As the investment landscape stabilizes post-market correction, interest in gene-edited crops is on the rise. UK-based Tropic recently announced a successful $105 million funding round in Series C, exceeding its initial target. The funds will primarily support the commercial expansion of the company’s banana and rice products and enhance its pipeline of climate-resilient varieties.

The funding round was co-led by Forbion’s Bioeconomy Fund and Corteva, which participated through its Corteva Catalyst investment platform. The round also saw contributions from Just Climate, IQ Capital, ABN Amro, and Invest International, alongside established investors such as Temasek and Five Seasons Ventures. New board members from these leading organizations will be joining Tropic to guide the company’s next growth phase.

Gene-Edited Bananas Hit the Market Amid High Demand

The year 2025 marked a milestone for Tropic as it introduced the first new commercial banana varieties in over 75 years, including a non-browning banana, recognized as one of TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2025, and a banana variant with a 12-day extended shelf life. Consumer demand has vastly outstripped supply, highlighting significant market potential.

The company is also actively combating Panama Disease Tropical Race 4 (TR4), a serious threat to the $25 billion global banana industry. Initial shipments have started for establishing commercial mother plantations, aiming for deployment by 2027.

This Series C funding is aimed at scaling high-volume plant production, enhancing global supply chains, and expanding strategic partnerships in export markets.

CRISPR-Enabled Crops Attract Climate-Tech Investment

Tropic utilizes a range of advanced genetic tools, including its proprietary GEiGS® technology and CRISPR-based editing to enable precise crop modifications without the insertion of foreign DNA. The company targets sustainability, disease resistance, and climate resilience for its key tropical crops.

Investors are drawn to gene editing as it allows for rapid improvements in crops that were previously challenging to cultivate through conventional breeding methods.

“We are entering a new era, one where gene-edited crops will significantly enhance food security and sustainability,” stated Tropic CEO Gilad Gershon.

Joy Faucher from Forbion mentioned that Tropic exemplifies how advanced biotechnology can address serious planetary health issues, particularly against rising agricultural diseases and environmental challenges that conventional breeding cannot manage.

Corteva emphasized the consumer benefits of gene editing, describing Tropic’s non-browning bananas as a promising innovation reshaping options for both farmers and consumers.

Gene-Edited Agri-Biotech Gains Traction

Tropic’s funding round reflects a larger trend in venture capital directed at agri-biotech startups implementing gene editing and CRISPR-derived technologies. These innovations are vital for addressing agricultural challenges related to yield, disease resistance, and climate adaptation.

In light of increasing climate extremes, the ability to swiftly develop improved seed varieties is deemed critical for bolstering the global food system’s resilience. This is driving capital towards companies that can effectively commercialize gene-edited crops, focusing on high-value staples like bananas, rice, coffee, and cocoa.

For impact-driven investors, Tropic’s dual emphasis on farmer resilience and supply chain efficacy is particularly attractive. Just Climate highlighted how disease-resistant, longer-lasting produce can lower food waste, reduce methane-emitting spoilage, and minimize transportation carbon footprints.

A Defining Moment in Tropical Crop Genomics

With two commercial products available, growing consumer interest, and a globally relevant pipeline, Tropic’s funding positions it as a leader in gene-edited tropical crops. This shift signals investor priorities leaning toward climate-smart agricultural innovations.

Alex Wilson from IQ Capital noted that gene editing is unlocking potential in crops once deemed nearly impossible to improve. The urgency surrounding challenges like TR4 only sharpens the industry’s collective focus.

Tropic’s Series C funding acts as a strong indicator that gene-edited crops have entered a commercially viable era.

As part of this financing endeavor, Joy Faucher, Tom Greene from Corteva, and Siddarth Shrikanth from Just Climate will join Tropic’s board of directors, further enhancing strategic oversight.

Tom Greene remarked, “Tropic’s non-browning banana varieties showcase how the agriculture sector is harnessing innovation to provide new and improved choices for farmers and consumers worldwide.”