Led · Series B · Apr 2023

Vytelle develops an integrated technology platform to help cattle producers optimize herds and sustainably deliver more protein with fewer inputs. Its platform combines Vytelle ADVANCE, an in vitro fertilization (IVF) technology system, with Vytelle SENSE, an animal performance data capture system, and Vytelle INSIGHT, an AI-based genetic analytics engine. Led by CEO Kerryann Kocher, the company targets precision livestock applications across breeding and performance monitoring. Vytelle intends to use its latest funding to expand global operations. The company is based in Lenexa, KS. Recent financing activity supports its growth plans and broader deployment of its integrated systems. Vytelle provides an integrated technology platform combining Vytelle ADVANCE (IVF technology), Vytelle SENSE (animal performance data capture) and Vytelle INSIGHT (AI-based genetic analytics). The platform is designed to help cattle producers multiply the impact of elite livestock productivity and profitability while using fewer inputs. Since its platform launch in 2020 Vytelle has seen rapid growth and currently serves cattle producers in 21 countries. The company is pursuing an aggressive expansion strategy to propel its IVF offering into strategic markets worldwide and to invest in ways to create more predictable genetic selections for global cattle operations. Management frames the platform as enabling generations of genetic gains in just a few years. Vytelle states its mission is to help ensure meat and milk remain viable food choices for future generations.

Led · Series B · Feb 2023

Croptimistic builds a SWAT ECOSYSTEM centered on its SWAT MAPS product and powered by SWAT RECORDS software, offering turn-key variable rate solutions that factor Soil, Water and Topography. The company sells hardware including the autonomous SWAT BOX and the recently released SWAT CAM camera system that mounts to sprayers and produces crop and weed population maps and plant stand counts via machine learning. Since starting operations in 2018, Croptimistic has reported average growth of 100% year over year and works with 67 company partners across four countries, with its strongest presence in the USA and Canada. The business recently opened a new office in Kelowna, BC and says it will continue investing in its SWAT RECORDS software to scale operations. Croptimistic acquired CropPro Consulting to expand farmer services and add scale to its operations. The company received new Series B funding to increase working capital and support ongoing research and development. Croptimistic builds the SWAT technology ecosystem — including SWAT MAPS, SWAT Records (software/apps), SWAT BOX (autonomous soil mapping), SWAT CAM (machine-learning sprayer cameras) and SWAT WATER (soil moisture maps) — to enable variable-rate fertilizer, seed, amendment, herbicide and precision water management. The company integrates with key APIs such as Climate FieldView and John Deere and reports annual retention rates above 95% on SWAT-mapped acres. Since beginning operations in 2018 it has grown to 18 staff across Canada, the USA and South Africa and works with nearly 100 partners spanning four countries. Croptimistic reported $2M in revenue in 2020 and documents environmental and climate-change improvements from its deployments. The company says its value proposition delivers strong return on investment for farmers while reducing environmental footprint. The new capital will be used to hire developers and professional staff at a Kelowna, BC hub to accelerate software and hardware development to meet growing demand.

Participated · Series C · Oct 2022

Ostara manufactures Crystal Green® (5-28-0 with 10%Mg), a granular phosphate fertilizer that naturally releases nutrients in response to plant demand and is designed to maximize yield while reducing runoff and leaching. The company sells Crystal Green through a network of retailers and distributors across North America and Europe and serves the agriculture, turf, and ornamental sectors. Ostara emphasizes the product’s unique organic acid solubility and environmental benefits compared with conventional phosphate fertilizers. The USDA awarded the company a $7.6M grant to support increased U.S. production, signaling public-sector backing for expansion. Grant funds will be used to build a new production facility in St. Louis with capacity to produce over 200,000 tons of Crystal Green. Construction was scheduled for completion in summer 2023 to supply growers that fall. Ostara manufactures Crystal Green® — a line of highly efficient, plant-available granular phosphate fertilizers sold into agriculture, specialty, and turf markets. The company’s products are designed to increase yields, reduce phosphate tie-up, and limit runoff and leaching to protect waterways. Ostara announced a US$70 million Series C to scale North American production and complete a new manufacturing facility in St. Louis. The soon-to-be commissioned plant is planned to produce 200,000 tons per year and supply product in time for the 2024 growing season. Ostara says the expanded manufacturing base will allow it to serve more U.S. and Canadian farmers through its existing retailer and distributor networks in North America and Europe. The buildout is also expected to create dozens of new jobs in the St. Louis region and increase resiliency of the North American fertilizer supply chain. Ostara produces Crystal Green® fertilizers, described in the release as the first slow‑release phosphorus fertilizers that release nutrients in response to plant demand (Root‑Activated™ granules). The company also develops Pearl® technology to recover phosphorus and nitrogen from industrial, agricultural, and municipal water streams and transform those nutrients into its premium fertilizers. Crystal Green® products are sold into the agriculture and turf sectors through a network of established distributors in North America and Europe. Ostara says its granules increase yields, enhance soil health and significantly reduce phosphorus tie‑up and runoff, helping protect waterways. The company closed a US$20M financing to acquire and upgrade a strategically located fertilizer production facility in Missouri to significantly scale up Crystal Green® production. Participating investors named in the release include Forage Capital, Export Development Canada, ADM Capital’s advised Cibus Enterprise Fund and Wheatsheaf Group. Ostara’s Pearl® technology captures phosphorus and nitrogen from water streams and converts the nutrients into Crystal Green® continuous‑release fertilizers sold to agriculture and turf markets. Crystal Green® Root‑Activated™ granules are positioned to increase crop yields, enhance soil health, and reduce phosphorus runoff. The company sells through established distributor networks in North America and Europe and is scaling fertilizer production. As part of that scale‑up, Ostara closed the second tranche of a prior equity financing for approximately US$5.0 million in December 2019. It also closed a new US$5.0 million working‑capital credit facility to support ongoing production ramp and to augment an existing credit facility with Comerica Bank. The company frames its product as a circular solution that helps clean water while supplying regenerative fertilizer to farmers. Ostara uses its Pearl® technology to recover phosphorus and nitrogen from industrial, agricultural, and municipal water streams and transforms those nutrients into Crystal Green® fertilizers. Crystal Green® is marketed as a premium, Root‑Activated™ slow‑release phosphorus fertilizer designed to release nutrients in response to plant demand and to reduce phosphorus runoff. The company sells into the agriculture and turf sectors through an established distributor network in North America and Europe. Ostara recently scaled production, contracting additional tolling capacity in the Southwestern US and operating a Southeastern US‑based toll granulator to meet rising demand. Management reported selling more than four times the volumes of Crystal Green® compared with the prior fiscal year and expects to significantly exceed that pace. Proceeds from the current financing are intended to fast‑track production scale‑up, capacity enhancements, and to support continued growth of fertilizer and nutrient recovery system sales in the US, Europe and Asia.

Led · Series A · Jul 2022

Fieldless Farms launched in 2019 and is based out of Ottawa and Cornwall, Ontario, operating its first farm in Cornwall. The company grows no-need-to-wash leafy greens in highly controlled environments using renewable energy and without herbicides or pesticides. Its products, including Ontario Sweets and Northern Crunch lettuce mixes, are listed across Farm Boy and independent retailers in Ontario. Fieldless aims to displace imported produce and simplify complex foreign supply chains by offering local, more sustainable alternatives in high-volume grocery categories. To meet strong demand and expand its product range, the company plans to expand its Cornwall facility by tenfold. The business announced a Series A raise to fund this expansion and accelerate growth.

Led · Equity · Jun 2022

Nuts For Cheese produces fermented cashew-based cheeses and butters sold as vegan, real-food alternatives to traditional cheese. The brand was founded in 2015 by vegan chef Margaret Coons and grew from farmers’ markets to more than 1,900 retail outlets in Canada. It has just entered the U.S. market with vendors including Whole Foods Market and Sprouts Farmer’s Market. The company reported 50% year-over-year growth to vegconomist in April as it continued U.S. expansion. Nuts For Cheese has built out a 25,000 square foot facility and says the site is becoming ready for further expansion. Management plans to invest in equipment and facility enhancements, key hires, innovation, and marketing initiatives.