Pairwise pioneers the application of gene editing in food and agriculture using its proprietary Fulcrum™ Platform to create new varieties faster than conventional breeding. Its tools enable not only on/off edits but base editing to "tune" traits for optimal performance. Pairwise launched the first CRISPR food in North America last year and has multiple products in development across corn, soy, wheat, canola, blackberries and other crops. The company says its work targets traits that improve climate resilience, nutrition, convenience for consumers, and economics for growers. Financially, Pairwise raised $40 million in a September 2024 funding round, bringing total fundraising to $155 million, and is backed by investors including Deerfield, Aliment Capital, Leaps by Bayer, Temasek and Corteva Catalyst. Going forward the company plans to accelerate delivery and deployment of gene edited products through partnerships and expanded crop programs. Pairwise develops gene-editing applications and new crop varieties by leveraging programmable base editing technology licensed from Harvard and natural genetic diversity. The company is building tools and partnerships to serve row and specialty crops, fruits and vegetables. Pairwise intends to make its technologies available through licensing and collaborations with food and agriculture companies worldwide. Leadership includes incoming CEO Tom Adams and Chief Business Officer Haven Baker, with founders Feng Zhang, David Liu and J. Keith Joung providing deep expertise in gene-editing. The firm’s stated mission is to create healthier, more affordable, convenient and sustainable food while addressing food waste, food security and nutrition. Pairwise recently closed a $25M Series A to accelerate its product development, partnerships and crop-innovation work.

Total raised

$50M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Sep 2024