Superorganism Launches $25.9 Million Fund to Tackle Biodiversity Loss

Superorganism has officially launched its $25.9 million debut fund, with a mission to enhance environmental health through investments in innovative technologies aimed at combatting biodiversity loss. The managing partners of the venture capital firm are wholeheartedly committed to making a tangible impact.

Founders Driven by Passion for Conservation and Technology

Tom Quigley and Kevin Webb, co-founders and managing directors, established Superorganism nearly four years ago. Emerging from a period of stealth in 2023, they merged Quigley’s conservation background with Webb’s 15 years of venture capital experience.

The firm officially closed its debut fund late last year, backed by notable supporters including AMB Holdings, Builders Vision, and the Cisco Foundation.

Focus Areas of Investment

Superorganism’s investment strategy revolves around three significant themes: extinction drivers, the intersection of climate and biodiversity, and enabling technology.

Quigley stated, “Our aim is to support venture-scale solutions that can work globally to reduce biodiversity loss while enhancing methods to protect, preserve, and restore species and ecosystems around the planet.”

Investment Portfolio Highlights

Already, Superorganism has invested in 20 pre-seed and seed companies, including Inversa, a firm focused on invasive species management, and Ulysses, an ocean robotics startup. The VC firm is also committed to allocating 10% of its profits to conservation initiatives.

Among its investments is Funga, which aims to restore the soil microbiome on lumber production lands through the introduction of native mycorrhizal fungi. Quigley noted that these fungi form beneficial relationships with trees that are often disrupted in traditional lumber production, hindering ecosystem recovery.

Innovative Technologies Supporting Biodiversity

Another interesting investment is in Foray Biosciences, a biotech and AI startup that has secured its first commercial partner, West Coast Chestnut. Their technology not only develops new chestnut varieties but also explores the revival of extinct plant species, which is crucial for biodiversity enhancement.

“There is not really a roadmap for companies that are building in a nature-positive way. That is part of what we really love—getting our hands dirty and solving those first-of-their-kind challenges.”

Preparing for a Robust Investment Year

Superorganism plans to deploy capital from its inaugural fund throughout 2023, aspiring to support 35 portfolio companies. Quigley mentioned, “We have dry powder and are ready to invest it. We aim to work closely with our founders and significantly contribute to building the ecosystem.”

Despite the current slowdown in VC funding within the agtech sector, start-up founders are returning to core business principles while tackling real-world challenges. Webb emphasized that they find fulfillment in working hands-on with innovators to address biodiversity loss and environmental issues.

“Some of the intriguing aspects for us concerning biodiversity are being deeply involved with our founders as they tackle these challenges,” Webb mentioned. “There is not a clear pathway for companies that prioritize nature-positive strategies, and that’s part of the excitement for us.”