In the bustling city of San Francisco, a startup named Brightseed is pioneering a revolution in the way we understand and utilize the hidden treasures within the plant and fungal kingdoms. Founded in 2017 by three former Eat Just executives—Sofia Elizondo, Dr. Lee Chae, and Dr. Jim Flatt—Brightseed is a testament to the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in unlocking the full potential of plant-based nutrition, often referred to as the ‘dark matter’ of the food world.
Harnessing the capabilities of its AI-powered Forager platform, Brightseed has built an extensive database of plant-based compounds, each with an associated biological target. Forager’s algorithms are designed to predict how these previously untapped plant components could confer specific health benefits. This approach not only accelerates the discovery of new bioactives but also streamlines the process of sourcing or producing them at a commercial scale.
Dr. Jim Flatt, CEO of Brightseed and a seasoned veteran in biomanufacturing, recently offered insights into the company’s journey and the lessons learned from his 30-year career. In an interview with AgFunderNews, Dr. Flatt discussed the economic challenges he witnessed in the algae space, particularly the pitfalls of chasing low-value, high-volume, capital-intensive applications with technologies that were not yet mature. He emphasized the importance of selecting the right targets—a lesson that has been integral to Brightseed’s strategy.
Brightseed’s first product, derived from upcycled hemp hulls, contains two bioactives—N-trans-caffeoyl tyramine (NCT) and N-trans-feruloyl tyramine (NFT)—which have shown promise in pre-clinical studies for maintaining gut barrier integrity, clearing fat from the liver, and aiding weight management. These findings are not just exciting for the scientific community but also for consumers seeking natural ways to support their health.
The success of Brightseed can be attributed to the synergy between its cofounders, who have managed to maintain a collaborative and enjoyable working relationship—a rarity acknowledged by their investors. The trio’s complementary skills have been crucial in steering the company through the complex landscape of biotechnology.
Dr. Flatt’s experiences at Martek Biosciences, where he was instrumental in producing omega-3s from microalgae, and at Mascoma, where he worked on converting cellulose to ethanol, have provided him with a wealth of knowledge on the economics of biomanufacturing. These experiences have shaped his approach to developing products and processes at Brightseed, ensuring that they are not only innovative but also economically viable.
Brightseed’s technology has the potential to revolutionize how we think about plant-based compounds. Their approach is agnostic to the production method—whether it be from natural sources, microbial sources such as algae, or through precision fermentation. The company is also open to the possibility of using plant cell culture for producing complex molecules that cannot be synthesized via microbial fermentation, despite the slower growth rate and challenges similar to those faced in mammalian cell culture.
As Brightseed continues to explore the vast untapped potential of plants with the help of its advanced Forager platform, it stands at the forefront of a new era in nutrition and health. Its success is not just a story of technological innovation but also of strategic foresight and the enduring power of collaboration. The implications of Brightseed’s work are profound, promising a future where the full spectrum of plant-based nutrition is understood, accessible, and effectively harnessed for the well-being of people everywhere.