Weekly AgTech and FoodTech Roundup
AgFunderNews brings you the latest developments in agtech and foodtech, including important fundings, mergers, acquisitions, industry closures, and emerging trends.
Funding News
🇬🇧 Tropic has successfully secured $105 million in funding aimed at scaling gene-edited bananas. With plans to introduce TR4-resistant bananas by 2027, this investment marks a significant step in sustainable agriculture. AgFunderNews
🇱🇹 Saltz.app, based in Vilnius, has raised €20 million to enhance food distribution across Europe, streamlining the supply chain for local farmers. Vest Bee
🇨🇠Seprify, a Swiss startup, has secured $15.7 million to innovate by replacing titanium dioxide with cellulose materials, a move toward safer food packaging. Green Queen
🇨🇠In another boost, Inter IKEA Group has supported Seprify’s €13.4 million Series A funding to further develop its cellulose materials platform. Tech.eu
🇸🇪 Swedfund has announced an investment in resource efficiency and climate resilience initiatives targeted at smallholder farmers in India. Swedfund
🇺🇸 Anchr has raised $5.8 million to modernize food distribution using innovative technologies. Axios
🇬🇧 Cytotrait has received £3 million to enhance organelle engineering technologies for crops like wheat, maize, and potatoes. Tech Funding News
🇬🇧 Furthermore, UPP, a startup focused on broccoli side-stream innovations, has secured funding as it moves toward commercializing its automation and ingredient platform. Protein Production Technology
Mergers & Acquisitions, IPOs & Partnerships
🇺🇸 Shinkei Systems has acquired its first processing plant, positioning itself to scale production of seremoni-grade fish nationwide. Perishable News
🇺🇸 Cultivo has signed a major agreement with Octopus Energy Generation, expanding their collaboration on U.S. grasslands and carbon removal initiatives to a value of $100 million. Access Newswire
🇯🇵 bitBiome has partnered with Kyoritsu Seiyaku to develop new biotechnology solutions catering to animal health. Animal Health News
Funds, Grants & Accelerators
🇨🇠Emerald Technology Ventures has reached €100 million in its Global Water Fund II, aimed at fostering innovation in water technology. EU Startups
🇳🇱 Aqua-Spark has completed a $48 million first close for its Africa aquaculture fund, targeting sustainable aquaculture ventures. The Fish Site
🇰🇪 Hungary is funding a $5 million solar irrigation expansion project in Western Kenya, enhancing agricultural resilience in the region. Ecofin Agency
🇦🇺 In a push for innovation, the NSW government is launching a $20 million commercialization fund to support startup lending. Startup Daily
People Moves
🇸🇪 Millow has appointed a new CEO while bringing in the inventor for full-time duties, gearing up for their summer launch. Plant Based Mag
🇮🇱 Novella has named Antonio Martinez Descalzo as its new CEO to oversee the company’s expansion efforts. PR Newswire
🇳🇱 Time-travelling Milkman appoints Matthijs Sillevis Smitt as CEO as Oleocream prepares for commercial scale-up. Protein Production Technology
Other News
🇩🇰 Insectum, a Danish firm, is targeting Ghana’s feed market with a new $2.9 million insect protein plant. Ecofin Agency
🇺🇸 California Cultured has placed a bet on $3,000 reusable plastic bioreactors, aiming to transform the economics of cultured cocoa. AgFunderNews
🇬🇧 Wilbe has opened a new lab in White City, London, to address infrastructure bottlenecks affecting science startups. Tech.eu
🇺🇸 Meanwhile, Wisecode has unveiled a new application to help consumers identify ultra-processed foods. Green Queen
🇺🇸 Crop Diagnostix has launched an RNA-based crop health early-warning system, enhancing farmers’ ability to respond to plant health issues proactively. AgFunderNews
