Inputs

A renewed focus on the importance of diet and nutrition, as well as enthusiasm for more sustainable crop inputs and alternative materials, continue to provide opportunities for agtech investors.

The start-up is working on ways to economically deliver plant trait development and has a product in market that aims to increase yields while lowering fertilizer use.

Partner Liz Harrison says a decrease among US producer respondents willing buy inputs online reflects large suppliers' lack of commitment to digital channels and the growing role of trusted agronomists.

Ponsi Trivisvavet says the Series D will support development of the Flagship Pioneering-backed startup’s next-generation corn and soybean seeds, which are likely to reach markets within a ‘couple of years.’

The agtech start-up received a $10m investment from the Gates Foundation to deliver a biodegradable version of its alternative input to smallholder farmers.

Partner Nicolas Denis says covid-19 has helped erode European farmers’ skepticism of buying inputs and equipment online, which only accounts for annual sales of €150m to €200m in a €138bn market.

PowerPollen already has licensing and research partnerships with Corteva and BASF and plans to market directly to individual farmers over the long term, says co-founder Todd Krone.

Unfold Bio has received an initial $30m in start-up capital from the two founders but future funding rounds could be opened up to external investors.

The impact investor’s strategy for addressing overfishing involves supporting aquaculture sustainability by investing in innovations that address its pollution and feed challenges.

Senior vice-president Neil Juhnke says the sale comes after a one-year trial confirmed the facility would struggle to compete in a retail inputs market increasingly defined by consolidation and scale.