Key Takeaways
- Omni raises £11 million for a U.S. launch and innovative dog supplement.
- Tropic acquires Rahan Meristem to enhance its plant propagation capabilities.
- UK government introduces new anti-deforestation rules amid various industry shifts.
Funding Highlights
Omni, a pet supplement company, has successfully secured £11 million in a Series A funding round aimed at launching its services in the U.S. Alongside this, the company plans to develop an “Ozempic-style” supplement for dogs. Myota has also made headlines by raising $4.5 million to provide clinically-backed fiber blends to the food and beverage industry. Furthermore, Terraxy has gathered $3 million to promote soil regeneration and desert greening in Saudi Arabia. In Australia, Coast 4C has raised an oversubscribed $2.5 million from seed investors to enhance smallholder seaweed farming in Southeast Asia.
Other significant investments include Fieldwork Robotics, which has secured backing from Seed Innovations, and Kubota, which has announced further investments in the French startup UV, focusing on boosting plant resistance technology.
Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships
In the realm of mergers and acquisitions, Tropic has acquired Rahan Meristem, a significant player in global plant propagation. Danone has also made strides by purchasing the Australian dairy producer, Made in Protein Push. In the U.S., Zume Pizza’s technology has been acquired by Miso, known for its Flippy robotic technology. Reservoir has acquired Contain to help accelerate rugged physical AI solutions for agtech startups. Additionally, Schouten has expanded its European footprint through the acquisition of another Dutch plant-based meat company.
Funds, Grants, and Accelerators
On the funding front, the UK government has introduced a new £53 million investment initiative aimed at fostering innovation in the agricultural space. Zymofix has received a €1.9 million grant, while a collaboration between European and Japanese impact firms has resulted in a newly launched $75 million blue economy fund.
Leadership Changes
Vow, a lab-grown meat startup, is undergoing a leadership shakeup, resulting in a new CEO amid a restructuring process. In another notable change, the former brand chief of The Vegetarian Butcher Collective has returned to lead the organization.
Industry Developments
Several regulatory and legal developments have also emerged. A Supreme Court ruling in the U.S. has blocked numerous lawsuits against the manufacturer of Roundup weedkiller. In the UK, new anti-deforestation regulations will be introduced in response to the EUDR. Micropep Technologies has filed for regulatory approval of its biofungicide, Promisin, in Brazil and Paraguay.
Additionally, Goterra’s administrator is seeking a buyer as concerns over the insect agriculture sector grow. In the U.S., President Trump has signed an executive order promoting regenerative agriculture, while USDA Secretary Rollins announced new regulations aimed at providing substantial financial support to American farmers. Keel Labs has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and Liberation Bioindustries has paused its construction efforts as it seeks additional funding for a biomanufacturing site in the U.S.
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