Participated · Seed · Aug 2025

TerraBlaster builds a LIBS-based device that analyzes soil by using a pulse laser to vaporize a tiny spot (less than a square millimeter) and measuring the elemental spectrum to determine macro- and micronutrients. The measurement process takes milliseconds, and the company says the technology can operate in motion at farm speeds — up to about 20 miles per hour. Launched earlier this year by agtech veteran Jorge Heraud, TerraBlaster plans to build five different prototypes to test soil in different ways and develop a field-ready prototype device. The startup will test its first device in Iowa this fall and expects to run additional tests next year. Financially, TerraBlaster closed an oversubscribed $4M pre-seed round and will use the funds primarily to build prototypes and hire.

Participated · Series B · Mar 2024

EFT commercializes "Emulsion Flow," an innovative solvent-extraction process developed at the Japan Atomic Energy Agency that enables compact, high-throughput, and high-purity separation of rare metals. The company is focusing on lithium-ion battery (LIB) recycling to recover cobalt, nickel, and lithium at low cost and low environmental impact for direct reuse in high-tech industries. EFT plans to accelerate development of a commercial LIB recycling plant, construct a pilot facility, and begin plant construction in 2025 with target commercial operation in 2026. The firm is also expanding a total-support business offering process development, equipment and plant design, licensing, and operations support, and intends to apply Emulsion Flow to environmental pollution issues such as oil and PFAS removal. EFT is strengthening global expansion efforts, targeting APAC and Western markets, and plans to hire technical, business development, corporate, and international staff to support scale-up and potential IPO readiness. Financially, the company reported cumulative funding of approximately ¥2.0 billion following the Series B close.