Key Takeaways
- Hoofprint Biome secured a $15 million Series A round to accelerate commercialization of its methane-reducing feed additive for cattle.
- Investors include SOSV, Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, Breakthrough Energy Fellows, and Alexandria Venture Investments.
- The company’s enzyme-based solution targets methane emissions from ruminant digestion while improving productivity.
- Hoofprint Biome’s platform uses AI and biotechnology to reshape the cattle microbiome.
- The product is undergoing on-farm trial preparations and is produced using scalable fermentation methods.
Hoofprint Biome Closes $15M Series A to Advance Climate-Focused Livestock Innovation
Hoofprint Biome, a U.S.-based agtech startup focused on reducing methane emissions from cattle through microbiome management, announced the closing of a $15 million Series A funding round. The round was led by SOSV and included participation from Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, Breakthrough Energy Fellows, Alexandria Venture Investments, and all existing investors such as AgriZeroNZ, Twynam, Good Growth Capital, and Ponderosa Ventures.
The capital will support product development, on-farm trials, and commercial readiness of the company’s enzyme-based feed additive.
Addressing Methane Emissions Through Rumen Microbiome Engineering
Methane from cattle digestion accounts for an estimated 30% of global methane emissions (FAO), a greenhouse gas with 28 times the warming potential of CO₂ over a 100-year period (EPA). Hoofprint Biome is developing natural enzymes that target methanogenic microbes in the rumen, the site of methane production in ruminant animals.
Kathryn Polkoff, CEO and Co-Founder, explained: “Our enzymes are designed to prevent the release of methane in the rumen. But that’s only the beginning. We can redirect energy flows for better feed efficiency—more milk in dairy cows, more weight gain in beef.”
Scientific Platform Built on AI and Fermentation
The company’s platform uses artificial intelligence and biotechnology to identify and optimize proteins that naturally regulate microbial communities. These proteins are manufactured through a low-cost, scalable fermentation process, similar to established methods used in livestock nutrition.
Scott Collins, Chief Scientific Officer and Co-Founder, stated: “Biotechnology and artificial intelligence have finally gotten to the point where we can actually turn nature’s tools into viable commercial products.”
The goal is to deliver a non-pharmaceutical, non-chemical solution that integrates easily into existing cattle management systems.
Investor Perspectives and Strategic Support
Nick Ellis, Principal at Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, emphasized: “Reducing these emissions while raising healthier animals are top priorities for Amazon. We look forward to working with our farmers, ranchers, and Hoofprint Biome to commercialize their feed additive.”
Wayne McNee, CEO of AgriZeroNZ, added: “We’re pleased to continue supporting Hoofprint Biome to accelerate its development of a practical, effective solution for grazing systems.”
Investors highlighted the dual potential of the product: lower emissions and improved productivity, both key priorities for farmers and food companies facing sustainability demands.
Outlook and Next Steps For Hoofprint Biome
Founded in 2023 and based in Raleigh, North Carolina, Hoofprint Biome is now preparing for on-farm trials, a critical step toward product launch. The company will continue refining its enzyme and probiotic-based solutions aimed at supporting sustainable livestock production.
With global interest in reducing agricultural methane, Hoofprint Biome’s approach may offer a scalable tool to meet both environmental targets and livestock performance goals.
