Middleland Capital

Middleland Capital, established in 2009, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Washington, D.C., with an additional office in London. The company specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on innovative technologies across the global food value chain. This includes foodtech and agtech companies, crop technology, digital agriculture, and health innovation, among others. Middleland Capital invests holistically, from upstream (crop inputs, precision agriculture) to midstream (marketplaces, supply chain technology), and downstream (novel food ingredients, food waste solutions). The firm prefers global investment opportunities and seeks partnerships with exceptional management teams to drive growth and create long-term value.

Severine Balick

Partner and Co-Founder

Brian Mixer

Managing Director, Co-Founder and Partner

James Ramey JD

Principal, Managing Director, Co-Founder and Fund Manager

Past deals in Agriculture

Groundwork BioAg

Series B in 2022
Groundwork BioAg develops, manufactures, and commercializes mycorrhizal inoculants for mainstream agriculture. Its products enhance crop yields, improve soil health, reduce fertilizer use, and enable farmers to earn verifiable carbon credits.

Arable

Series C in 2022
Arable Labs, Inc. specializes in developing a solar-powered Internet of Things (IoT) device equipped with advanced sensors for in-field crop monitoring. This technology allows farmers to digitize and optimize their agricultural decisions by providing critical data about the impact of weather and other factors on crop yield, quality, and harvest timing. Arable's integrated system combines unique spectral and thermal sensors with agronomic modeling and software tools, enabling users to monitor crop development and identify stressors such as water or nutrient deficiencies. The platform serves a diverse clientele, including farmers, agronomists, researchers, food processors, and agricultural enterprises, facilitating real-time insights and predictive analytics that enhance productivity and sustainability. Established in 2014, Arable is headquartered in San Francisco, California, with an additional office in Princeton, New Jersey. The company has received various accolades, highlighting its innovation in agricultural technology.

FarmWise

Series B in 2022
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.

Soli Organic

Venture Round in 2021
Soli Organic is an indoor farming company that grows and supplies fresh organic culinary herbs to grocery stores year-round. It uses a vertically integrated approach to produce living organic plants with fresh-cut leaves, including lime leaves, rosemary, chives, and arugula, grown regionally to emphasize freshness and sustainability. By delivering a steady, locally produced supply of herbs, the company aims to provide high-quality, flavorful products to retailers and their customers.

Sentera

Series C in 2021
Sentera designs, manufactures, and distributes integrated software and sensor products for various industries. It specializes in drone sensors, video technology services, and OnTop, a mobile app and desktop client for inspection access. Serving agriculture, mining, infrastructure, security, and public safety sectors, Sentera incorporates machine learning and data science tools to gather and analyze data, providing insights to improve outcomes.

Groundwork BioAg

Venture Round in 2021
Groundwork BioAg develops, manufactures, and commercializes mycorrhizal inoculants for mainstream agriculture. Its products enhance crop yields, improve soil health, reduce fertilizer use, and enable farmers to earn verifiable carbon credits.

Porter Road Butcher

Series A in 2021
Porter Road is a omnichannel whole animal butcher changing the broken food system, by working directly with farmers to offer exceptional, sustainably raised meat direct to consumer.  The company was founded by James Peisker and Chris Carter.

Arable

Series B in 2020
Arable Labs, Inc. specializes in developing a solar-powered Internet of Things (IoT) device equipped with advanced sensors for in-field crop monitoring. This technology allows farmers to digitize and optimize their agricultural decisions by providing critical data about the impact of weather and other factors on crop yield, quality, and harvest timing. Arable's integrated system combines unique spectral and thermal sensors with agronomic modeling and software tools, enabling users to monitor crop development and identify stressors such as water or nutrient deficiencies. The platform serves a diverse clientele, including farmers, agronomists, researchers, food processors, and agricultural enterprises, facilitating real-time insights and predictive analytics that enhance productivity and sustainability. Established in 2014, Arable is headquartered in San Francisco, California, with an additional office in Princeton, New Jersey. The company has received various accolades, highlighting its innovation in agricultural technology.

Vive Crop Protection

Series B in 2020
Founded in 2006, Vive Crop Protection develops and markets sustainable crop protection products, including fungicides, insecticides, and nematicides. The company's Allosperse Delivery System enhances the targeting and performance of these products, enabling farmers to increase crop yields while using fewer resources.

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.

ZeaKal

Series C in 2019
ZeaKal is a plant science company focused on engineering synthetic biological traits to increase the productivity of major row crops such as corn, soybeans and canola. The company develops technologies that enhance photosynthetic capacity and carbon capture to improve crop yield, seed and fiber quality, and nutrient content while reducing environmental footprint. Its flagship PhotoSeed technology and related trait platforms enable crops to capture more carbon and sunlight, supporting healthier, nutrient-rich food and feed with a smaller environmental footprint. ZeaKal's innovations aim to raise yields of grain, seed, and fiber and improve seed composition across farms. Founded in 2010 and based in San Diego, California, ZeaKal markets its plant traits to growers seeking sustainable, higher-value crops.

Vive Crop Protection

Venture Round in 2019
Founded in 2006, Vive Crop Protection develops and markets sustainable crop protection products, including fungicides, insecticides, and nematicides. The company's Allosperse Delivery System enhances the targeting and performance of these products, enabling farmers to increase crop yields while using fewer resources.

Agrivida

Venture Round in 2019
Agrivida, Inc. is a biotechnology company specializing in animal health and nutrition through the development of innovative feed additives for poultry, swine, dairy and beef cattle, and aquaculture. Founded in 2003 and based in Four Seasons, Missouri, Agrivida utilizes its proprietary GRAINZYME technology to produce enzymes directly within corn kernels, offering a natural and effective method to enhance animal diets. This platform enables the integration of beneficial enzymes such as phytase and glucanase, which improve nutritional efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of livestock production. Agrivida's solutions aim to promote healthier food production while delivering economic benefits to its clients in the agricultural sector.

Plant Response

Series B in 2018
Plant Response is a developer of agricultural technologies focused on enhancing plant health and growth through biological solutions. The company utilizes natural compounds to create products that improve plant immunity, increase tolerance to environmental stresses, and optimize nutrient use. By leveraging technology initially developed by researchers at the CBGP, Plant Response aims to address the challenges faced in modern agriculture and provide effective crop protection solutions. Their innovations are designed to meet the evolving needs of agricultural professionals globally, contributing to the restoration and advancement of the agricultural ecosystem.

Sentera

Series A in 2018
Sentera designs, manufactures, and distributes integrated software and sensor products for various industries. It specializes in drone sensors, video technology services, and OnTop, a mobile app and desktop client for inspection access. Serving agriculture, mining, infrastructure, security, and public safety sectors, Sentera incorporates machine learning and data science tools to gather and analyze data, providing insights to improve outcomes.

Growers

Series A in 2018
Growers is a company that has developed a platform designed to enhance collaboration among agricultural retailers, advisors, and farmers. Founded in 2011 and based in Garner, North Carolina, Growers provides digital tools that assist farmers in making swift, informed decisions to optimize profitability per acre. The platform facilitates farm evaluation and planning, offering services such as soil management, variable rate planting, and hardware calibration. These solutions aim to help farmers reduce input costs, increase yields, and improve overall farming performance. Additionally, Growers enables farmers to explore and purchase agricultural products efficiently, allowing them to streamline interactions with retailers and make better product selections.

Rootility

Series C in 2018
Rootility specializes in innovative root-focused plant breeding methods designed to enhance crop yields and overall agronomic performance while maintaining crop quality. The company's approach is GMO-free and combines advanced simulations and empirical research with traditional breeding techniques. This methodology allows for efficient selection of high-performance, abiotic stress-tolerant roots, which significantly boosts the yield of existing commercial cultivars. Rootility's technology has been successfully applied across various crops in multiple regions worldwide, with large-scale field trials conducted over five years and commercial sales already underway. The company aims to deliver superior agricultural products in a cost-effective manner, leveraging its unique focus on root systems as critical drivers of both environmental tolerance and performance improvement.

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.

Benson Hill

Series B in 2017
Benson Hill is an agricultural technology company that specializes in crop improvement and soy protein innovation. The company focuses on unlocking the natural genetic diversity of plants to develop healthier, more sustainable food and ingredients. Its proprietary CropOS platform leverages machine learning and big data alongside traditional breeding techniques to streamline and expedite the product development process. Benson Hill operates a Crop Accelerator designed for rapid prototyping and is actively developing a seed portfolio that includes protein ingredients, aquaculture, specialty animal feed, and vegetable oils. The company generates revenue from both proprietary and non-proprietary product categories, with proprietary revenue stemming from the sale of its unique bean varieties.

Arable

Series A in 2017
Arable Labs, Inc. specializes in developing a solar-powered Internet of Things (IoT) device equipped with advanced sensors for in-field crop monitoring. This technology allows farmers to digitize and optimize their agricultural decisions by providing critical data about the impact of weather and other factors on crop yield, quality, and harvest timing. Arable's integrated system combines unique spectral and thermal sensors with agronomic modeling and software tools, enabling users to monitor crop development and identify stressors such as water or nutrient deficiencies. The platform serves a diverse clientele, including farmers, agronomists, researchers, food processors, and agricultural enterprises, facilitating real-time insights and predictive analytics that enhance productivity and sustainability. Established in 2014, Arable is headquartered in San Francisco, California, with an additional office in Princeton, New Jersey. The company has received various accolades, highlighting its innovation in agricultural technology.

Vive Crop Protection

Venture Round in 2016
Founded in 2006, Vive Crop Protection develops and markets sustainable crop protection products, including fungicides, insecticides, and nematicides. The company's Allosperse Delivery System enhances the targeting and performance of these products, enabling farmers to increase crop yields while using fewer resources.

Blue Prairie

Series A in 2016
Blue Prairie Brands LLC, based in Charlottesville, Virginia, specializes in the manufacture of inulin, a prebiotic ingredient known for its health benefits. The company produces soluble, indigestible fibers that enhance the nutritional content of various food products, beverages, and dietary supplements. Their flagship product is a gluten-free, non-GMO form of inulin, which supports digestive health when combined with probiotics. Additionally, Blue Prairie's innovative approach to production offers farmers a profitable rotation crop that aligns with their existing agricultural practices. By focusing on functional foods and dietary fiber, Blue Prairie Brands aims to improve the nutritional value of products in the market while promoting a healthy gut environment.

Agrivida

Series E in 2016
Agrivida, Inc. is a biotechnology company specializing in animal health and nutrition through the development of innovative feed additives for poultry, swine, dairy and beef cattle, and aquaculture. Founded in 2003 and based in Four Seasons, Missouri, Agrivida utilizes its proprietary GRAINZYME technology to produce enzymes directly within corn kernels, offering a natural and effective method to enhance animal diets. This platform enables the integration of beneficial enzymes such as phytase and glucanase, which improve nutritional efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of livestock production. Agrivida's solutions aim to promote healthier food production while delivering economic benefits to its clients in the agricultural sector.

Advanced Animal Diagnostics

Series D in 2016
Advanced Animal Diagnostics, Inc. specializes in the research, development, and commercialization of on-farm diagnostic tools aimed at the early detection of subclinical mastitis in dairy cows. Founded in 2001 and based in Durham, North Carolina, the company offers innovative products such as the QScout Farm Lab, an analyzer system that detects infections before visible symptoms occur, and the QScout Milk Leukocyte Differential rapid test, which identifies and differentiates leukocytes in milk to facilitate early mastitis detection. Additionally, Advanced Animal Diagnostics provides the QuickSmear slide for animal research and the SCC+ System for timely mastitis diagnosis. The company's solutions focus on enhancing the management of disease states and improving the reproductive, nutritional, and overall health of production animals, serving veterinarians and livestock producers to promote healthier and more productive animal care.

ZeaKal

Series B in 2016
ZeaKal is a plant science company focused on engineering synthetic biological traits to increase the productivity of major row crops such as corn, soybeans and canola. The company develops technologies that enhance photosynthetic capacity and carbon capture to improve crop yield, seed and fiber quality, and nutrient content while reducing environmental footprint. Its flagship PhotoSeed technology and related trait platforms enable crops to capture more carbon and sunlight, supporting healthier, nutrient-rich food and feed with a smaller environmental footprint. ZeaKal's innovations aim to raise yields of grain, seed, and fiber and improve seed composition across farms. Founded in 2010 and based in San Diego, California, ZeaKal markets its plant traits to growers seeking sustainable, higher-value crops.

AeroFarms

Series B in 2015
AeroFarms develops and delivers indoor vertical farming technology and services. The company uses aeroponic growing systems to cultivate produce in fully controlled indoor environments, enabling crops to be grown without sun or soil. Its approach delivers crops with up to 95% less water and without pesticides, supporting safer, tastier, and more nutritious produce. Beyond its own products, AeroFarms provides aeroponic systems for harvest cycles, food safety, and reduced environmental impact to clients seeking sustainable farming solutions. The company is a Certified B Corporation and operates at scale with products distributed in more than 1,000 stores across the United States and expanding internationally. As an innovator in sustainable agriculture, AeroFarms aims to redefine how fresh produce is grown.

Plant Response

Series A in 2015
Plant Response is a developer of agricultural technologies focused on enhancing plant health and growth through biological solutions. The company utilizes natural compounds to create products that improve plant immunity, increase tolerance to environmental stresses, and optimize nutrient use. By leveraging technology initially developed by researchers at the CBGP, Plant Response aims to address the challenges faced in modern agriculture and provide effective crop protection solutions. Their innovations are designed to meet the evolving needs of agricultural professionals globally, contributing to the restoration and advancement of the agricultural ecosystem.

MycoTechnology

Series A in 2015
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.

Conservis

Series A in 2015
Conservis is a developer of farm management software that empowers agricultural producers to optimize their operations from the ground up. The platform enables users to track field activities, manage inventories, and analyze yields, enhancing efficiency and facilitating better decision-making. By connecting critical information, Conservis helps growers and producers improve traceability, implement sustainable practices, and turn business data into actionable insights. Originally founded in response to a need for workflow management among farmers, the Conservis system has grown to serve some of the most successful agricultural producers, managing over $8 billion in land, equipment, and crop assets across all stages of production. This comprehensive approach assists users in navigating the complexities of modern agriculture while addressing the increasing global demand for agricultural products.

Groundwork BioAg

Series B in 2015
Groundwork BioAg develops, manufactures, and commercializes mycorrhizal inoculants for mainstream agriculture. Its products enhance crop yields, improve soil health, reduce fertilizer use, and enable farmers to earn verifiable carbon credits.

Soli Organic

Venture Round in 2015
Soli Organic is an indoor farming company that grows and supplies fresh organic culinary herbs to grocery stores year-round. It uses a vertically integrated approach to produce living organic plants with fresh-cut leaves, including lime leaves, rosemary, chives, and arugula, grown regionally to emphasize freshness and sustainability. By delivering a steady, locally produced supply of herbs, the company aims to provide high-quality, flavorful products to retailers and their customers.

Blue Prairie

Seed Round in 2015
Blue Prairie Brands LLC, based in Charlottesville, Virginia, specializes in the manufacture of inulin, a prebiotic ingredient known for its health benefits. The company produces soluble, indigestible fibers that enhance the nutritional content of various food products, beverages, and dietary supplements. Their flagship product is a gluten-free, non-GMO form of inulin, which supports digestive health when combined with probiotics. Additionally, Blue Prairie's innovative approach to production offers farmers a profitable rotation crop that aligns with their existing agricultural practices. By focusing on functional foods and dietary fiber, Blue Prairie Brands aims to improve the nutritional value of products in the market while promoting a healthy gut environment.

Benson Hill

Series A in 2015
Benson Hill is an agricultural technology company that specializes in crop improvement and soy protein innovation. The company focuses on unlocking the natural genetic diversity of plants to develop healthier, more sustainable food and ingredients. Its proprietary CropOS platform leverages machine learning and big data alongside traditional breeding techniques to streamline and expedite the product development process. Benson Hill operates a Crop Accelerator designed for rapid prototyping and is actively developing a seed portfolio that includes protein ingredients, aquaculture, specialty animal feed, and vegetable oils. The company generates revenue from both proprietary and non-proprietary product categories, with proprietary revenue stemming from the sale of its unique bean varieties.

Agrivida

Series D in 2015
Agrivida, Inc. is a biotechnology company specializing in animal health and nutrition through the development of innovative feed additives for poultry, swine, dairy and beef cattle, and aquaculture. Founded in 2003 and based in Four Seasons, Missouri, Agrivida utilizes its proprietary GRAINZYME technology to produce enzymes directly within corn kernels, offering a natural and effective method to enhance animal diets. This platform enables the integration of beneficial enzymes such as phytase and glucanase, which improve nutritional efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of livestock production. Agrivida's solutions aim to promote healthier food production while delivering economic benefits to its clients in the agricultural sector.

Agrivida

Series D in 2015
Agrivida, Inc. is a biotechnology company specializing in animal health and nutrition through the development of innovative feed additives for poultry, swine, dairy and beef cattle, and aquaculture. Founded in 2003 and based in Four Seasons, Missouri, Agrivida utilizes its proprietary GRAINZYME technology to produce enzymes directly within corn kernels, offering a natural and effective method to enhance animal diets. This platform enables the integration of beneficial enzymes such as phytase and glucanase, which improve nutritional efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of livestock production. Agrivida's solutions aim to promote healthier food production while delivering economic benefits to its clients in the agricultural sector.

Allylix

Series C in 2010
Allylix, Inc. is an early-stage biotechnology company specializing in the development of terpene products and their derivatives. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in San Diego, California, with research and development laboratories in Lexington, Kentucky, the company focuses on applications across various markets, including flavor and fragrance, food ingredients, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and biofuels. Among its notable products is nootkatone, a grapefruit flavor utilized in fruit juices and citrus-flavored sodas. Allylix also develops sesquiterpenes for the aroma chemical segment of the flavor and fragrance market, as well as production platforms aimed at pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and agricultural applications.
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