Canomiks is a company that specializes in genomics, bioinformatics, and artificial intelligence to support the development of safe and effective products in the functional food and beverage, dietary supplement, and skincare sectors. The company operates a technology platform that employs omics science, data analytics, machine learning, and bioinformatics to validate and certify the biological efficacy and safety of various ingredients and formulations. This innovative approach enables clients to create high-quality products while significantly reducing both the time and costs associated with product development. Canomiks aims to revolutionize the industry by advancing the concept of food as medicine, aligning with a long-term vision of enhancing health through scientifically validated nutritional solutions.
Ummino offers precision fermentation technology for fortified food and beverage products. The company's technology unlocks rare compounds to transform commodity ingredients into high-value functional foods.
Bactana Corporation is a research and development company focused on improving microbiome health in livestock and pets through innovative nutritional products. Established in 2016 and based in Farmington, Connecticut, Bactana's proprietary platform, FPS-4, enhances the interaction between an animal's immune system and metabolism to promote productivity and health. The company isolates beneficial molecules from commensal anaerobic bacteria, specifically targeting metabolic conditions and digestive disorders in pets, while also developing sustainable solutions for livestock production that aim to reduce the reliance on antibiotics and minimize natural resource usage. Bactana primarily serves cattle farmers in Connecticut and New York, positioning itself at the forefront of advancements in microbiome technology for both livestock and companion animals.
Farther Farms
Grant in 2021
Farther Farms is a food technology company focused on producing shelf-stable alternatives to traditionally frozen foods. The company addresses the challenges of food spoilage by employing advanced techniques that combine high pressure, dense carbon dioxide, and moderate temperatures to preserve fruits and vegetables without using preservatives, chemicals, or genetic modification. This innovative approach not only ensures the freshness and quality of the produce but also supports sustainable practices by reducing costs, energy use, and infrastructure requirements throughout the food system. Farther Farms is committed to providing consumers with locally sourced, organic, and non-GMO products that prioritize both environmental impact and taste.
Novel Farms
Pre Seed Round in 2021
Novel Farms, Inc. is a Berkeley, California-based company founded in 2020 that specializes in the production of cell-based meat delicacies. It focuses on developing cruelty-free, low-cost, and tunable bioscaffolds through microbial fermentation and proprietary tissue engineering technology. The company's mission is to create gourmet meat alternatives that replicate the taste and texture of conventional meats, appealing to a new generation of conscious consumers. By producing whole-muscle cuts of cultivated meat, Novel Farms aims to make synthetic meat-based delicacies accessible and desirable, transforming the consumption of cell-based meat into a sought-after culinary experience.
Tender Food is a food technology startup focused on developing plant-based and cultured meat products. Founded by researchers from Harvard University, the company utilizes novel fiber production technology to transform plant proteins into fibrous structures that closely replicate the texture and mouthfeel of traditional meat. By emphasizing realistic textures and flavors, Tender Food aims to enhance the experience of consuming alternative meats while promoting sustainability and vegan options. Their innovative approach not only provides a viable alternative to animal meat but also retains the nutritional benefits associated with traditional meat products, supporting meat companies in their transition toward more sustainable practices.
Novel Farms, Inc. is a Berkeley, California-based company founded in 2020 that specializes in the production of cell-based meat delicacies. It focuses on developing cruelty-free, low-cost, and tunable bioscaffolds through microbial fermentation and proprietary tissue engineering technology. The company's mission is to create gourmet meat alternatives that replicate the taste and texture of conventional meats, appealing to a new generation of conscious consumers. By producing whole-muscle cuts of cultivated meat, Novel Farms aims to make synthetic meat-based delicacies accessible and desirable, transforming the consumption of cell-based meat into a sought-after culinary experience.
The Natural Nipple
Grant in 2021
The Natural Nipple specializes in the development of innovative feeding bottles that aim to enhance the breastfeeding experience for both mothers and babies. Their products are designed to closely mimic the shape and flow rate of the natural breast, thereby minimizing nipple confusion and facilitating a smooth transition between bottle feeding and breastfeeding. By prioritizing a biotechnological approach, The Natural Nipple supports neurological development and promotes a healthy microbiome, which is essential for the long-term health of infants. Their focus on improving mother-baby bonding and overall health positions them as a significant player in the maternal and infant wellness market.
Lypid is a company that specializes in producing vegan fats designed to replicate the taste and characteristics of animal fats. By utilizing animal-free proteins, Lypid aims to reduce the reliance on carbon-intensive animal products. The company employs a novel formulation combined with a microencapsulation method to closely mimic the texture, mouthfeel, flavor transfer, and cooking behaviors associated with traditional animal fats. This innovative approach allows consumers to enjoy a healthier alternative that contains minimal artificial additives, reduced hydrogenation, and lower trans fat levels.
Nabla Bio is a biotechnology company that specializes in the development of an autoreverse platform for the discovery of innovative protein variants. These proteins, which exhibit unique qualities, are engineered to create new medicines and enhance nutritional products. By leveraging insights gained from billions of natural proteins, Nabla Bio enhances these variants through extensive experimentation, allowing for advanced applications in both medical and industrial fields. The company's focus on complex measurements of protein function positions it as a leader in the pursuit of previously unattainable protein capabilities.
Intrinsyx Research Corporation
Grant in 2021
Intrinsyx Bio has spent the last 3.5 years validating and commercializing 3 decades of the leading academic research in the plant microbiome research from the University of Washington. Our exclusively licensed collection of microbes are proven and published to x Nitrogen aerobically throughout the inside of plants as well as improve yield, Phosphorous eciency, and increase abiotic (salinity and drought) and biotic stress tolerance. We have developed shelf stable microbial inoculants that drastically improve crop yield and nutrient use eciency, garnering interest from some of agriculture’s largest companies.
FruitVaccine
Grant in 2020
FruitVaccine is a company based in Champaign, Illinois, that specializes in the production of fruit-based vaccines aimed at providing immunity against widespread infectious diseases. Founded in 2017, the company focuses on developing noninvasive, orally administered vaccine alternatives. Its products come in various forms, including gummy-like pills, oral drops, and fruit purees, making them accessible and appealing. These vaccines are designed to be natural, vegan-friendly, and environmentally sustainable, distinguishing them from traditional injectable options. FruitVaccine's innovative approach aims to enhance immunization efforts by offering a more palatable and less invasive means of disease prevention.
PhylloTech is a biotechnology company focused on producing difficult-to-manufacture proteins and antibodies using a continuous plant expression system based on Nicotiana tabacum. This innovative method allows proteins to be secreted onto the leaf surfaces, where they can be efficiently recovered through a simple washing process with an extraction buffer, thereby eliminating the need for extensive purification. This approach significantly lowers production costs and facilitates rapid scalability, enabling the output of target proteins from tens of thousands of plants. The company's environmentally-friendly system requires only light, water, and fertilizer, making it suitable for cultivation in greenhouses or fields using existing agricultural practices. Additionally, PhylloTech is developing solutions to combat plant diseases by utilizing enzymes to manage bacterial pathogens, which may enhance crop yields and provide alternatives to synthetic pesticides. Through these technologies, PhylloTech aims to contribute to sustainable agriculture by producing high-quality proteins in a renewable manner.
NutraMaize is an Indiana-based AgBioScience company that specializes in the production of a novel variety of non-GMO corn. This proprietary corn features a deep orange color attributed to its elevated carotenoid content, which provides essential nutrients beneficial for human health. The high levels of carotenoids in NutraMaize's corn serve multiple functions, including acting as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, while also supplying pro-vitamin A. By focusing on nutritious and better-tasting corn, NutraMaize aims to enhance food quality and support consumer health, including promoting eye health and bolstering the immune system, while potentially reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases.
Meati Foods is a consumer goods company based in Boulder, Colorado, that specializes in the production and sale of fungi-based meat alternatives. Founded in 2016, the company aims to provide nutrient-dense, plant-based options that serve as sustainable substitutes for traditional meat. Meati's products are crafted using proprietary fermentation technologies and are minimally processed, ensuring they are free from common allergens. The company is committed to offering vegan food choices that are accessible and enjoyable for a diverse range of consumers.
Sasya is a biotech company that produces functional supplements. Its products are applicable across all species including humans, companion animals, and fish.
Farther Farms
Grant in 2018
Farther Farms is a food technology company focused on producing shelf-stable alternatives to traditionally frozen foods. The company addresses the challenges of food spoilage by employing advanced techniques that combine high pressure, dense carbon dioxide, and moderate temperatures to preserve fruits and vegetables without using preservatives, chemicals, or genetic modification. This innovative approach not only ensures the freshness and quality of the produce but also supports sustainable practices by reducing costs, energy use, and infrastructure requirements throughout the food system. Farther Farms is committed to providing consumers with locally sourced, organic, and non-GMO products that prioritize both environmental impact and taste.
Meati Foods is a consumer goods company based in Boulder, Colorado, that specializes in the production and sale of fungi-based meat alternatives. Founded in 2016, the company aims to provide nutrient-dense, plant-based options that serve as sustainable substitutes for traditional meat. Meati's products are crafted using proprietary fermentation technologies and are minimally processed, ensuring they are free from common allergens. The company is committed to offering vegan food choices that are accessible and enjoyable for a diverse range of consumers.
KnipBio Inc., established in 2013 and headquartered in Lowell, Massachusetts, specializes in developing sustainable biotechnology solutions for animal nutrition, particularly within the aquaculture industry. The company's flagship product is KnipBio Meal (KBM), a single-cell protein derived from microbe strains that convert abundant, low-cost feedstocks into nutritious alternatives to traditional fishmeal. This innovative approach aims to address real-world challenges in aquaculture feed while promoting responsible and sustainable practices.
KnipBio Inc., established in 2013 and headquartered in Lowell, Massachusetts, specializes in developing sustainable biotechnology solutions for animal nutrition, particularly within the aquaculture industry. The company's flagship product is KnipBio Meal (KBM), a single-cell protein derived from microbe strains that convert abundant, low-cost feedstocks into nutritious alternatives to traditional fishmeal. This innovative approach aims to address real-world challenges in aquaculture feed while promoting responsible and sustainable practices.
NutraMaize is an Indiana-based AgBioScience company that specializes in the production of a novel variety of non-GMO corn. This proprietary corn features a deep orange color attributed to its elevated carotenoid content, which provides essential nutrients beneficial for human health. The high levels of carotenoids in NutraMaize's corn serve multiple functions, including acting as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, while also supplying pro-vitamin A. By focusing on nutritious and better-tasting corn, NutraMaize aims to enhance food quality and support consumer health, including promoting eye health and bolstering the immune system, while potentially reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases.
InnovaNutra, established in 2015 and based in Davis, California, specializes in the development of bio-based encapsulation technology for enhancing nutrient and phytochemical bioaccessibility. The company's core product is a cloud-based SaaS suite offering formulations that concentrate naturally occurring health-promoting nutrients while eliminating associated bitterness or astringency. This enables businesses to improve shelf-life and delivery of susceptible natural ingredients, facilitating the creation of clean label products in both food and cosmetic sectors.
PhylloTech is a biotechnology company focused on producing difficult-to-manufacture proteins and antibodies using a continuous plant expression system based on Nicotiana tabacum. This innovative method allows proteins to be secreted onto the leaf surfaces, where they can be efficiently recovered through a simple washing process with an extraction buffer, thereby eliminating the need for extensive purification. This approach significantly lowers production costs and facilitates rapid scalability, enabling the output of target proteins from tens of thousands of plants. The company's environmentally-friendly system requires only light, water, and fertilizer, making it suitable for cultivation in greenhouses or fields using existing agricultural practices. Additionally, PhylloTech is developing solutions to combat plant diseases by utilizing enzymes to manage bacterial pathogens, which may enhance crop yields and provide alternatives to synthetic pesticides. Through these technologies, PhylloTech aims to contribute to sustainable agriculture by producing high-quality proteins in a renewable manner.
Triton Algae Innovations
Grant in 2016
Triton Algae Innovations, Ltd. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, dedicated to developing sustainable proteins derived from natural algae for use in both animal and human health. Utilizing its Triton platform, the company produces a variety of natural proteins, including enzymes, antibodies, hormones, and antioxidants, which cater to diverse market segments such as infant formulas, nutraceuticals, therapeutics, and cosmetics. Triton focuses on the microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, known for its high nutritional value, including essential amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids. Their innovative and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes enhance the potential of this microalgae, contributing to solutions for food and feed shortages while promoting gut health. Triton Algae Innovations aims to provide better nutrition and healthier food options through its advanced plant protein products. The company was incorporated in 2012.
InnovaNutra, established in 2015 and based in Davis, California, specializes in the development of bio-based encapsulation technology for enhancing nutrient and phytochemical bioaccessibility. The company's core product is a cloud-based SaaS suite offering formulations that concentrate naturally occurring health-promoting nutrients while eliminating associated bitterness or astringency. This enables businesses to improve shelf-life and delivery of susceptible natural ingredients, facilitating the creation of clean label products in both food and cosmetic sectors.
Fiberstar, Inc. is a research and development company based in River Falls, Wisconsin, specializing in the manufacturing of innovative ingredients aimed at enhancing food freshness and nutrition. Established in 1998, Fiberstar produces Citri-Fi, a line of multi-functional fibers derived from orange pulp, which are utilized to improve food quality, nutrition, and labeling. These solutions serve various functions, including moisture management, partial oil and fat replacement, and the replacement of synthetic ingredients. In addition to Citri-Fi, the company offers Hydro-Fi, a texturizing ingredient for the food industry. Fiberstar's products find applications across numerous sectors, including bakery, dairy, snacks, beverages, and prepared foods. The company operates a manufacturing facility and holds exclusive worldwide licenses for patented biotechnology developed at the University of Minnesota, reflecting its commitment to technological innovation in food ingredients.
Superbrewed Food
Grant in 2015
Superbrewed Food is a biotechnology company focused on producing naturally brewed microbial protein aimed at delivering quality and affordable nutrition. The company specializes in developing innovative probiotics for both animals and humans, utilizing synthetic biology and bioprocess development. Superbrewed Food's product is characterized by its nutritious, allergen-free, and non-GMO properties, making it a versatile ingredient for clients in the food and beverage industry. This allows for the creation of delicious and sustainable alternatives to traditional beverages, aligning with the growing demand for healthier and environmentally friendly food options.
KnipBio Inc., established in 2013 and headquartered in Lowell, Massachusetts, specializes in developing sustainable biotechnology solutions for animal nutrition, particularly within the aquaculture industry. The company's flagship product is KnipBio Meal (KBM), a single-cell protein derived from microbe strains that convert abundant, low-cost feedstocks into nutritious alternatives to traditional fishmeal. This innovative approach aims to address real-world challenges in aquaculture feed while promoting responsible and sustainable practices.
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.
PhylloTech is a biotechnology company focused on producing difficult-to-manufacture proteins and antibodies using a continuous plant expression system based on Nicotiana tabacum. This innovative method allows proteins to be secreted onto the leaf surfaces, where they can be efficiently recovered through a simple washing process with an extraction buffer, thereby eliminating the need for extensive purification. This approach significantly lowers production costs and facilitates rapid scalability, enabling the output of target proteins from tens of thousands of plants. The company's environmentally-friendly system requires only light, water, and fertilizer, making it suitable for cultivation in greenhouses or fields using existing agricultural practices. Additionally, PhylloTech is developing solutions to combat plant diseases by utilizing enzymes to manage bacterial pathogens, which may enhance crop yields and provide alternatives to synthetic pesticides. Through these technologies, PhylloTech aims to contribute to sustainable agriculture by producing high-quality proteins in a renewable manner.
Triton Algae Innovations
Grant in 2014
Triton Algae Innovations, Ltd. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, dedicated to developing sustainable proteins derived from natural algae for use in both animal and human health. Utilizing its Triton platform, the company produces a variety of natural proteins, including enzymes, antibodies, hormones, and antioxidants, which cater to diverse market segments such as infant formulas, nutraceuticals, therapeutics, and cosmetics. Triton focuses on the microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, known for its high nutritional value, including essential amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids. Their innovative and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes enhance the potential of this microalgae, contributing to solutions for food and feed shortages while promoting gut health. Triton Algae Innovations aims to provide better nutrition and healthier food options through its advanced plant protein products. The company was incorporated in 2012.
Nature's Fynd
Grant in 2014
Nature's Fynd is a food company that specializes in producing protein from extremophile organisms discovered in geothermal springs. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional office in Bozeman, Montana, the company employs innovative fermentation technology to cultivate its protein. This method significantly reduces the land and water resources typically required for traditional agriculture. Nature's Fynd aims to create foods that not only nourish people but also promote environmental sustainability.
Innovesca, LLC is a food innovation company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that specializes in developing nutritious ingredients through natural processing. The company focuses on optimizing nutrition from underutilized plants, particularly amaranth, which is processed into a dried, shelf-stable powder for diverse applications. Innovesca's products are designed to enhance the nutritional value of functional foods, such as bars, cereals, and healthy snacks, by unlocking the full benefits of whole foods. By enabling small communities to grow and utilize these nutritional ingredients, Innovesca aims to improve overall health and nutrition while promoting sustainable food practices.
Arcadia Biosciences
Grant in 2013
Arcadia Biosciences, Inc. is an agricultural technology company based in Davis, California, focusing on the development of crop productivity traits primarily in hemp, wheat, and soybean. Established in 2002, the company employs advanced screening, breeding, and biotechnology techniques to create products that enhance farm economics and improve the value of crops as food ingredients, health and wellness products, and for industrial applications. Its product lineup includes GoodHemp, a range of non-GMO hemp seed varieties aimed at genetic improvement; GoodWheat, which transforms wheat into a functional food; and a drought and herbicide-tolerant soybean trait known as HB4. Additionally, Arcadia Biosciences produces plant-based food and beverage products, including high-fiber pasta and coconut water, thereby catering to consumer demands while promoting environmental sustainability. The company operates in diverse markets, including the United States, Canada, Africa, and India, and collaborates with several industry partners to advance its initiatives.
ChromaDex Corporation is a global nutraceutical company based in Los Angeles, California, focused on promoting healthy aging through innovative ingredient technologies. The company is best known for its flagship product, Nicotinamide riboside (NIAGEN), a patented form of vitamin B3 that enhances nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels, which naturally decline with age. In addition to NIAGEN, ChromaDex offers Immulina, a spirulina extract designed to improve immune function. The company operates through three main segments: Consumer Products, Ingredients, and Analytical Reference Standards and Services, with the majority of its revenue generated from the Consumer Products segment. ChromaDex markets its products directly in the United States and Canada, while also utilizing international distributors, and employs in-house expertise in chemistry, regulatory affairs, and safety consulting to develop commercially viable ingredients across various industries, including dietary supplements, food, beverage, skin care, and pharmaceuticals.
Premix is a nutrition solution for cattle, horses, and sheep. They offer ruminant nutrition, feedlot technology, pasture cattle solutions, dairy cattle solutions, and equine nutrition. They provide products for beef and dairy cattle, horses, sheep, and goats.
Nature's Fynd
Grant in 2012
Nature's Fynd is a food company that specializes in producing protein from extremophile organisms discovered in geothermal springs. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional office in Bozeman, Montana, the company employs innovative fermentation technology to cultivate its protein. This method significantly reduces the land and water resources typically required for traditional agriculture. Nature's Fynd aims to create foods that not only nourish people but also promote environmental sustainability.
Metabolic Technologies
Grant in 2012
Metabolic Technologies LLC, founded in 1990 in Missoula, Montana, specializes in the production of health and nutritional products, focusing on ingredients that support muscle health. The company offers a range of supplement ingredients, including its clinically proven beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) compound, which is designed to help athletes and other customers prevent muscle loss while enhancing strength and recovery. As a subsidiary of TSI Health Sciences, Metabolic Technologies provides innovative solutions for improving body composition through its diverse product offerings.
PhylloTech is a biotechnology company focused on producing difficult-to-manufacture proteins and antibodies using a continuous plant expression system based on Nicotiana tabacum. This innovative method allows proteins to be secreted onto the leaf surfaces, where they can be efficiently recovered through a simple washing process with an extraction buffer, thereby eliminating the need for extensive purification. This approach significantly lowers production costs and facilitates rapid scalability, enabling the output of target proteins from tens of thousands of plants. The company's environmentally-friendly system requires only light, water, and fertilizer, making it suitable for cultivation in greenhouses or fields using existing agricultural practices. Additionally, PhylloTech is developing solutions to combat plant diseases by utilizing enzymes to manage bacterial pathogens, which may enhance crop yields and provide alternatives to synthetic pesticides. Through these technologies, PhylloTech aims to contribute to sustainable agriculture by producing high-quality proteins in a renewable manner.
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, 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, 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.