Benson Hill
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Overview of Benson Hill
Benson Hill was an agricultural technology company founded in 2012 and headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. The company developed plant science and data tools to enhance crop traits, including protein content and yield, with a focus on soybean innovation. Its operations combined traditional plant breeding with digital tools, notably its proprietary platform CropOS®.
History and Founding of Benson Hill
Founding and Naming
Benson Hill was established by Matt Crisp and Dr. Todd Mockler in 2012. The company was named in recognition of Andrew Benson and Robin Hill, scientists known for their contributions to the understanding of photosynthesis.
Company Mission
The initial mission of Benson Hill was to apply advancements in plant biology and data science to create crop varieties with improved nutritional and agronomic characteristics.
Early Development
In its early years, Benson Hill became known for using machine learning and genomic tools to streamline the crop development process. Its CropOS® platform was introduced to support data-driven trait selection and breeding decisions.
Milestones and Business Developments
CropOS® Platform
CropOS® is a cloud-based platform designed to support predictive breeding and analytics in crop science. It integrates biological data, AI models, and field trial information.
Research and Development
Benson Hill opened a facility called the Crop Accelerator to expand its capacity for testing and refining new crop traits.
Public Listing
In 2021, Benson Hill became publicly listed through a merger with Star Peak Corp II. The transaction valued the company at $1.35 billion prior to the listing.
Industry Partnerships
The company entered into supply and development agreements with several industry stakeholders, including BioMar, Corteva Agriscience, and Schnuck Markets.
Licensing-Focused Strategy
Benson Hill transitioned to a business model emphasizing licensing and partnerships, reducing its direct involvement in processing operations.
Financial Developments and Operational Changes
Financial Challenges
The company experienced operational and financial challenges in a competitive and capital-intensive industry. These included cost pressures, regulatory demands, and shifting market conditions.
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filing
In March 2025, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. It was approved for up to $11 million in debtor-in-possession financing to support limited operations during restructuring.
Asset Acquisition
Key assets of the company were acquired by a newly formed company, Confluence Genetics, which plans to continue developing the soybean innovations originally created by Benson Hill.
Leadership and Market Impact
As part of the restructuring, executive leadership changed, including the appointment of Dan Cosgrove as interim CEO. The company’s stock was delisted from Nasdaq and began trading over the counter.
Summary Table: Benson Hill
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2012 by Matt Crisp and Dr. Todd Mockler |
| Headquarters | St. Louis, Missouri |
| Focus | Crop innovation, particularly soybeans, using plant science and data technologies |
| Platform | CropOS® |
| Key Developments | Crop Accelerator, licensing model, strategic partnerships, public listing |
| Recent Events | Chapter 11 filing, asset sale to Confluence Genetics, leadership changes, stock delisting |
Read the company's most recent news here.
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- Website: https://bensonhill.com/