Ag-tech start-up WeedOUT, Ltd., has made waves in the agricultural industry by securing a substantial USD 8.1 million in A-round funding. The leading investor in this round is Fulcrum Global Capital, a renowned US agri-focused venture capital firm with strong connections to farmers across the United States. The injection of new capital is set to propel WeedOUT’s mission forward in combating weed resistance through its innovative green solution.
Joining Fulcrum Global Capital in this equity round are notable participants such as Bunge Ventures, the investment arm of the prominent agriculture and food company Bunge (NYSE: BG), and Clay Capital, a Singapore-based agrifood tech fund. This funding milestone adds to the grants previously received by WeedOUT from the Israeli Innovation Authority, highlighting the industry’s confidence in the company’s vision and potential impact.
WeedOUT’s groundbreaking solution addresses one of the most pressing challenges in agriculture and food security: herbicide-resistant weeds. By introducing a novel and environmentally friendly approach, the company aims to significantly reduce the proliferation of weeds that have developed resistance to commonly used chemical herbicides.
The company’s primary target is the Palmer amaranth weed, a notorious threat to crops in the United States, Brazil, and Argentina. This weed’s invasive nature can devastate fields of corn, cotton, soybeans, and sugar beets, leading to substantial yield losses for farmers. WeedOUT’s green solution specifically targets this resilient weed, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional herbicidal methods.
WeedOUT’s innovative approach draws inspiration from successful sterility techniques used in insect control for decades. By utilizing a proprietary weed pollen derived from male plants, the company disrupts the reproductive cycle of resistant weeds, preventing the growth of new generations. This method, proven effective in insect control, represents a breakthrough in weed management strategies.
The company’s founders, Efrat Lidor Nili and Orly Noivirt-Brik, have demonstrated the efficacy of their solution through initial experiments and field trials. With the new funding, WeedOUT plans to expand its trials across multiple regions in the U.S., aiming to launch its inaugural product targeting the Palmer amaranth weed. Additionally, the company is developing formulations to target other weed species and enhance its market reach.
WeedOUT’s approach not only addresses the immediate challenge of weed resistance but also offers a sustainable, long-term solution that aligns with ecosystem health. By empowering farmers to integrate biological methods with traditional practices, WeedOUT envisions a future where crop yields increase while reducing reliance on chemical herbicides.
In conclusion, WeedOUT’s success in securing significant funding underscores the industry’s recognition of the urgent need for innovative solutions in agriculture. With its pioneering approach to weed management, WeedOUT is poised to revolutionize farming practices and contribute significantly to global food security.
