WeedOUT, based in Ness Ziona, Israel, provides a green solution for outsmarting resistant weeds using a proprietary weed pollen derived from male plants. Its sterile pollen fertilizes female weed ovules to yield nonviable seeds, impeding the growth of new generations of resistant weeds while supporting improved yields and reduced herbicide need. The company is moving to launch its inaugural product targeting Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri), a major nuisance in the United States, Brazil, and Argentina. It plans to expand field trials in multiple U.S. regions, including Georgia and Nebraska, and is developing new formulations targeting different weed species. WeedOUT recently submitted a request to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for marketing approval. The company is led by Co-CEOs Efrat Lidor Nili and Dr. Orly Noivirt-Brik and recently raised $8.1M in Series A funding. Founded in 2016 in Israel, WeedOUT develops biological herbicides that imitate pollen so they can be applied while weeds are flowering to overcome herbicide resistance. Its platform uses the weeds' natural reproductive system; the first product specifically targets Palmer's amaranth, a glyphosate-resistant threat to cotton and soybean. The company is targeting North America as its first commercialization market and sought North American expertise from investors. Fulcrum Global Capital highlighted an investor base representing more than 500,000 acres of row crop producers and its partner Kevin Lockett joined WeedOUT's board. Co-founders Efrat Lidor Nili and Orly Noivirt-Brik previously worked at Monsanto's Israel unit after Rosetta Green was acquired. The Series A funds will be used for product development, scaling operations, and regulatory advancements. WeedOUT produces a green bioherbicide that artificially pollinates target weeds with proprietary weed pollen to induce seed abortion and prevent germination. The technology aims to stop the next generation of weeds and reduce reliance on higher chemical doses against resistant weeds. Its bioherbicide is described as non-toxic and non-invasive to crops. WeedOUT was named Best Israeli Agtech Company in the 2018 AgriVest Competition and was later selected as the winner of the Radicle Challenge Israel. As Challenge winner the company received a $250,000 award and access to Radicle Growth’s custom acceleration program, venture partners, and strategic alliances. WeedOUT plans to use the funding and acceleration support to expedite product development, manufacturing scale-up, and build on the success of field trials.

Total raised

$13M

Funding rounds

3

Latest round

Series A

Latest activity

Feb 2024