Trace Genomics applies hi-definition genomics, soil science, and machine learning to deliver DNA-based soil intelligence. The company analyzes soil biology, physical properties, and chemistry to provide a comprehensive and precise understanding of soil composition. It delivers targeted database insights and actions intended to operate at cost, speed, scale, and accuracy for partners advancing modern farming solutions. Led by CEO Poornima Parameswaran, Trace focuses on improving agricultural business outcomes and boosting productivity for farmers and agronomists. The company plans to expand its commercial growth and make its offerings available to more farmers and agronomists following its recent fundraise. No operating metrics (revenue/users) were disclosed in the article. Trace Genomics has developed a scalable soil microbiome test that uses high-throughput DNA sequencing and machine learning to help farmers predict soil disease, assess soil health, and forecast crop quality. The company received a $3 million equity investment as an extension to its Series A. FoodShot Global catalyzed the investment and will open its network of partners to support Trace’s R&D and deployment efforts. FoodShot’s post-investment engagements are intended to connect Trace with partners such as Rabobank, MARS, and the UC Davis Innovation Institute for Food and Health. The company’s product is positioned to support soil-health programs, carbon quantification efforts, and agricultural decision-making. Trace aims to grow its commercial deployment and become a leading company in global soil health, according to FoodShot leadership. Trace Genomics offers a scalable soil microbiome test that combines high-throughput DNA sequencing, artificial intelligence, and a growing microbial database to identify and profile soil microbial communities and interpret soil health and disease risk indicators. The core product delivers actionable recommendations to growers on nutrient efficiency, input-cost reduction, disease-risk mitigation, and choice of seeds, rotations, or biological agents. Its testing can also gauge soil health metrics and carbon sequestration potential and identify risks such as soybean sudden death syndrome. After one year of commercial availability the company has served growers of over 70 high-value fruits and vegetables and tested soil samples representing more than 150,000 acres. Trace plans to scale lab capacity to process more than a thousand soil samples per week across geographies and expand into corn and soybean. The company has raised capital to support that growth, having closed a $13M Series A and brought total capital raised to more than $19M; Trace was founded in 2015 and is based in Burlingame, California. Trace Genomics offers a soil testing kit and pathogen panel that sequences and analyzes soil microbiomes to tell growers whether harmful bacteria or fungi are present. The company began by testing its science and software for about a year with lettuce and strawberry farmers in California. Trace charges $199 per test, with bulk discounts for large customers. Founders Diane Wu and Poornima Parameswaran launched the company in January 2015 and the team participated in Illumina’s corporate accelerator. The startup aims to build a global database — a “fingerprint” of every farm — to identify both harmful and beneficial microbes and stabilize the food system. Its service is marketed broadly to the agriculture industry and plant pathology researchers.

Total raised

$31M

Funding rounds

4

Latest round

Series B

Latest activity

Feb 2024