NewLeaf Symbiotics develops products based on pink-pigmented facultative methylotrophs (PPFMs) that are naturally symbiotic with plants. Led by CEO Brent Smith, the company focuses on discovery, development, production and commercialization of microbe-based biostimulants and related technologies. It has filed more than 200 patents and patent applications and has introduced its first biostimulant products in the U.S. for corn and soy. NewLeaf plans a 2024 rollout that includes an EPA‑registered biopesticide technology shown to repel corn rootworm, new biostimulant technologies for peanut and cotton, and continued R&D around rice yield, nitrogen efficiency and methane reduction impact. The company intends to use new funding to accelerate work on PPFM technology and adjacent areas including microbial inoculants, biocontrol, nitrogen use efficiency and methane mitigation. NewLeaf is based in St. Louis, MO. NewLeaf Symbiotics is a venture-funded agricultural biologicals company engaged in discovery, development, production, and commercialization of products containing beneficial plant bacteria, with a focus on methylotrophic bacteria. The company leverages a proprietary biologicals platform and is expanding its Prescriptive Biologics Knowledgebase™ bioinformatics platform. NewLeaf is developing seed treatment and in-furrow products for soybeans, corn, wheat, peanuts, and other crops. It recently completed the second close to complete a $30MM Series C financing, which the company says was oversubscribed. Proceeds will be used to commercialize products and to triple the square footage of its R&D and pilot production facility in St. Louis. The company has a 30+ member team based in BRDG Park at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis, MO. NewLeaf Symbiotics is a St. Louis, Missouri–based agricultural bio company focused on commercialization of beneficial plant bacteria. Led by CEO Tom Laurita, the company develops biological products derived from plant-associated bacteria. It acquired Intuitive Genomics, a bioinformatics solutions provider, in 2013. NewLeaf intends to use new funding to accelerate R&D, ramp production from pilot to commercial scale, and bring its first biological products to market. The company expects initial product sales in 2015. Financially, it previously closed a $7m Series A in January 2013. NewLeaf Symbiotics is a development-stage agricultural biotechnology company commercializing a family of beneficial bacteria known as PPFMs (Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotrophs). PPFMs are described as ubiquitous in nature and, when applied to plants, supply essential nutrients, improve plant health, promote early growth and increase crop yield. The company positions use of these symbiotic microorganisms as a way to reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals and support more profitable, sustainable farming. NewLeaf operates out of the Bio-Research & Development Growth (BRDG) Park at the Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis and was formerly known as TrophoMax LLC. Following its financing, NewLeaf plans to expand field trials across multiple market segments, advance product formulation efforts and expand its portfolio of intellectual property. Investors in the round cited the company’s strong IP and experienced management team in supporting its commercialization strategy.

Total raised

$99M

Funding rounds

4

Latest round

Series D

Latest activity

Dec 2023