May 25, 2016

Chicago-based Seed 2 Growth Ventures (S2G) has led a $10 million round for agricultural bio-chemical developer, Terramera, according to AgFunder. Other investors participating in the round include ACA Investments, Bold Capital Partners, Renewal Funds, and Maumee Ventures.

Through the study of evolved, highly effective innate plant defenses against pests and diseases, Terramera has developed proprietary platforms that improve the performance and the delivery of complex plant biochemical that can replace, and even surpass today’s synthetic conventional agri-chemicals.

As consumer demand increases for foods that are produced without the use of traditional chemicals, the need for alternate, cleaner inputs is climbing too.

“The consumer is changing the US food system,” S2G managing partner Sanjeev Krishnan told GAI News, commenting that Millennials, defined as 18 to 34 year olds, are the main group driving the shift, with their focus on healthy, fresh food.

“Terramera develops safer, more effective solutions for public health, sustainable food production, and bee health, by harnessing the power of natural plant defenses with innovative green chemistry,” said Terramera CEO, Karn Manhas in a company statement.

Although Terramera’s agricultural products are about a year out from being commercialized, the company already has a line of EPA-approved consumer products called ‘Proof’ that are 100% effective against bed bugs and their eggs.

The fact that the company’s Proof products are currently being sold in Walmart and Home Depot stores across the U.S may place Terramera in a better position vis-à-vis farmer adoption of their biopesticides upon reaching the market.

“One of the key issues holding back quicker adoption has been performance,” said Sanjeev Krishnan, Managing Director, S2G Ventures in a recent press release. “Terramera has developed a technology that solves that, allowing current biologics to perform more effectively.”

“Terramera is uniquely positioned to lead the market with technology and products that are natural, highly-effective and most importantly, more economically beneficial to farmers. S2G Ventures is excited to partner with Terramera and help them scale. It’s a natural fit.”

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GAI News Staff