Micropep Technologies, a leader in micropeptide crop protection solutions, has successfully closed its Series B funding round with a significant boost of $11 million from new investors, including Corteva Inc. and Sparkfood SA. This latest commitment brings the total Series B funding to $40 million, elevating Micropep’s total funding to over $60 million. The capital infusion is set to enhance Micropep’s pipeline of sustainable micropeptide solutions, leveraging its proprietary discovery platform, Krisalix, to develop affordable and effective crop protection alternatives.
Krisalix stands out in the agricultural technology landscape as a robust screening tool that facilitates the rapid discovery of new micropeptide molecules. By integrating advanced design algorithms with a suite of bioassays, Krisalix measures efficiency, stability, and production feasibility, promising a more environmentally friendly approach to crop protection compared to traditional chemical methods. As the agricultural sector faces mounting pressure to adopt sustainable practices, Micropep’s innovations are timely and critical.
Thomas Laurent, CEO and co-founder of Micropep, expressed gratitude for the support from Corteva and Sparkfood, emphasizing that this additional investment will significantly accelerate their time to market. “We are grateful to our incoming investors for their partnership and confidence in our ability to be a new hope for sustainable agriculture for future generations,” Laurent stated. This sentiment underscores the growing recognition of sustainable agriculture as a priority for both investors and consumers.
Corteva Inc., through its Corteva Catalyst platform, is known for collaborating with innovators to expedite the development of disruptive technologies in agriculture. Tom Greene, senior director at Corteva, highlighted Micropep’s role in shaping sustainable innovation in crop health solutions, aligning with Corteva’s leadership in biologicals and natural products. This partnership is expected to bolster the development of environmentally friendly crop protection options, which are increasingly essential as the industry grapples with challenges such as pesticide resistance and regulatory pressures.
Sparkfood, a subsidiary of the multinational holding company Sonae, focuses on funding and supporting next-generation food companies committed to sustainability. Anouk Veber, Head of Ventures at Sparkfood, noted the innovative trifecta that Micropep brings to the table: an AI tool, a platform approach for various applications, and a scalable production method. This combination positions Micropep as a formidable player in the bio-inputs space, capable of addressing the diverse needs of modern agriculture.
Micropep’s micropeptides offer a unique solution by introducing new modes of action that not only enhance efficacy but also maintain a favorable safety profile. This is particularly relevant as farmers increasingly seek alternatives to traditional chemical inputs, which are facing scrutiny due to environmental and health concerns. The company’s approach aligns with the broader industry trend toward sustainable practices, making it a valuable partner for farmers looking to improve crop health while minimizing ecological impact.
The recent funding will enable Micropep to solidify its market position, strengthen existing partnerships, and forge new relationships with key players in research and development, manufacturing, and distribution. By expanding its reach, Micropep aims to deliver its innovative micropeptide-based products to farmers globally, addressing the urgent need for sustainable crop protection solutions.
As the agricultural sector continues to evolve, the implications of Micropep’s advancements in micropeptide technology are profound. With increasing global demand for food production and a pressing need for sustainable practices, Micropep’s innovations could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of agriculture. The upcoming World Agri-Tech summit in London, where both Micropep and Corteva will discuss their collaboration, presents an opportunity for industry stakeholders to engage with these pioneering developments and explore the future of sustainable agriculture.