Finistere Ventures, LLC is a venture capital firm established in 2005, headquartered in San Diego, California, with additional offices in Menlo Park, California, Dublin, Ireland, and Tel Aviv, Israel. The firm specializes in early-stage investments within the agricultural technology and life sciences sectors, focusing on innovations that enhance food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainability. Finistere Ventures actively seeks to partner with entrepreneurs to build companies that transform modern agriculture through advancements in areas such as agbiotech, precision agriculture, medical devices, and diagnostics. The firm invests globally, primarily in the United States, while also sourcing technologies from regions including Israel, Australia, and Latin America. Finistere Ventures typically invests between $0.35 million and $4.5 million in private companies, holding investments for approximately five years. The firm emphasizes collaboration with its portfolio companies, leveraging its extensive network to foster innovation and facilitate growth within the ag tech ecosystem.
Metrovate is a biotechnology company which enhance global health and sustainability via sophisticated research and development.
Jooules
Pre Seed Round in 2024
Jooules is a company focused on developing sustainable food systems to promote a healthier future. It specializes in creating nutritious protein ingredients through fermentation technologies that utilize clean energy and air. By harnessing the efficiency of microbes, Jooules aims to facilitate the transition to a more sustainable and equitable food production platform, thereby advancing humanity's efforts towards resilience in food systems.
Sidework
Venture Round in 2023
Sidework is a business that specializes in automated cocktail dispensing solutions for bars and restaurants. Its flagship product, an automated vending machine, is designed to deliver ready-to-serve cocktails while enhancing operational efficiency. By integrating features such as inventory tracking and usage analytics, Sidework allows establishments to dispense drinks in a hands-free manner, enabling them to provide customized beverages without the need for additional staff. This innovation not only streamlines bartending workflows but also ensures that the drinks served maintain a high standard of safety. Overall, Sidework aims to improve the customer experience in the hospitality industry by simplifying cocktail service and optimizing bar operations.
Scentian Bio
Seed Round in 2023
Scentian Bio is a developer of innovative biosensor devices that integrate insect biology with nanotechnology to revolutionize sensing applications. The company's technology leverages insect odorant receptors to create biosensors for commercial use in the medical and food industries. By employing machine learning, these devices can detect volatile organic compounds, such as off-notes in food and beverages, as well as identify fraud and adulterants in raw materials. Scentian Bio aims to provide users with advanced sensing solutions that harness the power of nature, making it easier to understand and respond to complex chemical signals.
Berkeley Yeast
Venture Round in 2023
Berkeley Yeast, founded in 2017 by PhDs from Berkeley, is located in Oakland, California, and specializes in engineering yeast strains to enhance the quality of beverages, particularly for brewers and winemakers. The company focuses on bioengineering yeast to improve flavor profiles and reduce undesirable characteristics in fermented products. Its innovative strains can also lower ethanol production, catering to the growing demand for non-alcoholic beer. Berkeley Yeast’s work supports a wide range of products, from beer and wine to bread, cheese, and other fermented goods, reflecting its commitment to creating delicious and sustainable options for consumers worldwide.
CropX
Series C in 2023
CropX is an ag-analytics and IoT company that develops AI-driven, cloud-based software solutions aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity. Its platform integrates data from proprietary and third-party sources, enabling farmers to improve crop yields by up to 15% while significantly reducing water, pesticide, and fertilizer usage by up to 50% and 20%, respectively. The software combines advanced soil sensor technology with comprehensive agricultural information, facilitating efficient irrigation management and operational automation. Trusted by farmers globally, CropX has been deployed on over 5,000 farms across 70 countries. The company fosters partnerships with key industry players, including Reinke, Syngenta, PepsiCo, and John Deere, to streamline data sharing and enhance farming practices, promoting sustainable and profitable cultivation methods.
Growers Edge
Series B in 2023
Growers Edge is a company focused on enhancing grower profitability through innovative, data-driven financial technology solutions tailored for the agricultural sector. By addressing financial gaps faced by farmers, the company transforms the sale of agricultural inputs and services, enabling farmers to adopt new technologies that enhance their profitability. Utilizing data science, public and private datasets, and advanced algorithms, Growers Edge develops warranty-backed crop management plans. These plans provide agricultural retailers and lenders with integrated financial products, white-labeled lending and credit decision platforms, and land valuation tools. Headquartered in Johnston, Iowa, the company is led by a team of experienced crop management professionals and supported by prominent investors in the agtech industry.
Animol Discovery
Series B in 2022
Animol Discovery focuses on developing innovative veterinary medicines through its proprietary drug discovery technology. The company specializes in creating small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients tailored for the unique needs of veterinary patients. Utilizing a technology platform built on DNA-encoded chemicals, Animol enables accelerated ultra-high throughput screening processes, allowing for the simultaneous evaluation of target and anti-target activities. This approach aims to streamline the discovery of effective treatments for pets, addressing a significant need in the animal health industry. Led by a team of experts with extensive experience in bringing veterinary drugs to market, Animol is committed to advancing the field of veterinary medicine.
Enko Chem, Inc.
Series C in 2022
Enko Chem, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Woburn, Massachusetts, that focuses on discovering and developing innovative small-molecule products designed to protect crops from pests and diseases. Founded in 2017, the company utilizes a proprietary technology platform that enables the rapid identification of safe and cost-effective solutions aimed at promoting sustainable food production. Through its efforts, Enko Chem seeks to address the challenges faced by farmers in maintaining crop health while ensuring environmental sustainability.
BioLumic
Series B in 2022
BioLumic develops light signals that activate plant growth and unlock the natural genetic potential of crops. The company's photogenics platform leverages innovation in plant science, light technology and genetic insights. Demonstrated results include higher yield, improved vigor, increased disease and pest resistance, and improvements in crops composition. These results have been across a variety of seeds and seedling: soybean, cannabis and vegetable and fruit crops. It is a clean technology that does not require the use of chemicals or amendments. BioLumic is a private company and was founded in 2013.
Apparo
Venture Round in 2022
Apparo is a food processing technology intended to process crops in order to maximize the yield of available nutrients. The company provides exceptional protein and micronutrients to food and nutrition companies. Apparo was founded in 2020 and is based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, United States.
ProTag
Seed Round in 2022
ProTag specializes in advanced tracking technology for livestock, focusing on enhancing animal health monitoring and farm management efficiency. The company develops smart ear tag sensors that attach to animals and utilize temperature, movement, and location data to detect health issues such as mastitis, lameness, and reproductive problems. By providing real-time insights into the behavior and welfare of each animal, ProTag enables farmers to make informed decisions, ultimately saving time and resources. Their technology seamlessly integrates with existing farming systems, allowing users to access vital data from any compatible device, thereby streamlining various aspects of agricultural operations.
MarketDial
Venture Round in 2021
MarketDial is a technology company founded in 2016 by former management consultants from BCG & McKinsey. MarketDial’s partners use its platform to make critical decisions based on the results of its proprietary in-store experimentation process. They are able to design and analyze statistically rigorous in-store tests to validate business outcomes in a variety of business verticals including Retail, Restaurant, CPG, C-Store, Healthcare, and Financial Services. The MarketDial platform supports comprehensive testing of business initiatives related to pricing, promotions, operations, labor/staffing, new products, and more. In addition, MarketDial is engaged in strategic partnerships with top management consulting firms and retail industry analytics leaders in order to bring the most comprehensive solution to itsclients.
ClimateAI
Series A in 2021
ClimateAI, Inc. is an enterprise climate platform established in 2017 and headquartered in San Francisco, California. The company specializes in providing cloud-based software solutions that help businesses assess and adapt to physical climate risks. Its platform utilizes a climate decision engine and open-source satellite imagery, applying statistical analysis and machine learning techniques to deliver insights for various sectors, including agriculture, energy, construction, and asset management. By enabling users to make informed decisions regarding risk management and investment valuations, ClimateAI aims to climate-proof the global economy, thereby minimizing losses to lives, livelihoods, and the environment.
Territory Foods
Series B in 2021
Territory Foods is a chef-prepared meal delivery service that creates nutritionist-approved menus tailored to support various dietary preferences and regional market tastes. Its fresh, healthy, ready-to-eat meals are designed by in-house culinary professionals and nutrition experts, prepared by a dedicated team of chefs, and powered by a proprietary algorithm that informs personalized menu variety at scale. Its boredom-proof rotating menus feature a wide variety of freshly-made artisan meals per week that are responsibly sourced, always free of refined sugars, and made without ingredients that contain gluten and dairy. Menus can be customized to meet dietary templates such as Vegan, Vegetarian, Whole30, and Keto, taking the guesswork out of navigating and committing to healthy eating. Territory Foods launched in 2011 and is headquartered in Arlington, VA.
Tovala
Series C in 2021
Tovala is a Chicago-based company founded in 2015 that offers an innovative solution for meal preparation by combining a smart oven with a fresh meal delivery service. The Tovala oven is an internet-connected countertop steam oven designed for multi-step cooking, allowing users to prepare meals effortlessly by simply scanning a barcode. The accompanying meal service provides chef-crafted meals, ensuring that customers can enjoy healthy, home-cooked dishes without the hassle of extensive cooking. Launched in 2017, Tovala aims to simplify dinner preparation for busy individuals, making it easy to access delicious and nutritious meals.
Good Eggs
Series D in 2021
Good Eggs, Inc. is an online grocery delivery service based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in providing fresh, locally sourced produce and meal kits to customers in the Bay Area. Founded in 2011, the company offers a diverse range of products, including fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, seafood, snacks, beverages, bakery items, and pantry essentials. Good Eggs focuses on sustainable sourcing, partnering with local farms and food producers to ensure high-quality ingredients. In addition to grocery staples, the service includes meal kits designed for various occasions, as well as a selection of wine, beer, and spirits. Through its platform, Good Eggs aims to deliver thoughtfully sourced groceries directly to consumers' homes or offices, promoting a more responsible food system.
TeleSense
Series B in 2020
TeleSense, Inc. is an Agtech company that specializes in real-time environmental monitoring solutions for the food and grain industry. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, TeleSense offers a range of products designed to provide actionable insights for grain managers. Their advanced sensors continuously monitor conditions such as temperature, humidity, and moisture in storage facilities, sending alerts directly to users via the TeleSense app on various devices. The company also retrofits traditional temperature cables to wireless systems, allowing for constant, remote monitoring. By utilizing machine learning algorithms and cloud-based technology, TeleSense aims to digitize the post-harvest grain supply chain, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing human error. Their solutions cater to various sectors, including agriculture, food supply chains, and commercial cooking, promoting better management of perishable commodities and minimizing spoilage risks.
Growers Edge
Series B in 2020
Growers Edge is a company focused on enhancing grower profitability through innovative, data-driven financial technology solutions tailored for the agricultural sector. By addressing financial gaps faced by farmers, the company transforms the sale of agricultural inputs and services, enabling farmers to adopt new technologies that enhance their profitability. Utilizing data science, public and private datasets, and advanced algorithms, Growers Edge develops warranty-backed crop management plans. These plans provide agricultural retailers and lenders with integrated financial products, white-labeled lending and credit decision platforms, and land valuation tools. Headquartered in Johnston, Iowa, the company is led by a team of experienced crop management professionals and supported by prominent investors in the agtech industry.
Enko Chem, Inc.
Series B in 2020
Enko Chem, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Woburn, Massachusetts, that focuses on discovering and developing innovative small-molecule products designed to protect crops from pests and diseases. Founded in 2017, the company utilizes a proprietary technology platform that enables the rapid identification of safe and cost-effective solutions aimed at promoting sustainable food production. Through its efforts, Enko Chem seeks to address the challenges faced by farmers in maintaining crop health while ensuring environmental sustainability.
Tovala
Series B in 2020
Tovala is a Chicago-based company founded in 2015 that offers an innovative solution for meal preparation by combining a smart oven with a fresh meal delivery service. The Tovala oven is an internet-connected countertop steam oven designed for multi-step cooking, allowing users to prepare meals effortlessly by simply scanning a barcode. The accompanying meal service provides chef-crafted meals, ensuring that customers can enjoy healthy, home-cooked dishes without the hassle of extensive cooking. Launched in 2017, Tovala aims to simplify dinner preparation for busy individuals, making it easy to access delicious and nutritious meals.
ZeaKal
Series C in 2019
ZeaKal, Inc. is a plant science company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2010. It focuses on developing and commercializing innovative agricultural technologies aimed at enhancing the productivity of row crops such as corn, soybeans, and canola. One of its key technologies, PhotoSeed™, increases the photosynthetic capacity of plants, allowing them to capture more carbon and sunlight. This results in the production of healthier, nutrient-rich food and feed while minimizing the environmental footprint. Additionally, ZeaKal's synthetic oil encapsulation system utilizes engineered cysteine residues on an oleosin protein to produce artificial oil bodies outside the seed, further contributing to improved seed composition and crop yield. Through its advancements, the company seeks to create a sustainable agricultural model that balances the needs of farmers, consumers, and the environment.
CropX
Series B in 2019
CropX is an ag-analytics and IoT company that develops AI-driven, cloud-based software solutions aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity. Its platform integrates data from proprietary and third-party sources, enabling farmers to improve crop yields by up to 15% while significantly reducing water, pesticide, and fertilizer usage by up to 50% and 20%, respectively. The software combines advanced soil sensor technology with comprehensive agricultural information, facilitating efficient irrigation management and operational automation. Trusted by farmers globally, CropX has been deployed on over 5,000 farms across 70 countries. The company fosters partnerships with key industry players, including Reinke, Syngenta, PepsiCo, and John Deere, to streamline data sharing and enhance farming practices, promoting sustainable and profitable cultivation methods.
TeleSense
Convertible Note in 2019
TeleSense, Inc. is an Agtech company that specializes in real-time environmental monitoring solutions for the food and grain industry. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, TeleSense offers a range of products designed to provide actionable insights for grain managers. Their advanced sensors continuously monitor conditions such as temperature, humidity, and moisture in storage facilities, sending alerts directly to users via the TeleSense app on various devices. The company also retrofits traditional temperature cables to wireless systems, allowing for constant, remote monitoring. By utilizing machine learning algorithms and cloud-based technology, TeleSense aims to digitize the post-harvest grain supply chain, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing human error. Their solutions cater to various sectors, including agriculture, food supply chains, and commercial cooking, promoting better management of perishable commodities and minimizing spoilage risks.
BioLumic
Series A in 2019
BioLumic develops light signals that activate plant growth and unlock the natural genetic potential of crops. The company's photogenics platform leverages innovation in plant science, light technology and genetic insights. Demonstrated results include higher yield, improved vigor, increased disease and pest resistance, and improvements in crops composition. These results have been across a variety of seeds and seedling: soybean, cannabis and vegetable and fruit crops. It is a clean technology that does not require the use of chemicals or amendments. BioLumic is a private company and was founded in 2013.
Invert Robotics
Series A in 2019
Invert Robotics Limited is a company based in Christchurch, New Zealand, that specializes in remote robotic inspection services primarily for the food and beverage industry, as well as the pharmaceutical and oil and gas sectors. Founded in 2010, Invert Robotics has developed a modular, non-destructive inspection platform that can perform visual inspections on various industrial equipment, such as storage tanks, spray dryers, and fluid beds. Their robots are designed to navigate smoothly on various surfaces, including non-magnetic materials, ensuring safe and accurate asset management. In addition to inspection services, the company also provides repair services, leveraging advanced technology to enhance maintenance capabilities across multiple industries.
Hi Fidelity Genetics
Series A in 2018
Hi Fidelity Genetics LLC, based in Durham, North Carolina, specializes in developing hardware and software for plant-breeding applications. The company creates tools that measure and predict plant traits, which are vital for ensuring a sufficient food supply amid a growing global population and changing climate conditions. By democratizing seed breeding and enhancing agricultural productivity, Hi Fidelity Genetics aims to improve the profitability of producers while offering genetics modification services that yield similar results to traditional methods.
ApisProtect
Seed Round in 2018
ApisProtect Limited is an agricultural technology company based in Cork, Ireland, that specializes in monitoring and managing bee colonies. Founded in 2017, the company utilizes an Internet of Things (IoT) system featuring wireless in-hive sensors to provide real-time alerts to beekeepers regarding diseases and pests that may threaten their hives. Its innovative platform combines sensor data on hive conditions, health, and activity levels with advanced data analytics and machine learning techniques. This enables beekeepers to continuously monitor their hives, assess productivity in terms of pollination and honey production, and make informed decisions to prevent losses and enhance overall hive management without the need for frequent manual inspections.
Taranis
Series B in 2018
Taranis operates an agriculture intelligence platform that leverages advanced computer vision, data science, and deep learning algorithms to monitor agricultural fields effectively. The platform provides high-precision aerial surveillance imagery, enabling farmers to detect early signs of issues such as weeds, nutrient deficiencies, crop diseases, insect infestations, and water damage. By offering detailed insights, Taranis helps agribusinesses make informed decisions that can prevent crop yield loss and enhance productivity.
Farmer's Fridge
Series C in 2018
Farmer’s Fridge operates automated smart fridges that provide a variety of fresh meals, including salads, bowls, and snacks. Founded in 2013 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company aims to make healthy eating accessible and convenient. Its fridges are equipped with technology that allows for real-time demand monitoring, ensuring that customers receive fresh, chef-curated meals quickly. Additionally, unsold items from the fridges are donated to local food pantries, supporting community members in need with responsibly sourced nutrition. This approach reflects the founder's commitment to addressing the lack of healthy, affordable food options for individuals on the go.
TeleSense
Series A in 2018
TeleSense, Inc. is an Agtech company that specializes in real-time environmental monitoring solutions for the food and grain industry. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, TeleSense offers a range of products designed to provide actionable insights for grain managers. Their advanced sensors continuously monitor conditions such as temperature, humidity, and moisture in storage facilities, sending alerts directly to users via the TeleSense app on various devices. The company also retrofits traditional temperature cables to wireless systems, allowing for constant, remote monitoring. By utilizing machine learning algorithms and cloud-based technology, TeleSense aims to digitize the post-harvest grain supply chain, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing human error. Their solutions cater to various sectors, including agriculture, food supply chains, and commercial cooking, promoting better management of perishable commodities and minimizing spoilage risks.
BioLumic
Series A in 2018
BioLumic develops light signals that activate plant growth and unlock the natural genetic potential of crops. The company's photogenics platform leverages innovation in plant science, light technology and genetic insights. Demonstrated results include higher yield, improved vigor, increased disease and pest resistance, and improvements in crops composition. These results have been across a variety of seeds and seedling: soybean, cannabis and vegetable and fruit crops. It is a clean technology that does not require the use of chemicals or amendments. BioLumic is a private company and was founded in 2013.
Hi Fidelity Genetics
Series A in 2017
Hi Fidelity Genetics LLC, based in Durham, North Carolina, specializes in developing hardware and software for plant-breeding applications. The company creates tools that measure and predict plant traits, which are vital for ensuring a sufficient food supply amid a growing global population and changing climate conditions. By democratizing seed breeding and enhancing agricultural productivity, Hi Fidelity Genetics aims to improve the profitability of producers while offering genetics modification services that yield similar results to traditional methods.
Crop Pro Insurance
Series A in 2017
Crop Pro Insurance Services, Inc. is a Managing General Agency ( MGA) specializing in federal and private crop insurance for GuideOne Mutual Insurance Company. They help independent agents differentiate from other agents in the market by bringing innovative private product solutions that solve real needs to increase yield and lower operating costs that work in good stewardship with the land.
Plenty
Series B in 2017
Plenty Inc., founded in 2014 and based in South San Francisco, California, specializes in vertical farming, providing fresh and nutritious produce while minimizing environmental impact. The company employs innovative farming techniques that significantly reduce the water and land needed compared to traditional agriculture, and it operates without the use of pesticides or genetically modified organisms. By utilizing proprietary vertical farming systems that integrate engineering, software, and crop science, Plenty aims to deliver healthy food year-round while eliminating fertilizer runoff. Through its collective of growers, engineers, scientists, and food enthusiasts, Plenty is dedicated to enhancing the health of consumers and the planet.
Taranis
Series A in 2017
Taranis operates an agriculture intelligence platform that leverages advanced computer vision, data science, and deep learning algorithms to monitor agricultural fields effectively. The platform provides high-precision aerial surveillance imagery, enabling farmers to detect early signs of issues such as weeds, nutrient deficiencies, crop diseases, insect infestations, and water damage. By offering detailed insights, Taranis helps agribusinesses make informed decisions that can prevent crop yield loss and enhance productivity.
ZeaKal
Series B in 2016
ZeaKal, Inc. is a plant science company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2010. It focuses on developing and commercializing innovative agricultural technologies aimed at enhancing the productivity of row crops such as corn, soybeans, and canola. One of its key technologies, PhotoSeed™, increases the photosynthetic capacity of plants, allowing them to capture more carbon and sunlight. This results in the production of healthier, nutrient-rich food and feed while minimizing the environmental footprint. Additionally, ZeaKal's synthetic oil encapsulation system utilizes engineered cysteine residues on an oleosin protein to produce artificial oil bodies outside the seed, further contributing to improved seed composition and crop yield. Through its advancements, the company seeks to create a sustainable agricultural model that balances the needs of farmers, consumers, and the environment.
ShopWell
Series C in 2015
ShopWell is a personalized nutrition app that recommends foods to people based on their dietary needs and helps them build healthy grocery lists. It's like having a personal dietitian in the palm of your hands. At home or in the store, simply scan a food’s barcode to get nutrition info and find out if the food is right for you. ShopWell alleviates all the confusion of grocery shopping and even helps you discover new foods you’ll love. ShopWell is a Community Partner of the USDA and certified by Registered Dietitians. It’s free and easy to use. ShopWell Helps You: Achieve Health Goals - Such as weight management, lower cholesterol, & manage diabetes Eat More of the Things You Want - Such as calcium, fiber, & whole grains Avoid Things You Don’t Want - Such as sugar, trans fat, & sodium Stay Clear of Allergens & Intolerance - Such as gluten, peanuts, & lactose Build healthy grocery lists
CropX
Series A in 2015
CropX is an ag-analytics and IoT company that develops AI-driven, cloud-based software solutions aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity. Its platform integrates data from proprietary and third-party sources, enabling farmers to improve crop yields by up to 15% while significantly reducing water, pesticide, and fertilizer usage by up to 50% and 20%, respectively. The software combines advanced soil sensor technology with comprehensive agricultural information, facilitating efficient irrigation management and operational automation. Trusted by farmers globally, CropX has been deployed on over 5,000 farms across 70 countries. The company fosters partnerships with key industry players, including Reinke, Syngenta, PepsiCo, and John Deere, to streamline data sharing and enhance farming practices, promoting sustainable and profitable cultivation methods.
SG Biofuels
Series C in 2014
SGB is a fully-integrated bioenergy crop company using molecular breeding and biotechnology to develop and produce elite hybrid seeds of Jatropha as a low-cost feedstock for biodiesel, bio-jet fuel, and specialty chemicals. With the largest and most diverse library of Jatropha genetic material, SGB is turning the opportunities of Jatropha into reality through a world-class leadership team, leading-edge science and genetics, and expertise in agronomy and plantation management. SGB has been named one of the Top 5 Renewable Jet Fuel Supply Chain Companies in the World by The Carbon War Room (2011), one of the Top 50 Companies in Bioenergy for three consecutive years (2009, 2010, and 2011), and the 2010 Feedstock Domestication Project of the Year by Biofuels Digest and one of the Top 200 Going Green Private Companies in the World by Always On.
Transcend Medical
Series C in 2014
Transcend Medical is focused on the development of medical devices for the treatment of glaucoma, a cause of adult irreversible blindness. It is estimated that nearly four million people in the US and over 60 million worldwide are afflicted with the disease today and the numbers are expected to grow to nearly six million in the US, and to over 70 million worldwide by the year 2015. In 2005, Transcend Medical was the first company to spin out of ForSight Labs, an incubator solely focused on ophthalmic innovations. Transcend Medical was granted CE mark for the CyPass Micro-Stent® in 2008, and is being evaluated in several clinical studies in the US and abroad, including the COMPASS multi-center clinical trial.
ZeaKal
Series A in 2013
ZeaKal, Inc. is a plant science company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2010. It focuses on developing and commercializing innovative agricultural technologies aimed at enhancing the productivity of row crops such as corn, soybeans, and canola. One of its key technologies, PhotoSeed™, increases the photosynthetic capacity of plants, allowing them to capture more carbon and sunlight. This results in the production of healthier, nutrient-rich food and feed while minimizing the environmental footprint. Additionally, ZeaKal's synthetic oil encapsulation system utilizes engineered cysteine residues on an oleosin protein to produce artificial oil bodies outside the seed, further contributing to improved seed composition and crop yield. Through its advancements, the company seeks to create a sustainable agricultural model that balances the needs of farmers, consumers, and the environment.
Transcend Medical
Series B in 2012
Transcend Medical is focused on the development of medical devices for the treatment of glaucoma, a cause of adult irreversible blindness. It is estimated that nearly four million people in the US and over 60 million worldwide are afflicted with the disease today and the numbers are expected to grow to nearly six million in the US, and to over 70 million worldwide by the year 2015. In 2005, Transcend Medical was the first company to spin out of ForSight Labs, an incubator solely focused on ophthalmic innovations. Transcend Medical was granted CE mark for the CyPass Micro-Stent® in 2008, and is being evaluated in several clinical studies in the US and abroad, including the COMPASS multi-center clinical trial.
SG Biofuels
Series B in 2012
SGB is a fully-integrated bioenergy crop company using molecular breeding and biotechnology to develop and produce elite hybrid seeds of Jatropha as a low-cost feedstock for biodiesel, bio-jet fuel, and specialty chemicals. With the largest and most diverse library of Jatropha genetic material, SGB is turning the opportunities of Jatropha into reality through a world-class leadership team, leading-edge science and genetics, and expertise in agronomy and plantation management. SGB has been named one of the Top 5 Renewable Jet Fuel Supply Chain Companies in the World by The Carbon War Room (2011), one of the Top 50 Companies in Bioenergy for three consecutive years (2009, 2010, and 2011), and the 2010 Feedstock Domestication Project of the Year by Biofuels Digest and one of the Top 200 Going Green Private Companies in the World by Always On.
Transcend Medical
Series B in 2011
Transcend Medical is focused on the development of medical devices for the treatment of glaucoma, a cause of adult irreversible blindness. It is estimated that nearly four million people in the US and over 60 million worldwide are afflicted with the disease today and the numbers are expected to grow to nearly six million in the US, and to over 70 million worldwide by the year 2015. In 2005, Transcend Medical was the first company to spin out of ForSight Labs, an incubator solely focused on ophthalmic innovations. Transcend Medical was granted CE mark for the CyPass Micro-Stent® in 2008, and is being evaluated in several clinical studies in the US and abroad, including the COMPASS multi-center clinical trial.
Sadra Medical
Series C in 2009
Sadra Medical is focused on developing innovative therapies for the treatment of aortic valve disease, particularly through minimally invasive alternatives to traditional surgical valve replacement. The company offers transcatheter aortic valve replacement systems, including the Lotus valve, which is a bovine tissue tri-leaflet bioprosthetic aortic valve supported by a nitinol stent structure. Additionally, Sadra Medical provides the Lotus delivery catheter, designed for the guidance and placement of the Lotus valve. With aortic valve stenosis affecting approximately 3 million people in the U.S. and a significant portion remaining untreated, Sadra Medical aims to address this unmet clinical need by enhancing treatment options and improving patient care while reducing the risks associated with open-heart surgery.
Somark Innovations
Venture Round in 2009
Somark Innovations specializes in advanced identification solutions for laboratory animals, focusing on enhancing the integrity of the chain of custody. The company has developed chip-less radio frequency identification tattoos that offer accurate and consistent identification, promoting both animal welfare and data integrity. By improving the identification process, Somark aims to facilitate better scientific outcomes for researchers and support companies engaged in research advancements. In addition to its primary focus on lab animal identification, Somark also provides inventory management identification systems for various applications, including automotive parts, documents, and casino chips.
nContact Surgical
Series C in 2007
nContact is a medical device company founded in 2005 with a mission to develop devices for the endoscopic treatment of arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation (AF). The Numeris® Coagulation System with VisiTrax® is based on the unique integration of suction, perfusion, and RF energy to ensure the creation of visible, nonconductive, continuous, bi-atrial lesions on the epicardium of a beating heart. To date, the Numeris® Coagulation System with VisiTrax® is indicated for endoscopic coagulation of cardiac tissue in the United States. nContact has initiated IDE clinical studies for the treatment of AF in both open and closed chest procedures. The Numeris Coagulation System with VisiTrax has CE Mark approval in Europe for the coagulation of cardiac tissue for the treatment of AF and atrial flutter.
Chlorogen
Venture Round in 2007
Chlorogen a biopharmaceutical company, engages in the development and manufacture of proteins for human therapy. The company, through its chloroplast transformation technology (CTT), offers plant made drugs for the treatment and prevention of human diseases, as well as for treatment of women's reproductive cancers. Its products include therapeutic proteins in tobacco that are made using chloroplast transformation technology. The chloroplast transformation technology facilitates hyper-expression of recombinant proteins in tobacco chloroplasts. The company offers its chloroplast-tobacco platform for commercial use in food and agriculture. Chlorogen, Inc. was founded in 2002 and is based in St. Louis, Missouri.
Bioabsorbable Therapeutics
Series B in 2007
Bioabsorbable Therapeutics, Inc. develops and commercializes medical devices for treating coronary and peripheral vascular diseases. Its products include Whisper coronary stent system, a balloon-expandable fully absorbable coronary stent; and Unison Peripheral Stent System, a self-expanding fully absorbable peripheral stent. The company uses anti-inflammatory polymers to develop bioabsorbable coatings and stents. Bioabsorbable Therapeutics, Inc. was founded in 2004 and is based in Menlo Park, California.
nContact Surgical
Series B in 2006
nContact is a medical device company founded in 2005 with a mission to develop devices for the endoscopic treatment of arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation (AF). The Numeris® Coagulation System with VisiTrax® is based on the unique integration of suction, perfusion, and RF energy to ensure the creation of visible, nonconductive, continuous, bi-atrial lesions on the epicardium of a beating heart. To date, the Numeris® Coagulation System with VisiTrax® is indicated for endoscopic coagulation of cardiac tissue in the United States. nContact has initiated IDE clinical studies for the treatment of AF in both open and closed chest procedures. The Numeris Coagulation System with VisiTrax has CE Mark approval in Europe for the coagulation of cardiac tissue for the treatment of AF and atrial flutter.
Athenix
Series C in 2006
Athenix is a prominent player in the field of agricultural and industrial biotechnology, specializing in the development of products, technologies, and processes tailored for agricultural and chemical applications. The company is dedicated to discovering new genes and transforming them into practical solutions that address specific customer requirements. Athenix focuses on creating plants, microbes, enzymes, and processes aimed at enhancing insect and nematode resistance, as well as herbicide tolerance. Additionally, its research extends to the identification of genes and proteins utilized in the chemical and animal feed industries, reinforcing its commitment to innovation in biotechnology.
POP
POP offers a nutrient-packed supplement for pet dogs to reduce inflammation and support whole-body health.
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