BiocSol, a UCLouvain spin-off dedicated to sustainable crop protection, has secured an additional €4.4 million ($4.58 million) in funding, propelling it closer to its €10 million target. This latest investment round includes contributions from Dutch impact investment fund Pymwymic and non-dilutive financing from the Walloon Region via the Win4company programme. The funding is set to accelerate BiocSol’s research and development efforts and facilitate global proof-of-concept demonstrations for its first two biofungicide products.
The new funds follow a €5.2 million ($5.4 million) equity investment secured in November 2024, led by Agri Investment Fund and VIVES Partners. This substantial investment underscores the confidence investors have in BiocSol’s mission to revolutionise sustainable crop protection. The company aims to provide farmers with effective and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional chemical pesticides.
Denis Payen, CEO of BiocSol, expressed optimism about the new funding. “With this financing, we are on track to achieve our €10 million goal, which will enable us to fast-track development. This investment reaffirms our commitment to providing farmers with effective and sustainable biosolutions,” he said. Payen also highlighted the strategic importance of Pymwymic’s involvement. “We are delighted to welcome Pymwymic as an investor. Their support will bolster our growth and help us integrate impact-driven strategies into our daily operations.”
BiocSol has also acknowledged the continued support of the Walloon Region, which has been instrumental since the company’s inception. The startup credits the Laboratory of Plant Pathology (SAVE) under the leadership of Anne Legrève and Claude Bragard, as well as the Laboratory of Food and Environmental Microbiology (MIAE) led by Jacques Mahillon and Annika Gillis at UCLouvain, for their crucial role in BiocSol’s development.
Pieter Vis, a partner at Pymwymic, emphasised the significance of BiocSol’s innovation in the agricultural sector. “With a strong biosolution pipeline and expertise in developing microbial substances for various crops, BiocSol has the potential to provide farmers with viable, cost-effective alternatives to traditional crop protection methods,” he said. “We are proud to support a company with such promise, a respected group of co-investors, and a highly skilled team led by Denis Payen and Simon Caulier.”
The implications of this funding are substantial. BiocSol’s success could significantly impact the agricultural industry by offering sustainable solutions that reduce environmental impact while maintaining crop yields. This investment not only supports BiocSol’s growth but also underscores the growing interest in sustainable agriculture and the potential of biotechnology in addressing global food security challenges. As BiocSol advances its R&D platform and demonstrates the efficacy of its biofungicide products, it sets a precedent for other agritech startups focusing on sustainable solutions.