Continental Grain Company

Continental Grain Company, founded in 1813 and based in New York, is a prominent privately held firm specializing in the food and agriculture sectors. The company initially started as a grain trading business in Arlon, Belgium, and has since expanded its operations to include diversified investment activities focused on protein-based businesses. By partnering with exceptional management teams, Continental Grain seeks to create long-term value and pursue strategic growth opportunities worldwide. Its investment groups, including CGC Ventures and a middle market investment division, enable the company to explore new avenues for growth within the global food and agriculture landscape. With a strong entrepreneurial legacy and a commitment to financial success, Continental Grain Company aims to positively impact its employees and business partners.

Maximiliano Astruc

Vice President

Frank Baier

CFO and Administrative Officer

Marcelo Deschamps

Vice President

Paul Fribourg

Chairman and CEO

Ari Gendason

Chief Investment Officer

Nicolas Guzman

Associate, Direct Investments

Ryan Oksenhendler

Principal, Corporate Investments

Carlos Poblete

Co-Head and Principal

Nicholas Rosa

Chairman, Conti International

Ignacio Sanz

Co-Head and Principal

Kevin Thorson

Principal

Hunter Whitney

Associate, Direct Investments

Jiayu Zhang

Principal, Conti Asia

Past deals in Agriculture

Bushel

Venture Round in 2023
Bushel Inc. is a Fargo, North Dakota-based company that develops software solutions for the agricultural industry, specifically targeting the grain trading sector. Established in 2011, Bushel offers a comprehensive platform that connects grain companies and growers through various digital tools. Its product suite includes a mobile application, websites, trading tools, market feeds, and API services, all designed to facilitate efficient transactions and enhance communication between farmers, grain buyers, protein producers, and food companies. The platform provides users with instant access to essential information such as scale tickets, contracts, commodity balances, and cash bids, while prioritizing data privacy as a fundamental aspect of its operations.

Sentera

Series C in 2023
Sentera, Inc. is a technology company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, that specializes in designing, manufacturing, and distributing integrated software and sensor products primarily for the agriculture sector. Founded in 2014, Sentera provides decision support and insights to growers, advisors, and enterprises through advanced analytics and machine learning. The company’s offerings include drone sensors, video technology services, and the OnTop mobile app and desktop client, which facilitate access to inspection data. Sentera leverages high-resolution drone imagery, satellite data, and various sensors to gather and analyze agricultural data, allowing clients to optimize cultivation outcomes and improve performance through actionable insights. Additionally, its services extend to other industries such as mining, infrastructure, security, and public safety, demonstrating the versatility of its technology.

Agrolend

Series B in 2022
Agrolend is a digital bank dedicated to providing credit solutions specifically for the agribusiness sector in Brazil. The company aims to support small and medium rural producers by offering a lending platform that facilitates the purchase of essential agricultural inputs such as seeds, crop protection, and crop nutrition. By leveraging technology and innovative credit analysis methods, Agrolend enables farmers to access loans without the need for physical guarantees, such as farms or grain. This approach allows small and medium-sized farmers to secure sustainable credit necessary for enhancing their production capabilities and encourages investment in equipment and technology, ultimately leading to improved productivity and profitability in the agricultural sector.

Vestaron

Series C in 2022
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.

Pattern Ag

Series B in 2022
Pattern Ag specializes in soil microbiome analysis to enhance agricultural practices. The company focuses on corn and soybean farms, offering recommendations for optimizing inputs by addressing specific pest and disease pressures. Their precision agriculture platform provides high-resolution mapping of soil DNA, delivering actionable insights to farmers. This helps with decisions related to crop protection, seed selection, and fertility needs, ultimately aiming to increase yield, save costs, and improve overall farm productivity and sustainability.

Vestaron

Series C in 2022
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.

MycoTechnology

Series E in 2022
MycoTechnology is a food technology company based in Aurora, Colorado, that specializes in utilizing fungi-based food-processing platforms to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of agricultural products. Incorporated in 2013, the company addresses challenges in the food, beverage, and flavor industries through innovative solutions. One of its key products, ClearTaste, is an all-natural, GMO-free, organic bitter blocker that is both Kosher and Halal certified, designed to improve the flavor profile of various agricultural offerings. Additionally, MycoTechnology engages in the fermentation of agricultural products using gourmet fungi, producing items such as myceliated chocolate and enhanced coffee beans. The company also develops and licenses technology aimed at naturally improving the flavor characteristics of robusta and arabica coffee, thereby enabling food producers to incorporate healthier ingredients and strengthen brand association.

Agrolend

Series A in 2022
Agrolend is a digital bank dedicated to providing credit solutions specifically for the agribusiness sector in Brazil. The company aims to support small and medium rural producers by offering a lending platform that facilitates the purchase of essential agricultural inputs such as seeds, crop protection, and crop nutrition. By leveraging technology and innovative credit analysis methods, Agrolend enables farmers to access loans without the need for physical guarantees, such as farms or grain. This approach allows small and medium-sized farmers to secure sustainable credit necessary for enhancing their production capabilities and encourages investment in equipment and technology, ultimately leading to improved productivity and profitability in the agricultural sector.

Agroberries

Venture Round in 2022
Agroberries is a vertically integrated producer and global distributor of fresh berries, specializing in a diverse range that includes blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. The company operates its own fruit farms and focuses on organic production by implementing sustainable agricultural practices. This commitment ensures that Agroberries can supply high-quality, natural products to a prominent customer base of leading retailers year-round. Through its dedication to both quality and sustainability, Agroberries aims to deliver fresh berries while promoting environmentally responsible farming.

Yuan Yao Nong Ye

Venture Round in 2021
Yuan Yao Nong Ye is a group of companies that mainly focuses on feeding raw materials in the agriculture and animal husbandry sector. It also has businesses in big data trade, biological fermentation, and industrial internet sectors.

Pivot Bio

Series D in 2021
Pivot Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company founded in 2010 and based in Emeryville, California. The company focuses on enhancing crop nutrition through a deep understanding of the microbiome, utilizing engineered microbes to deliver essential nutrients, protect against pests, and improve crop quality. By leveraging data science and engineering principles, Pivot Bio aims to map the dynamics of the plant microbiome and develop beneficial traits. Their proprietary ON Technology utilizes naturally occurring microbes to supply nitrogen to crops, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers. This innovation not only helps farmers increase yields but also contributes to reducing reliance on petrochemical fertilizers, ultimately promoting healthier ecosystems and cleaner air and water. Pivot Bio's current initiatives primarily focus on enabling microbes to fix and supply nitrogen for corn, addressing the growing need for sustainable agricultural practices as the global population expands.

Sentera

Series C in 2021
Sentera, Inc. is a technology company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, that specializes in designing, manufacturing, and distributing integrated software and sensor products primarily for the agriculture sector. Founded in 2014, Sentera provides decision support and insights to growers, advisors, and enterprises through advanced analytics and machine learning. The company’s offerings include drone sensors, video technology services, and the OnTop mobile app and desktop client, which facilitate access to inspection data. Sentera leverages high-resolution drone imagery, satellite data, and various sensors to gather and analyze agricultural data, allowing clients to optimize cultivation outcomes and improve performance through actionable insights. Additionally, its services extend to other industries such as mining, infrastructure, security, and public safety, demonstrating the versatility of its technology.

EAVISION

Series C in 2021
EAVision is a smart agricultural robotics company specializing in the development of autonomous drones for crop protection. Utilizing advanced computer vision technology, EAVision's unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are equipped with AI visual recognition and precision spraying capabilities. This innovative approach enables farmers to effectively safeguard their crops, even in challenging geographical conditions. In addition to their UAVs, EAVision also focuses on binocular visual perception, AI autonomous control, and intelligent machine equipment. Their offerings include software solutions and a commercial corn emasculation test system, further enhancing their contribution to modern agricultural practices.

Bushel

Series C in 2021
Bushel Inc. is a Fargo, North Dakota-based company that develops software solutions for the agricultural industry, specifically targeting the grain trading sector. Established in 2011, Bushel offers a comprehensive platform that connects grain companies and growers through various digital tools. Its product suite includes a mobile application, websites, trading tools, market feeds, and API services, all designed to facilitate efficient transactions and enhance communication between farmers, grain buyers, protein producers, and food companies. The platform provides users with instant access to essential information such as scale tickets, contracts, commodity balances, and cash bids, while prioritizing data privacy as a fundamental aspect of its operations.

Agrolend

Seed Round in 2021
Agrolend is a digital bank dedicated to providing credit solutions specifically for the agribusiness sector in Brazil. The company aims to support small and medium rural producers by offering a lending platform that facilitates the purchase of essential agricultural inputs such as seeds, crop protection, and crop nutrition. By leveraging technology and innovative credit analysis methods, Agrolend enables farmers to access loans without the need for physical guarantees, such as farms or grain. This approach allows small and medium-sized farmers to secure sustainable credit necessary for enhancing their production capabilities and encourages investment in equipment and technology, ultimately leading to improved productivity and profitability in the agricultural sector.

Vestaron

Series B in 2021
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.

Phospholutions

Series A in 2021
Phospholutions LLC, founded in 2016 and headquartered in State College, Pennsylvania, specializes in the production of sustainable fertilizers aimed at turf maintenance, ornamental and agricultural crops, animal production, and wastewater treatment. The company has developed patented technology that enhances the efficiency of phosphorus delivery to plants while minimizing environmental losses, thereby addressing the adverse effects of traditional phosphorus fertilizer on water quality. Its products are formulated from a mixture of common earth minerals that optimize nutrient absorption from both synthetic and organic sources. This innovative approach not only improves fertilizer efficiency and crop yield but also supports sustainable agricultural practices by reducing application rates and environmental impact, contributing to the long-term health of ecosystems.

Agrolend

Seed Round in 2021
Agrolend is a digital bank dedicated to providing credit solutions specifically for the agribusiness sector in Brazil. The company aims to support small and medium rural producers by offering a lending platform that facilitates the purchase of essential agricultural inputs such as seeds, crop protection, and crop nutrition. By leveraging technology and innovative credit analysis methods, Agrolend enables farmers to access loans without the need for physical guarantees, such as farms or grain. This approach allows small and medium-sized farmers to secure sustainable credit necessary for enhancing their production capabilities and encourages investment in equipment and technology, ultimately leading to improved productivity and profitability in the agricultural sector.

GreenLight Biosciences

Series D in 2020
GreenLight Biosciences, Inc. is a biotechnology company headquartered in Medford, Massachusetts, with an additional location in North Carolina. Founded in 2008, the company specializes in developing RNA-based solutions for agricultural and pharmaceutical purposes. It offers a proprietary technology platform that enables the efficient and cost-effective production of high-quality RNA, facilitating advancements in vaccine development, pandemic response, crop management, and the protection of pollinators. GreenLight develops mRNA-based vaccine candidates, including those aimed at preventing SARS-CoV-2 infections, and engages in collaborative efforts with industry leaders to further enhance its offerings. Through its innovative approach, GreenLight aims to contribute significantly to sustainable global development and food security.

MycoTechnology

Series D in 2020
MycoTechnology is a food technology company based in Aurora, Colorado, that specializes in utilizing fungi-based food-processing platforms to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of agricultural products. Incorporated in 2013, the company addresses challenges in the food, beverage, and flavor industries through innovative solutions. One of its key products, ClearTaste, is an all-natural, GMO-free, organic bitter blocker that is both Kosher and Halal certified, designed to improve the flavor profile of various agricultural offerings. Additionally, MycoTechnology engages in the fermentation of agricultural products using gourmet fungi, producing items such as myceliated chocolate and enhanced coffee beans. The company also develops and licenses technology aimed at naturally improving the flavor characteristics of robusta and arabica coffee, thereby enabling food producers to incorporate healthier ingredients and strengthen brand association.

Pivot Bio

Series C in 2020
Pivot Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company founded in 2010 and based in Emeryville, California. The company focuses on enhancing crop nutrition through a deep understanding of the microbiome, utilizing engineered microbes to deliver essential nutrients, protect against pests, and improve crop quality. By leveraging data science and engineering principles, Pivot Bio aims to map the dynamics of the plant microbiome and develop beneficial traits. Their proprietary ON Technology utilizes naturally occurring microbes to supply nitrogen to crops, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers. This innovation not only helps farmers increase yields but also contributes to reducing reliance on petrochemical fertilizers, ultimately promoting healthier ecosystems and cleaner air and water. Pivot Bio's current initiatives primarily focus on enabling microbes to fix and supply nitrogen for corn, addressing the growing need for sustainable agricultural practices as the global population expands.

Bushel

Series B in 2019
Bushel Inc. is a Fargo, North Dakota-based company that develops software solutions for the agricultural industry, specifically targeting the grain trading sector. Established in 2011, Bushel offers a comprehensive platform that connects grain companies and growers through various digital tools. Its product suite includes a mobile application, websites, trading tools, market feeds, and API services, all designed to facilitate efficient transactions and enhance communication between farmers, grain buyers, protein producers, and food companies. The platform provides users with instant access to essential information such as scale tickets, contracts, commodity balances, and cash bids, while prioritizing data privacy as a fundamental aspect of its operations.

Vestaron

Series B in 2019
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.

MycoTechnology

Series C in 2019
MycoTechnology is a food technology company based in Aurora, Colorado, that specializes in utilizing fungi-based food-processing platforms to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of agricultural products. Incorporated in 2013, the company addresses challenges in the food, beverage, and flavor industries through innovative solutions. One of its key products, ClearTaste, is an all-natural, GMO-free, organic bitter blocker that is both Kosher and Halal certified, designed to improve the flavor profile of various agricultural offerings. Additionally, MycoTechnology engages in the fermentation of agricultural products using gourmet fungi, producing items such as myceliated chocolate and enhanced coffee beans. The company also develops and licenses technology aimed at naturally improving the flavor characteristics of robusta and arabica coffee, thereby enabling food producers to incorporate healthier ingredients and strengthen brand association.

GreenLight Biosciences

Venture Round in 2019
GreenLight Biosciences, Inc. is a biotechnology company headquartered in Medford, Massachusetts, with an additional location in North Carolina. Founded in 2008, the company specializes in developing RNA-based solutions for agricultural and pharmaceutical purposes. It offers a proprietary technology platform that enables the efficient and cost-effective production of high-quality RNA, facilitating advancements in vaccine development, pandemic response, crop management, and the protection of pollinators. GreenLight develops mRNA-based vaccine candidates, including those aimed at preventing SARS-CoV-2 infections, and engages in collaborative efforts with industry leaders to further enhance its offerings. Through its innovative approach, GreenLight aims to contribute significantly to sustainable global development and food security.

Pivot Bio

Series B in 2018
Pivot Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company founded in 2010 and based in Emeryville, California. The company focuses on enhancing crop nutrition through a deep understanding of the microbiome, utilizing engineered microbes to deliver essential nutrients, protect against pests, and improve crop quality. By leveraging data science and engineering principles, Pivot Bio aims to map the dynamics of the plant microbiome and develop beneficial traits. Their proprietary ON Technology utilizes naturally occurring microbes to supply nitrogen to crops, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers. This innovation not only helps farmers increase yields but also contributes to reducing reliance on petrochemical fertilizers, ultimately promoting healthier ecosystems and cleaner air and water. Pivot Bio's current initiatives primarily focus on enabling microbes to fix and supply nitrogen for corn, addressing the growing need for sustainable agricultural practices as the global population expands.

SmartAHC

Series A in 2018
SmartAHC is a company focused on enhancing husbandry management through the development of intelligent farming models. Incubated by Nanyang Technological University, it has garnered support from various prominent investors. The company specializes in creating pig wearables and tracking systems that monitor health metrics and predict ovulation periods for pigs. This technology allows farmers to streamline their operations by reducing labor needs and enhancing animal care. SmartAHC's solutions facilitate comprehensive management of farming activities, including breeding, inventory counting, growth monitoring, and behavioral assessments, ultimately improving the efficiency of livestock farming.

Sentera

Series A in 2018
Sentera, Inc. is a technology company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, that specializes in designing, manufacturing, and distributing integrated software and sensor products primarily for the agriculture sector. Founded in 2014, Sentera provides decision support and insights to growers, advisors, and enterprises through advanced analytics and machine learning. The company’s offerings include drone sensors, video technology services, and the OnTop mobile app and desktop client, which facilitate access to inspection data. Sentera leverages high-resolution drone imagery, satellite data, and various sensors to gather and analyze agricultural data, allowing clients to optimize cultivation outcomes and improve performance through actionable insights. Additionally, its services extend to other industries such as mining, infrastructure, security, and public safety, demonstrating the versatility of its technology.

RiceBran Technologies

Post in 2017
RiceBran Technologies is a specialty ingredient company that specializes in processing and marketing healthy, natural, and nutrient-dense products derived from rice and other small grains. The company converts raw rice bran into stabilized rice bran (SRB) and various high-value derivative products, such as RiBalance, RiSolubles, RiFiber, and ProRyza. These products are rich in oil, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fibers, and antioxidants, enhancing the nutritional value of consumer food products and animal feed ingredients. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, RiceBran Technologies serves manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers both domestically and internationally.

MycoTechnology

Series B in 2017
MycoTechnology is a food technology company based in Aurora, Colorado, that specializes in utilizing fungi-based food-processing platforms to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of agricultural products. Incorporated in 2013, the company addresses challenges in the food, beverage, and flavor industries through innovative solutions. One of its key products, ClearTaste, is an all-natural, GMO-free, organic bitter blocker that is both Kosher and Halal certified, designed to improve the flavor profile of various agricultural offerings. Additionally, MycoTechnology engages in the fermentation of agricultural products using gourmet fungi, producing items such as myceliated chocolate and enhanced coffee beans. The company also develops and licenses technology aimed at naturally improving the flavor characteristics of robusta and arabica coffee, thereby enabling food producers to incorporate healthier ingredients and strengthen brand association.
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