Prelude Ventures

Prelude Ventures is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm established in 2013, dedicated to investing in early-stage startups that aim to address climate change. The firm focuses on sectors such as advanced energy, food and agriculture, transportation, logistics, advanced materials, manufacturing, and advanced computing. By supporting innovative businesses in these areas, Prelude Ventures seeks to foster the development of the next generation of companies that can significantly impact environmental sustainability and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Carly Anderson

Principal

Katie Clasen

Principal

Mark Cupta

Managing Director

Matt Eggers

Managing Director

Gabriel Kra

Managing Director

Past deals in Agriculture

Windfall Bio

Series A in 2024
Windfall Bio is an innovative company based in San Mateo, California, that addresses climate change by transforming harmful methane emissions into organic fertilizer. Established in 2022, the company utilizes methane-eating microbes to capture methane from various sources, including agriculture, oil and gas, and waste management. This nature-based technology not only reduces the methane footprint of these industries but also improves their operational efficiency and profitability while minimizing the negative environmental impacts associated with synthetic fertilizers. By providing farmers and other producers with the means to convert methane into valuable soil nutrients, Windfall Bio fosters a sustainable agricultural future and contributes positively to environmental conservation. The company is backed by prominent venture capital firms, reflecting its potential to make a significant impact in the fight against climate change.

Rumin8

Seed Round in 2023
Rumin8 is addressing a critical environmental challenge by targeting methane emissions from livestock, which account for approximately 3.7% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The company has developed a groundbreaking technology that significantly reduces methane emissions from cattle by up to 95% by harnessing and transforming natural anti-methane compounds found in plants into dietary supplements for livestock. This innovation not only curtails methane production but also enhances the efficiency of the animals’ digestive systems, thereby providing them with more energy for growth. Rumin8's mission is to decarbonize millions of cattle worldwide, contributing to a more sustainable and climate-favorable food system to meet the dietary needs of a growing global population.

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.

Rumin8

Seed Round in 2022
Rumin8 is addressing a critical environmental challenge by targeting methane emissions from livestock, which account for approximately 3.7% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The company has developed a groundbreaking technology that significantly reduces methane emissions from cattle by up to 95% by harnessing and transforming natural anti-methane compounds found in plants into dietary supplements for livestock. This innovation not only curtails methane production but also enhances the efficiency of the animals’ digestive systems, thereby providing them with more energy for growth. Rumin8's mission is to decarbonize millions of cattle worldwide, contributing to a more sustainable and climate-favorable food system to meet the dietary needs of a growing global population.

Mori

Series B in 2022
Mori, formerly known as Overlook Research, is a company that develops a natural biopolymer coating designed to extend the shelf life of perishable foods. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Mori's innovative coating is made from proteins extracted from natural silk using salt and water. This protective layer helps slow the spoiling process of various food items, including fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood, thereby reducing food waste. By focusing on sustainable and economical solutions, Mori aims to transform the food supply and enhance the efficiency of the food, agriculture, and packaging industries.

Pivot Bio

Series D in 2021
Founded in 2010, Pivot Bio is a biotechnology company specializing in microbial nitrogen fertilizers. It harnesses naturally occurring microbes to provide nutrients to crops sustainably, aiming to reduce the need for petrochemical fertilizers and improve crop yield.

Mori

Series B in 2021
Mori, formerly known as Overlook Research, is a company that develops a natural biopolymer coating designed to extend the shelf life of perishable foods. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Mori's innovative coating is made from proteins extracted from natural silk using salt and water. This protective layer helps slow the spoiling process of various food items, including fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood, thereby reducing food waste. By focusing on sustainable and economical solutions, Mori aims to transform the food supply and enhance the efficiency of the food, agriculture, and packaging industries.

Benson Hill

Series D in 2020
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 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.

Mori

Series A in 2020
Mori, formerly known as Overlook Research, is a company that develops a natural biopolymer coating designed to extend the shelf life of perishable foods. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Mori's innovative coating is made from proteins extracted from natural silk using salt and water. This protective layer helps slow the spoiling process of various food items, including fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood, thereby reducing food waste. By focusing on sustainable and economical solutions, Mori aims to transform the food supply and enhance the efficiency of the food, agriculture, and packaging industries.

Pivot Bio

Series C in 2020
Founded in 2010, Pivot Bio is a biotechnology company specializing in microbial nitrogen fertilizers. It harnesses naturally occurring microbes to provide nutrients to crops sustainably, aiming to reduce the need for petrochemical fertilizers and improve crop yield.

CoverCress

Venture Round in 2020
CoverCress Inc. specializes in developing and commercializing field pennycress as a sustainable oilseed crop for industrial oils and livestock feed. Founded in 2013, the company is headquartered in Saint Louis, Missouri.

GreenLight Biosciences

Venture Round in 2019
GreenLight Biosciences is a biotechnology company specializing in RNA-based solutions for agriculture and pharmaceutical applications. It develops mRNA vaccines, including COVID-19 candidates, and offers sustainable crop protection technologies using its proprietary cell-free production platform.

CoverCress

Venture Round in 2018
CoverCress Inc. specializes in developing and commercializing field pennycress as a sustainable oilseed crop for industrial oils and livestock feed. Founded in 2013, the company is headquartered in Saint Louis, Missouri.

Benson Hill

Series C in 2018
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.

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.

CoverCress

Venture Round in 2017
CoverCress Inc. specializes in developing and commercializing field pennycress as a sustainable oilseed crop for industrial oils and livestock feed. Founded in 2013, the company is headquartered in Saint Louis, Missouri.

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.

CoverCress

Series A in 2015
CoverCress Inc. specializes in developing and commercializing field pennycress as a sustainable oilseed crop for industrial oils and livestock feed. Founded in 2013, the company is headquartered in Saint Louis, Missouri.
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