• Protealis

  Participated · Series B · Jan 2024

  Founded in 2021, Protealis is a European ag-tech company focused on breeding early-maturing, high-protein soybean varieties and delivering complementary seed-technologies. Its flagship product, MagNfix™, is a factory-applied soybean seed coating that contains a locally adapted Bradyrhizobium strain able to remain biologically active in temperate Western European conditions. Multi-year field trials show the coating consistently raises yield and protein content compared with existing inoculants, helping farmers overcome Europe’s lack of native nitrogen-fixing bacteria. The company positions its solution as a way to reduce Europe’s dependence on more than 34 million tonnes of imported soy each year. With rising demand for locally grown, non-GMO protein, Protealis aims to commercialise MagNfix™ at scale while continuing to expand its portfolio of soybean genetics. The new VLAIO funding enables team growth and industrial readiness, accelerating market entry. No revenue or user figures were disclosed, but the firm highlights Europe’s 3 million-tonne soybean production in 2024 as its immediate addressable market.

• Hedera-22

  Led · Equity · Sep 2020

  Hedera-22 is a Belgian spin-off from the University of Liège developing an intelligent platform to discover new biomolecules with biopesticide activity. Founded in 2015 by ULiege scientists and professors, the company transitioned from supplying bioinformatics services to actively discovering novel natural compounds. Since 2023 it has been executing the Ab-Initio project to build an advanced natural product discovery platform that integrates molecular biology technologies with proprietary predictive bioinformatics tools based on machine learning. The company says the first version of the Ab-Initio platform will be available in early 2026 and has filed a patent for its prediction method. The recent financing of about €2 million — a capital increase from shareholders combined with subsidies from the Walloon Region — will fund R&D, team expansion and further development of its bioinformatics tools. Hedera-22 plans to commercialize a large library of identified molecules for the bioprotection sector via licensing and partnerships and aims to position itself as a world leader in discovery of novel biopesticidal compounds. Founded in 2015 as a spin-off of the University of Liège, Hedera-22 provides tailored bioinformatic services for healthcare and biotech industries while developing its own discovery platform. The company combines environmental microbiology and bioinformatics to accelerate identification and production of novel biomolecules for human medicine and the agro-industry. A proof of concept resulting in production of thaxtomin, a promising bioherbicide, attracted strategic interest from Globachem. Hedera-22 plans to set up laboratories at Sart-Tilman, acquire cutting-edge equipment, and consolidate its team to speed development and commercialization. The startup raised more than €1 million in its first financing round to fund these activities. Globachem has become a key shareholder as part of the deal.

• Biotalys

  Participated · Series B · Mar 2017

  Biotalys develops a new generation of protein-based biocontrol solutions built on a proprietary technology platform, aiming to combine chemical-like performance with the safety profile of biologicals. The company has a broad pipeline addressing crop pests and diseases across the value chain, and its lead biofungicide, BioFun-1, has shown consistent high efficacy in global fruit and vegetable trials. Biotalys was on track in 2020 to submit BioFun-1 registration dossiers later that year and expected a U.S. launch in 2022 followed by global introductions. The firm is advancing a protein-based bio-bactericide program targeting bacterial diseases including cankers, blight and spots. Financially, Biotalys has raised €61 million ($66m USD) to date from specialist international investors and supplements that financing with non-dilutive research grants. The company was founded in 2013 as a VIB spin-off and is based in Ghent, Belgium. Biotalys is developing a new generation of protein-based biocontrols intended to provide high-performance crop protection with the safety profile of biologicals. Its technology platform has produced a pipeline of products with novel modes of action addressing pests and diseases across the value chain, from soil to plate. The company positions its protein-based solutions for both pre- and post-harvest applications, aiming to combine chemical-like consistency with biological safety. Proceeds from the Series C will fund development, regulatory registration and commercial-scale production of its lead biofungicide and further expansion of the discovery platform. Biotalys plans to launch its first biofungicide in 2022 in the U.S. fruit and vegetables market and to accelerate development of its broader pipeline. Founded in 2013 as a spin-off from VIB, the company is based in Ghent, Belgium and had raised €61 million to date. AgroSavfe is developing a new generation of protein-based biocontrols based on its proprietary AGROBODY™ Foundry Platform to protect seeds, crops and food from farm to fork. Its product candidates include biofungicide and bioinsecticide candidates that the company says combine chemical-like performance with the clean safety profile of biologicals and leave no residues. The company reports more than 100 field trials since 2017, with its most advanced biofungicide demonstrating strong, competitive performance versus synthetic chemicals. Planned uses include pre- and post-harvest applications to reduce food loss and improve food quality along the value chain. The company intends to use recent funding to support development, registration and commercial-scale production of its biofungicide and bioinsecticide products and to strengthen its organization. AgroSavfe scheduled the launch of its first biofungicide for 2022 in the U.S. fruit and vegetables market, followed by launches in Europe and other regions. AgroSavfe is a Ghent, Belgium-based agro-biotech spin-off from VIB that develops Agrobodies, small proteins designed and formulated to specifically bind to essential target molecules of crop pests and diseases. The company is led by Managing Director Marnix Peferoen. Agrobodies are positioned as a new generation of biopesticides and are the firm's core product. AgroSavfe extended its Series B financing round to €11m. The company intends to use the funds to accelerate development of its Agrobodies and to roll out the international registration process. Earlier investors include Agri Investment Fund, Biovest, Gimv, Globachem, Madeli Participaties, PMV, Qbic and VIB, with Sofinnova Partners joining the extension. AgroSavfe is a Gent, Belgium-based green biotech spin-off of the VIB department of the Free University of Brussels. The company develops innovative formulations of crop protection products using its proprietary Agrobody technology. It will focus on research and development of those formulations. Led by CEO Marnix Peferoen, AgroSavfe is based in the VIB Bio-incubator in the Ghent technology park and employs nine people. The company raised €5m in funding to support its activities. The articles do not disclose revenue, prior rounds, or whether the funding was equity or debt.

No current team members are available.