Led · Grant · Aug 2021

Amfora uses gene‑editing to reprogram a genetic switch in soybeans to raise seed protein content while maintaining yield. The company says its technology effectively pre‑concentrates protein in the seed, reducing the need for capital‑intensive concentration processes. Amfora intends to supply high‑protein soybean meal and texturized protein to plant‑based meat companies and other high‑value applications. Management frames the approach as a way to scale supply for plant‑based protein demand while lowering the environmental footprint of production. Financially, Amfora has received grant funding from the United Soybean Board, including a recent $1.0 million award that brings USB support to $2.6 million to date. Amfora uses gene editing to increase the protein density of soybean and other crops, aiming to fuel the plant-based protein market. The company is building a platform of technologies to enhance the nutritional density of food and feed crops and is initially focused on developing soy as a scalable, low-cost high-density protein source. Amfora's approach regulates a genetic switch that shifts seed composition toward protein at the expense of starch and fiber. The company plans to expand development beyond soy to crops such as rice and wheat to improve nutritional profiles and address global food security and health issues. Amfora emphasizes its protein increases do not require additional fertilizer, thereby aiming to reduce agriculture's environmental footprint. Financially, Amfora announced a $6 million Series B investment from Leaps by Bayer and Spruce Capital Partners to advance its pipeline and platform. Amfora develops nutritionally enhanced forage crops using biotechnology to increase protein production efficiency and crop productivity. The company intends to build a pipeline of forage products that incorporate multiple approaches to raising protein production efficiency and energy density. It also plans to develop nutritionally enhanced crops for human nutrition. Amfora is led by President and CEO Lloyd M. Kunimoto, Chief Science Officer Michael Lassner, and Chief Strategy Officer Jonathan Burbaum (a Spruce Capital Entrepreneur-in-Residence). The company received a worldwide, exclusive license from CSIRO to use proprietary technology to increase energy density in specified forage crops. It closed a $5M Series A to accelerate development of forage crops for improved human and animal nutrition.