand for efficient agricultural solutions. Beta Hatch serves a diverse clientele, including farmers, ranchers, and researchers, leveraging its expertise in entomology to promote the use of insects as a viable commodity crop in food and fertilizer applications.
Ascus Biosciences
Series B in 2020
Ascus Biosciences, established in 2015 and based in San Diego, California, specializes in developing a computational and genomics-based technology platform. This platform enables the discovery and development of next-generation microbial products.
Beta Hatch
Series A in 2020
Beta Hatch Inc. specializes in the production of insect protein primarily for animal feed and also produces nutrient-balanced fertilizers as a by-product of its operations. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Cashmere, Washington, the company focuses on farming mealworms and utilizes rearing technology that converts organic waste, such as spent brewery grains, into high-quality insect feed. In addition to animal feed, Beta Hatch explores the potential applications of insect exoskeletons in bioplastics and pharmaceuticals. With a commitment to sustainable practices, the company aims to create a zero-waste system while addressing the growing global demand for efficient agricultural solutions. Beta Hatch serves a diverse clientele, including farmers, ranchers, and researchers, leveraging its expertise in entomology to promote the use of insects as a viable commodity crop in food and fertilizer applications.
Sound Agriculture
Series C in 2020
Sound Agriculture Company develops innovative crop protection and enhancement products aimed at improving agricultural yields and increasing farm revenues. Based in Emeryville, California, the company focuses on leveraging molecular discovery and life sciences to create climate-resilient crops that enhance harvest yields while promoting sustainable farming practices. Its flagship product, Source, enhances in-season nutrient uptake by unlocking existing nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil, thereby maximizing crop performance. Additionally, Sound Agriculture produces solutions that support improved photosynthesis, water efficiency, and overall crop health, contributing to more sustainable and nutritious food production. The company, originally known as Asilomar Bio, Inc., was founded in 2012 and rebranded in 2018, reflecting its commitment to addressing critical agricultural challenges.
Checkerspot
Series B in 2020
Checkerspot, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Berkeley, California, founded in 2016. It specializes in the development of sustainable performance materials derived from microalgae and biobased oils. The company focuses on innovating materials at a molecular level, utilizing its expertise in molecular foundry, chemistry, material science, and fabrication technology. Checkerspot aims to expand the range of molecular building blocks available for high-performance materials, particularly in industrial applications such as polyurethanes and textile finishes. Through its pioneering approach, Checkerspot contributes to the advancement of sustainable materials in various industries.
Crop Enhancement
Series B in 2020
Crop Enhancement LLC is an early-stage specialty materials company based in San Jose, California, founded in 2011. The company focuses on developing innovative anchoring and controlled-release formulation technologies for agricultural chemicals. Its advanced agrochemical formulations utilize environmentally friendly chemistry to enhance crop yields and profitability while minimizing the reliance on synthetic pesticides. Crop Enhancement's products include proprietary films that modify plant surfaces, improving resistance to pests and diseases. This approach not only supports sustainable farming practices but also enables precise delivery of active ingredients and fertilizers, ultimately benefiting growers through increased efficiency and reduced chemical use.
FieldIn is a technology company that provides a data platform designed to enhance agricultural operations. It combines innovative hardware, an array of sensors, and data science analytics to deliver real-time insights into farming activities. By automatically recording field data and tracking spray operations, FieldIn enables farmers and stakeholders to improve operational efficiency and reduce errors in pest control processes. The platform offers practical tools that enhance transparency, traceability, and collaboration among farm professionals. Through its integrative solution, FieldIn helps clients adapt to changing pest resistance, significantly improve crop yields, and reduce operational costs, ultimately supporting the goal of cultivating smarter and more effective farms.
AgroSpheres
Series A in 2019
AgroSpheres, LLC is a biotechnology company based in Charlottesville, Virginia, that specializes in innovative pesticide delivery technologies for the agriculture industry. Founded in 2016, AgroSpheres develops engineered bio-particles designed to deliver pesticide-degrading enzymes, which help to minimize waiting periods between pesticide application and harvest. The company employs a unique platform technology that enhances the performance of various crop protection products, including fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides. By utilizing bioengineering and industrial fermentation techniques, AgroSpheres creates biodegradable encapsulation solutions that aim to reduce harmful pesticide residues on plants, ultimately promoting healthier agricultural practices and improving the overall well-being of crops.
SomaDetect
Seed Round in 2019
SomaDetect Inc. is an agricultural technology company based in Fredericton, Canada, founded in 2016. The company specializes in providing dairy farmers with real-time analytics of milk components through advanced sensor technology. SomaDetect's innovative system measures critical indicators such as fat content and somatic cell counts in raw milk during each milking session. By offering automated and chemical-free analysis, the company empowers farmers to identify potential issues early, manage herd health effectively, reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, and ensure high-quality milk is delivered to bulk supplies. With a focus on leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence, SomaDetect aims to enhance decision-making for dairy farmers, ultimately improving the quality of milk production.
Sabanto
Seed Round in 2019
Sabanto is a company that offers a Farming-as-a-Service solution aimed at enhancing autonomy in agricultural machinery. It specializes in low-cost retrofitting of existing agricultural equipment, irrespective of brand or model, and develops software that supports the functionality of autonomous technology. This approach not only improves the utility of farming equipment but also aims to increase the return on investment for producers. Sabanto's technology facilitates comprehensive agricultural services through a supervised autonomous equipment platform, allowing farmers to monitor and operate their operations efficiently from a centralized location. By focusing on simple and cost-effective innovations, Sabanto is dedicated to advancing the future of agriculture.
Smartwyre
Seed Round in 2019
Smartwyre Inc. is a software company founded in 2018 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado. It specializes in developing solutions for the agricultural supply industry, focusing on the commerce of agricultural inputs and services. The software is designed to enhance the performance of agribusinesses by providing real-time data on products, pricing, and rebates. By leveraging cloud technology, Smartwyre enables distributors, retailers, and manufacturers in the agricultural sector to optimize their commercial activities and drive profitability in seed and crop protection. The company was established by experts with extensive experience in crop protection and software development, aiming to support the needs of those supplying the world’s farmers.
Performance Livestock Analytics
Venture Round in 2019
Performance Livestock Analytics, Inc. is a company that specializes in developing farm management information systems tailored for the livestock industry. Founded in 2016 and based in Ames, Iowa, the company utilizes cloud-based technologies to integrate on-farm data with advanced analytics, offering a comprehensive platform for livestock producers. The services provided include daily management of on-farm data, benchmarking analytics, and tools for monitoring performance. A notable product is the Bluetooth Smart scale device, which automates feed delivery processes and helps producers accurately track feed usage and expenses. The platform facilitates real-time access to data and connects producers with trusted advisors, enhancing decision-making related to performance and financial management. By leveraging big data and software analytics, Performance Livestock Analytics aims to improve sustainability and profitability for livestock operations. As of April 2020, it operates as a subsidiary of Zoetis Inc.
Crop Enhancement
Venture Round in 2019
Crop Enhancement LLC is an early-stage specialty materials company based in San Jose, California, founded in 2011. The company focuses on developing innovative anchoring and controlled-release formulation technologies for agricultural chemicals. Its advanced agrochemical formulations utilize environmentally friendly chemistry to enhance crop yields and profitability while minimizing the reliance on synthetic pesticides. Crop Enhancement's products include proprietary films that modify plant surfaces, improving resistance to pests and diseases. This approach not only supports sustainable farming practices but also enables precise delivery of active ingredients and fertilizers, ultimately benefiting growers through increased efficiency and reduced chemical use.
Geltor, Inc. is a biodesign company focused on producing bioactive, animal-free collagens and proteins for a range of applications including beauty and nutrition. The company offers innovative products such as Collume, a bio-designed collagen technology that supports skincare cellular regeneration, and HumaColl21, which enhances the skin's appearance by boosting collagen, elastin, laminin, and fibronectin levels. Geltor also provides vegan collagen peptides and other novel proteins for use in functional foods and nutraceuticals. Established in 2015 and based in San Leandro, California, Geltor is committed to sustainable practices and aims to support a plant-based future through its clinically validated, biocompatible materials.
Beta Hatch
Seed Round in 2018
Beta Hatch Inc. specializes in the production of insect protein primarily for animal feed and also produces nutrient-balanced fertilizers as a by-product of its operations. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Cashmere, Washington, the company focuses on farming mealworms and utilizes rearing technology that converts organic waste, such as spent brewery grains, into high-quality insect feed. In addition to animal feed, Beta Hatch explores the potential applications of insect exoskeletons in bioplastics and pharmaceuticals. With a commitment to sustainable practices, the company aims to create a zero-waste system while addressing the growing global demand for efficient agricultural solutions. Beta Hatch serves a diverse clientele, including farmers, ranchers, and researchers, leveraging its expertise in entomology to promote the use of insects as a viable commodity crop in food and fertilizer applications.
Sound Agriculture
Series B in 2017
Sound Agriculture Company develops innovative crop protection and enhancement products aimed at improving agricultural yields and increasing farm revenues. Based in Emeryville, California, the company focuses on leveraging molecular discovery and life sciences to create climate-resilient crops that enhance harvest yields while promoting sustainable farming practices. Its flagship product, Source, enhances in-season nutrient uptake by unlocking existing nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil, thereby maximizing crop performance. Additionally, Sound Agriculture produces solutions that support improved photosynthesis, water efficiency, and overall crop health, contributing to more sustainable and nutritious food production. The company, originally known as Asilomar Bio, Inc., was founded in 2012 and rebranded in 2018, reflecting its commitment to addressing critical agricultural challenges.
Bountiful
Seed Round in 2017
Bountiful is an agtech company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. It specializes in developing a platform that offers yield forecasting and actionable information for farmers. The company's tools provide real-time analytics and yield forecasts at various levels, from country to field-specific data, months before harvest. Bountiful utilizes machine learning along with weather, satellite, geographic, and historical data to deliver precise insights, helping farmers understand factors impacting crop production. Additionally, Bountiful Marketplace allows farmers to sell their products directly to vetted buyers through multi-year contracts based on unique forecasts. The company's technologies include crop classification via satellite imagery and hyper-localized weather modeling techniques, aiming to enhance agricultural sustainability and profitability.